It looks like RIM is finally realizing that they may be forced to shutdown the Blackberry service in the US. RIM announced today that it has developed a "workaround" for all BlackBerry handsets in the United States. The workaround is designed to get around the patents in question by NTP.

RIM has incorporated the workaround designs into a software update called BlackBerry Multi-Mode Edition that some devices will soon have. If the shutdown order comes, those devices will be able to be remotely activated into a "US Mode" which would enable the device to continue working. If the shut-down order does not come, the software and the underlying message delivery system can continue to run just as it does now.

Older BlackBerry handhelds and servers that do not already have the update will need to install a software update. Stay tuned.