Debating on getting a Blackberry - Extra Charges -...

malinchak28 · ‎10-09-2009

I've heard that when purchasing a blackberry you MUST get the data internet package inorder for it to run correctly. I love the look of these phones but do not want the internet. Is there any way to purchase a blackberry through (i am a current customer) Verizon without having to pay and extra 30 bucks?

Thank you for you time, please help!

StreetDocRN · ‎10-09-2009

Hi,

Welcome to the forums. To answer your question, no. All smartphones, PDAs and Blackberrys, require a seperate data plan for at least $29.99. This is now the norm for Verizon, ATT, Cellular South, and all of the rest. The data charge includes unlimited web, email, and instant messaging. You also get up to 10 email accounts to add to your device. It's really a good deal for people who have gotten away from their desktop or notebook and use their smartphone for web access.

There are some folks who really don't care for using the internet feature on their phone like you stated. Unfortunately, that is not a choice for a smartphone. You have to choose either the 30 dollar plan or the 45 dollar plan for Enterprise users (corporate users who connect to their office network). I hope this answered some of your questions.

Doc

MrBrownstone · ‎10-09-2009

Sprint doesn't charge extra for owning a smartphone...of course, their network is limited 'off the paved road' so depending upon usage, it would be cheaper there.

Verizon has probably one of the best networks all around the country. Everywhere I go, I have access. No such luck with T-Mobile, spotty problems with ATT, but sprint has yet to sign up agreements with other carriers when off their network.

just depends on whether or not you intend to use your phone within close proximity to a major city.

StreetDocRN · ‎10-09-2009

Thanks for the tip about Sprint. I checked out their website and it looks like they include data plans in their "Everything" plans. It is the 30 dollar data charge included in the price. But you are right about one thing, get off the main highway, no signal. I have to say, as a former Alltel member and now a VZW member, the signal for me has been great.

By the way, Welcome to the forums. Glad to have you here.

Doc

SureTypeBandit · ‎10-10-2009

MrBrownstone wrote:
Sprint doesn't charge extra for owning a smartphone...of course, their network is limited 'off the paved road' so depending upon usage, it would be cheaper there.

Verizon has probably one of the best networks all around the country. Everywhere I go, I have access. No such luck with T-Mobile, spotty problems with ATT, but sprint has yet to sign up agreements with other carriers when off their network.

just depends on whether or not you intend to use your phone within close proximity to a major city.

I agree...it really depends on what area you are in. A coworker of mine live in the boonies and ironically verizon is awful at her house and att is spot on. Where as most people in major cities have better verizon coverage. There are new reports of ATT putting up more cell towers as well. I wonder if Verizon is continuing to put up 3G towers or if they have stopped to focused on the upcoming 4G towers/service they now have in Boston and Seattle. According to a report i read...(cant remember where) Verizon says that they should have a good nationwide coverage of 4G by end of 2010

XtremeBerry · ‎10-10-2009

LTE is going to be great . Sprint ..from financial reports will be lucky to make it throught the year. Their decision of going with WIMAX instead of LTE will be there downfall. Pretty dumb decision not joining with VZ an AT&T on 4G.

gmandisco · ‎10-11-2009

You must remember ATT is a worldwide leader - GSM - Verizon is mainly CDMA. Yes, our world phones (the tour for example) is also GSM capable, but its because they have teamed with Vodafone - a great provider for places ive been to globally. ATT - because they are global, they done centralize their efforts on U.S. towers like a CDMA provider would. My g/f has ATT and as much as she wont admit it they are better worldwide.

In a worldwide perspective, yeah they are better but in a centralized location, (US) Verizon tops it all. I was a alltel customer and i hated verizon because when i had them before their service (reception wise) absolutely sucked. But now, they are awesome.

Quick question - are our 3G tours going to pick up the 4G network?

woyala · ‎10-11-2009

gmandisco wrote:
You must remember ATT is a worldwide leader - GSM - Verizon is mainly CDMA. Yes, our world phones (the tour for example) is also GSM capable, but its because they have teamed with Vodafone - a great provider for places ive been to globally. ATT - because they are global, they done centralize their efforts on U.S. towers like a CDMA provider would. My g/f has ATT and as much as she wont admit it they are better worldwide.

In a worldwide perspective, yeah they are better but in a centralized location, (US) Verizon tops it all. I was a alltel customer and i hated verizon because when i had them before their service (reception wise) absolutely sucked. But now, they are awesome.

Quick question - are our 3G tours going to pick up the 4G network?

ATT are not a global company, they're a US company same as Verizon. ATT, Verizon, Sprint and T-mobile phones will get the same coverage outside of the US as long as they have a quad-band phone. Don't fall in those att ads that they have better coverage abroad.

gmandisco · ‎10-11-2009

woyala wrote:

ATT are not a global company, they're a US company same as Verizon. ATT, Verizon, Sprint and T-mobile phones will get the same coverage outside of the US as long as they have a quad-band phone. Don't fall in those att ads that they have better coverage abroad.

Correct, im not saying ATT is a "Global" meaning they arent a US company.... they are but they still focus their efforts on global coverage rather than verizon, who focuses soley on U.S. Coverage.

BlackBerry