A global issue involving Cingular Wireless and RIM (Research In Motion) has caused an interruption in GPRS and e-mail services for some Digicel Bermuda BlackBerry customers.

Those affected are customers who signed up for BlackBerry service prior to Digicel's purchase of the former Cingular Wireless operations in Bermuda.

The problem is not exclusive to the local Digicel network and has affected Cingular Blackberry users all around the world.

RIM and Cingular Wireless are currently working to resolve the problem, which is related to connectivity between Cingular Wireless and their international GPRS service provider.

To avoid delays in the restoration of service, Digicel has an immediate plan in place to ensure that all Digicel Bermuda BlackBerry customers can access their full suite of services.

Digicel Bermuda BlackBerry customers are asked to e-mail their corporate service consultant or visit the Digicel Customer Service Centre on the Church Street level of the Washington Mall in Hamilton to have their BlackBerry devices re-configured or upgraded.

This will allow Digicel Bermuda to guard against re-occurrences of this service interruption. "Digicel Bermuda recognises the importance of GPRS and e-mail service to our BlackBerry customers, and we apologise for any inconvenience that this problem has caused," a Digicel spokesman said. "Digicel is committed to providing consistent high levels of service to our valued customers, and will take all actions necessary to prevent any further such service interruptions."