Many Vodafone customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa have complained both to the company and over Twitter that e-mails are not getting through to their BlackBerry handsets. As @JoshSwain1989 tweeted, “I’m with Vodafone and it’s taken 6 hours to send this tweet.”
“We are aware that some BlackBerry customers are experiencing issues,” a Vodafone spokesperson said in a statement earlier today. “Vodafone is working closely with Research in Motion (RIM) to restore full service as soon as possible. As soon as we have further information we will provide additional updates.”
According to ComputerworldUK, BlackBerry customers can make calls and send texts using their handsets, but they cannot access e-mails, browse the Web or use BlackBerry messaging.
Vodafone customers experienced a similar BlackBerry outage last September when RIM, the company that produces the BlackBerry, was performing an infrastructure update that disrupted its network. This time, RIM is placing the blame for the BlackBerry outage squarely on Vodafone’s shoulders.
“All BlackBerry services are operating normally but we are aware that a wider Vodafone service issue is impacting some of our BlackBerry customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa,” said RIM. “We are supporting Vodafone’s efforts to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Vodafone has admitted that problems with a router may have caused problems with BlackBerry data services. “Services are in the process of being restored and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused and we will provide updates as necessary.”
RIM is currently working to launch its BlackBerry 10 operating system (OS) and Blackberry 10-based devices. RIM hopes that the new OS will help it catch-up with rivals like Samsung and Apple, although even rumors of problems with the BlackBerry network could cause customers to steer clear of the new devices.
Edited by
Brooke Neuman
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