No explicit permission to start BlackBerry services without server

In a development that could impact BlackBerry services and also the ongoing discussions with its maker, Research in Motion (RIM), over security concerns, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has said no permission was given to start the service in the country. According to senior DoT officials, “no explicit permission has been given by the government to start BlackBerry services in the country without setting up a server”.

This assumes importance as nine leading telecom firms, including government-owned BSNL and MTNL, and leading private players – Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, RComm and Tatas are offering BlackBerry services in the country and the cumulative subscriber base is nearly one million.

“At present, BlackBerry services are being provided by nine telecom service providers. The security agencies are unable to intercept and monitor BlackBerry services because of complex encrypted communication and non-availability of BlackBerry servers in India,” says an internal noting of DoT.

This is despite the fact that the government has formulated a policy regarding internet services. Licencees (operators) have to ensure that bulk encryption was not deployed by internet service providers.

Further, individuals, groups and organisations are permitted to use encryption up to 40-bit key length without obtaining permission from the licensor.

However, for deploying encryption equipment with higher limit, prior permission has to be obtained and the decryption key has to be deposited with the government, DoT said.

BlackBerry is a handset used for various kinds of services like voice, SMS and email, the DoT note said, adding that law enforcement agencies were not able to intercept certain types of communication like enterprise email services that uses complex encryption method.