An overwhelming majority of respondents to the Emirates 24|7 poll are of the view that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority's (TRA) head-on clash with BlackBerry manufacturer, Canada-based Research in Motion, is a storm in a teacup.

The TRA took the step after three-years of negotiations asking for the same access to security data as has been provided to United States and Britain by RIM.

A large majority - 58 per cent believe RIM will back down and supply the Emirates regulator with the codes as have been demanded to ensure security of the country and its people.

A quarter of those polled believed that America will intervene and use its influence on both its ally the UAE and Canada-based RIM to reach a satisfactory solution to the imbroglio that has ballooned into an international issue.

The UAE's announcement at the beginning of this month that BlackBerry's internet-enabled services will be banned in the country from October 11, 2010, was followed by action from Saudi Arabia and India and motivated the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to issue statements.

India this Thursday is holding talks with RIM officials and the outcome of these talks will be dissected with interest across the world.

Opinion has been aroused across the nation about the fate of the BlackBerry with some owners selling off their handsets following the announcement. 

The phenomenon was commented upon and one of our readers said: "I feel sorry for all those who sold off their BBs in a hurry. Congrats to those who picked up a bargain."

However, in the Emirates 24|7 poll, 16 per cent of respondents said BlackBerry did not have a future in the UAE.

Half said the decision of the TRA was final and other half said the BlackBerry makers, RIM, had to follow the laws of the country if it wishes to sell its products in and. They do not see either side coming to a compromise.

Poll: Will BlackBerry still be banned in UAE?
Yes, TRA said its decision is final - 8 %
Yes, RIM has to follow law if it sells here - 8 %
No, RIM will supply codes as it has with KSA - 58 %
No, US mediation will ensure a solution - 25 %