Nokia wants operators to block “Curse of Silence” SMS

Few days ago, we talked about that nasty bug called “Curse of Silence” that affects Symbian S60 devices running S60 version 2.6, 2.8, 3.0 and 3.1. Some malware-protection software developers have already released solutions for the problem, but it’s fair to argue not many people will end up installing these apps on their smartphones. Hence, something needs to be done.

According to the dutch IT news site, Tweakers.net, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is contacting mobile operators to block text messages with long email addresses that could make Nokia smartphones unable to receive other SMS or MMS until a full factory reset. The Finnish giant hasn’t disclosed which operators they are talking to, but apparently providers are happy to cooperate, which was kinda expected. After all, it’s the carrier support staff that is contacted/bugged by the end users in most cases.

Dutch T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) has reportedly already started filtering messages and we guess other carriers will follow as well.

Nokia is also thinking to solve the bug through a firmware update, although they admit it’s not the perfect solution as many users don’t keep their devices up to date…

We’ll keep watching this space and let you know as soon as we hear something new. Stay tuned…

[Via: Darla Mack, image from HarperCollins]