Thoughts on RIM vs. NTP, Dec 1

If RIM is required to "shut down its US operations", what does that actually mean? Given that the BlackBerry network operations center is based in Canada, and that all wireless email traffic routes through there, what is the impact on the US? Here's my analysis:

1. Will RIM's US-based wireless carriers still be able to have operational BlackBerry components in their network? I guess not.


2. Could a UK-based BlackBerry user roam with their BlackBerry while in the US? I think they could.


3. So does that mean that a quick-moving non-US-based wireless carrier could offer BlackBerry roaming services to US-based customers? For example, that one of RIM's European carrier partners could offer an "international BlackBerry" at a competitive rate, and thus pick up a portion of US business?

And finally, as Dan Taylor discusses in the Mobile Enterprise Weblog, RIM's so-called "workaround" hasn't been tested and customers don't even know about it, how to deploy it, or when to expect it. Did I mention that it hasn't been tested by customers in the field? Sounds like Intellisync has a golden opportunity for a new marketing campaign and press release: "The Research In Motion Workaround Is Finally Available: Introducing Mobile Suite from Intellisync" ...

Comments

[Daniel Taylor]

Michael - good points. An injunction would mean that RIM wouldn't be able to sell services to customers in the U.S.

The joke yesterday was that the workaround involved routing the messages through the Grand Cayman islands. But I wouldn't be surprised if the workaround created its own form of legal wrangling.

The U.S. Department of Justice has already agreed to a 90 day extension on the injunction for U.S. Government applications. But everyone else, including customers roaming from other countries would likely be turned off as well.

After all, the injunction would target carrier services -- the primary connection that most BlackBerry users have. And the carriers wouldn't have much choice in the matter. They're already referring such questions directly to RIM.

[Rich Andre]

Could it be that Intellisync IS RIM's workaround, which would in part explain Nokia's willingness to shell out $430 million for Intellisync, and why there is no beta testing of a RIM workaroung going on?

[Michael Sampson]

Dan, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it. Yes, I too would be unsurprised if the workaround caused various legal issues.

Rich, time will tell!

Best to you both, M.

[Danny]

Here's one for you:

Nokia bought a license from NTP already and I bet they cut a sweet deal..

Nokia already has a license with RIM.

Nokia bought Intellisync.

Nokia now buys 51% of RIM's U.S. business and operates under its NTP license (Nokia BlackBerry).

Nokia then has access to Qualcomm's U.S. CDMA carrier base and RIM has their workaround.

And, all the comgressmen can continue to enjoy their 3 hour lunches, fishing trips,and other important affairs and still pretend to be at the office.

Get the picture?

[jon]

Your link to Mobile Enterprise Weblog points to some spam site.

[Michael Sampson]

Thank Jon ... the MEA blog has closed now, but the link was valid in 2005!!
M.