telecommunications sector

As per global news reports, the Gulf states expressed concern about the encryption technology that is used in Blackberry devices. The technology used in mobile devices makes it difficult to monitor them.

The United Arab Emirates has banned cell phone users from availing the email, instant-messaging and web-browsing services, on their Blackberry mobile devices. This decision was taken in response to a long-running battle, over security issues, with the maker of Blackberry devices, the Research in Motion (RIM).

The telecommunications systems sector in India is headed by the Central Government, as mentioned in the Telegraph Act 1885. However, private entities may offer communication services by availing a license from the government. Private telecom services providers are given distinct licenses for certain services. These services are:

• Fixed (or landline) services.
• Cellular services.
• Unified access services (includes both landline and mobile services).
• National and international long distance services and Internet services.

A telegraph license is not required by cable-network operators and communication infrastructure providers.