Vodafone BlackBerry users lose data services

BlackBerry users on the Vodafone network may be unable to access their data services.

The problem, which seems confined to the Vodafone network, but is reportedly affecting users across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has left customers without email and instant messaging services. The outage is affecting customers who run their own BlackBerry Enterprise Server as well as those who rely on RIM's infrastructure.

"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 further updates."

RIM, meanwhile, appears to be lobbing the ball into Vodafone's court. "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," reads a company statement.

"We are supporting Vodafone’s efforts to resolve the issue as soon as possible."

Technical problems, albeit confined to one network, are the last thing beleaguered RIM needs ahead of the crucial launch of its BlackBerry 10 devices at the end of this month.