BlackBerry outage widespread
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The BlackBerry is used for wireless e-mail and other transactions that require access to the Internet.
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WATERLOO, Canada (CNN) -- Many thumb-savvy users of BlackBerry wireless devices got messages like this for much of Thursday:
"Customers may notice delays in receiving messages. It is also possible that messages sent from the BlackBerry may be returned. Returned messages should be resent once the SRP connection has been restored. We are aggressively working to restore service to normal operating levels.
"Thank you, BlackBerry Network Notification Team"
The size of a beeper, the BlackBerry is used for wireless e-mail and other transactions that require access to the Internet. Equipped with a mini-keyboard, which users typically type on with their thumbs, it costs about $50 per month, and is a favorite among members of Congress, company executives and journalists.
A company spokesman confirmed the problem was on their end, but had no figures on the number of customers affected.
"We still do not have an exact reason, we are gradually getting the system up and running," said Amar Gandhi of BlackBerry technical support. He said there was no indication the outage was caused by hacking or sabotage.
Gandhi added that company officials may not know what caused the service interruptions before Friday. "It's our priority now to get the system up and running, then we will find out what caused it," said Gandhi.
The wireless device is made by RIM, an acronym for Research in Motion, a company based in Waterloo, Ontario.
CNN Science and Technology Correspondent Marcia Walton contributed to this story.
