Pentagon may soon clear use of Apple, Samsung, BlackBerry devices

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is expected to clear Apple, Samsung and BlackBerry mobile devices for use on Defense Department networks in the next few weeks, part of an effort to ensure the military has access to the latest communications technology, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

The decision will set the stage for an intensified struggle for Pentagon customers among BlackBerry devices , Apple's iPhones or iPads and units using Google's Android platform such as Samsung Electronics' <005930.KS> phones. The Pentagon currently has some 600,000 users of smart phones, computer tablets and other mobile devices.