Obama to keep BlackBerry

Shortly after his election in November, speculation began that President Barack Obama, a self-confessed BlackBerry addict, would have to give up his beloved BlackBerry, but on Thursday White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs made it clear President Obama will still have a smartphone:

The decision to allow Obama to keep a smartphone is “a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends,” Gibbs told the media in his first press conference since the inauguration.

“Use will be limited and the security is enhanced to ensure his ability to communicate but to do so effectively,” Gibbs also said. “And to do so in a way that is protected.”

The phone given to President Obama, the
Sectera Edge, is certified by the NSA to protect wireless voice communications classified Top Secret and below as well as access e-mail and websites classified Secret and below.