$40/mo service for Blackberry phones?

[anovice]

I currently have a 6700 and am wanting to go to the Blackberry 7130e but am getting conflicting reports on whether or not I have to add the $40 a month "blackberry charge". I have unlimited data and internet now(not paying a thing... grandfathered in) and am not willing to fork out more money to sprint. So....

Is anyone not paying the blackberry fee and still able to use their phone properly? Did you have problems activating it?

[Scrumptious]

Do a search you will find that there was a loophole when the 7130e first got release where you could get the phone to work without a plan but that is nearly impossible now. If you have just unlimited vision or powervision this phone will not work correctly without it. You will lack push mail and the internet browser will not be there.

I was one of the few that had the phone without a plan and I did nothing special beside buy from a seller on ebay and activate a new line.

There is lots of information on this in this area of the Forum though you just have to look for it. I know the 7130e official thread covers it you may want to start there.

Welcome to SU

[anovice]

Thanks. I read through that thread but things weren't really clear on why one person could get by without the plan and others couldn't. I was hoping that someone would be able to shed some light on the issue now that the phone has been out for a while. I've read that some people who had gotten it activated and working without the plan were forced to add the plan after the fact(with discounts for the hassle and error on sprints part) or lose the ability for email and interent.

Will the other features work (besides the email/internet) without the plan?

I don't use the internet much... mostly just SMS which I've heard will work without the plan. I want a phone that will sync with my outlook calendar/contacts and I've gotten tired of the poor call quality of my 6700.

Anyone have anything else?

[anovice]

With the EVDO, power vision, etc that I have on my plan now, if I don't add the Blackberry service will I still have the internet? Is the charge only for the blackberry email service? Basically, what will be cripled when I DO NOT add the blackberry charge?

I keep looking for another phone and I this seems like the best option. All I want is a calendar that'll sync with my computer and a decent phone. The ppc6700 is a great calendar(and internet, modem, gaming machine, etc, etc) but not such a great phone. I'm thinking about getting the blackberry and disabling the blackberry functions of the phone(ie just email).

Thanks!

[edcrack]

I did not know about the $40 charge and have already ordered a 7130. A few weeks ago I emailed customer support to see if there was an additional charge to access the internet and other features on the blackberry (I currently have an A900). They replied back that there would be no additional internet charges as to what I am paying now for the A900. What should I do when I get my blackberry? Do I have a chance to get the service for what I am paying now with the A900, after getting this email? Their response was in fact why I decided to get the 7130. Thanks!

[Sanyo7400]

sorry, the system will no longer allow the swap to go through without the plan. i think it will allow no data plan at all still though, but remember that the blackberry is always connected to the internet, so that is soon to be $.03/kb. the system will no longer accept a regular data plan with the blackberry. but w/ the $40 plan, you get unlimited blackberry service and unlimited phone as modem.

[smjce]

thats gay iam highest bidder on ebay for a 7130 right now :irked:

[Orbitz]

You can get the BlackBerry with no data plan....but no data plan = no internet / email period.

I don't recall checking when I got my 8703e but I thought you could get the BIS plan from sprint for $29.95/month or the BES plan for $39.95 per month. If you aren't using Exchange for your email then you need the BIS plan which is $10/month cheaper at most carriers.

[typeshprelude98]

People people people....40 bux for BB service is a deal...I remember when nextel offered it for 59.99 a month and people were buying it up like hot cakes...
here is what 40 a month will get you....EVDO speed data. Full internet and email(with Push technology) PAM which is normally 39.99 a month on top of a Powervision plan!!
I have nextel and I love my blackberry...I really want the new 8703e....oh I cannot wait one more month...Just last night our DSL went out at our office and we used a couple demo Blackberries that we had PAM because we only had 3 active Aircards and it was awesome...

I would gladly pay 40 bucks a month to get emails faster than I do on my home PC and faster DOWNLOAD speeds than most entry level DSL offerings

[mindtrix]

what is PAM?

[typeshprelude98]

(P)hone (A)s (M)odem

[ssaifull]

People people people....40 bux for BB service is a deal...I remember when nextel offered it for 59.99 a month and people were buying it up like hot cakes...
here is what 40 a month will get you....EVDO speed data. Full internet and email(with Push technology) PAM which is normally 39.99 a month on top of a Powervision plan!!
I have nextel and I love my blackberry...I really want the new 8703e....oh I cannot wait one more month...Just last night our DSL went out at our office and we used a couple demo Blackberries that we had PAM because we only had 3 active Aircards and it was awesome...

I would gladly pay 40 bucks a month to get emails faster than I do on my home PC and faster DOWNLOAD speeds than most entry level DSL offerings

So the $40 is for the unlimited blackberry push e-mail/internet on the phone and unlimited phone as a modem (PAM) usage?? If so,that IS a great deal!

[typeshprelude98]

This is true and also why we sell more BB's than Treos(this is the dealership I work for, not sprint as a whole)

BlackBerry® Unlimited Data Pack $39.99


Take advantage of all the great features of your new BlackBerry with unlimited BlackBerry email traffic and internet browsing to empower you to always stay connected.

We offer the latest version of handheld and desktop software for the BlackBerry, powered by Sprint PCS. BlackBerry Internet Email is an internet-based email interface that lets you add email account that you want to work with your device. You can set up any of the following accounts: Outlook, Lotus, Domino, and POP3/ISP email accounts.

Get unlimited high-speed Internet access anywhere on the Sprint wireless data network. Simply connect your BlackBerry to a laptop computer using a USB cable.

[osbornem]

This is true and also why we sell more BB's than Treos(this is the dealership I work for, not sprint as a whole)

typeshprelude98 - I am thinking of moving from a 700wx to a BB 8703. I only pay $89 for a 1400 minute plan w/Sprint and I have 5 phones sharing that plan (then I pay $15 for Vision plan). You mean I would have to pony up another $40/mo if I go to BB?

[typeshprelude98]

yes, but to do the same things that the blackberry can do(kinda, blackberry can do somethings that Palm cannot and viceversa) would cost you $65 in data....your $15 dollar plan plus the 39.99 PAM plan

Think of it this way....instead of paying 75 a month for full PowerVision ($25) and PAM (40) BB bundles it for $40
it is $25 more than what you are paying now but you are saving $25 bucks as well(in a way, if you dont use PAM then you loose)

[mindtrix]

is unlimited SMS only $5 with the $40 BB plan?

[Askani]

If you have power vision you can still use the blackberry. The only thing you won't get is push email. You can download and install opera mobile and use it to connect to the internet (just won't be able to use it to download). $40 is a good price, but t-mobile is $30.

[typeshprelude98]

If you have power vision you can still use the blackberry. The only thing you won't get is push email. You can download and install opera mobile and use it to connect to the internet (just won't be able to use it to download). $40 is a good price, but t-mobile is $30.
this is true if you dont want enterprise email...it is 40 if you want this feature...
why would you want Tmobile? other than it is cheap....you get what you pay for(my opinion)... plus Tmobile coverage in my area is craptacular!!

[Askani]

I understand that T-mobile is not that great of a service. But, their internet/data plans are great price wise. I'm not sure why t-mobile charges less then Sprint/VWZ/Cingular. Sprint has great data plans with power vision, if only they would lessen their Blackberry plans.

[typeshprelude98]

Agreed ^ lower prices are always better.... but remember we are comparing apples and oranges.... Sprint is faster and in some cases has better coverage...T-mobile offers cheap service but at the sacrafice of poor coverage(in some places....Like Indiana) and slower data speeds...

Ha I am one to talk I am still using the slowest data network of all time....Nextel.... :lol:

with a quoted speed up "up to 56k" but a realistic speed of 19k in a good coverage area....

[osbornem]

well I just returned my Treo 700wx today....loved the unit, but just could not sync on a daily basis consistently....wasted at least an hour each day just "fiddling" with it.

Going back to the dark ages to my Samsung i500 for now. Will look at the two Blackberry's Sprint now offers....but really like the BB Pearl (8100 I believe)....any idea if / when Sprint will have a unit like that?

[reemusk]

thats gay iam highest bidder on ebay for a 7130 right now :irked:

you shoulda researched first.

[reemusk]

well I just returned my Treo 700wx today....loved the unit, but just could not sync on a daily basis consistently....wasted at least an hour each day just "fiddling" with it.

Going back to the dark ages to my Samsung i500 for now. Will look at the two Blackberry's Sprint now offers....but really like the BB Pearl (8100 I believe)....any idea if / when Sprint will have a unit like that?


it's GSM, they won't be getting it (thank god)

[reemusk]

i believe RIM charges for the service through Sprint. not sure though.

[schneiderdriver]

here is what 40 a month will get you....EVDO speed data. Full internet and email(with Push technology) PAM which is normally 39.99 a month on top of a Powervision plan!!



Currently I have the $85/2000 plan. I already went through the migration to PV with my A900 last November. They did a simple ESN swap, no problem, in November. Around my April 2006 bill, I was suprised with text messages billed individually, and internet usage billed per kb. I called, they credited my account. Same thing next month. I then took a closer look at my bill, they had CANCELED MY VISION AND UNLIMITED TEXT with no authorization from me, and with no notification to me. They couldn't figure what I was even talking about, they couldn't see that I had ever had unlimited text and vision on the phone. I told them to look at my 2nd line, my Treo 650. They confirmed it still had add a phone unlimited text and vision. I told them that the only way it would have it was if it was also on my primary phone... After all, I wasn't being charged anything for the 2nd phone at all. That is because the $85/2000 plan shares everything with the 2nd phone, as you know. In other words, I told them, the fact that I have it on the 2nd phone (at no charge) proves that I HAD it on the first phone. They finally understood (this may have been after the third month's bill), and added the $20 PV plan to my primary phone, 500 text messages free, $10 monthly credit, 15% monthly discount, to get me back the services I already had (only 500 text instead of unlimited, but oh well...) for slightly less than I was paying before. So, my only complaint was on the principal of the whole thing after that.

I say all of that to say this.... I dread what I will go through when I do my 2 year upgrade on my Treo 650 this month or next. Now it sounds like if I buy the BB, it will be even worse than if I buy the 700wx. The things you say are a bargain for an additional $40, I already have for nothing additional (keep reading...). Granted, it is EVDO, where my 650 isn't. And the Push email, I guess someone will have to explain to me exactly what that is, or I will have to search the forums to find out. I schedule my versamail to check POP email as frequently as I want to, I'm not sure what advantage Push has over that.... Does it monitor the server in real time, so that you have every email as soon as it hits the server? That would be cool, but by no means a high priority for me. And yes, you do get the PAM feature. I haven't used that before, but if I had it I would use it.

I guess what I'm ready to fight with them about is this... My original plan gives me unlimited text and internet shared on two phones. I was able to (after 3 months of screwed up bills) get back to what I had on my A900 primary phone, actually for a bit less on my bill than what it was before. If I'm able to do the same thing if I upgrade to a BB, then I will be ok with that. If they try to charge me the full $40 extra, I won't be ok with that. The plan that I switched to in the summer of 2002 when they came out with vision, I haven't altered that plan since then. THEY canceled the vision and text from my first phone, I didn't do it. Therefore, I should have free vision and text on my BB after the upgrade. I understand, I'm getting PV, but I don't so much care about the higher speed. The PAM is an added feature, so I should have to pay some extra for that, but not the full $40.

Can anyone share a similar experience when doing this type of upgrade, and tell me how it worked out for you?

typeshprelude98, I am not arguing with $40 being a good deal for what you are getting, only that someone who already has unlimited text and internet for free on their 2nd phone shouldn't have to suddenly pay 100% of that, when they already have it for free on their plan. I hope that is clear, and I'm sorry for the lengthy post!

[typeshprelude98]

it's GSM, they won't be getting it (thank god)
most BB's start out as GSM phones....then migrate to CDMA...
If you use that thinking we would never get the Moto Razr because it started as a Cingular GSM unit...

Do I know for sure that we will get a Pearl Like BB? No I don't. Do I know that Sprint is going to try and keep more "in the loop" when it comes to latest and greatest phones? Yes

[reverseswing]

This is true and also why we sell more BB's than Treos(this is the dealership I work for, not sprint as a whole)

BlackBerry® Unlimited Data Pack $39.99


Take advantage of all the great features of your new BlackBerry with unlimited BlackBerry email traffic and internet browsing to empower you to always stay connected.

We offer the latest version of handheld and desktop software for the BlackBerry, powered by Sprint PCS. BlackBerry Internet Email is an internet-based email interface that lets you add email account that you want to work with your device. You can set up any of the following accounts: Outlook, Lotus, Domino, and POP3/ISP email accounts.

Get unlimited high-speed Internet access anywhere on the Sprint wireless data network. Simply connect your BlackBerry to a laptop computer using a USB cable.

2 Quick questions
1. regarding email.. you mention POP3 and ISP, what about a service like hotmail that does not support POP3? I believe they only support HTTP or Outlook Connector (if you pay for it). Would I have to manually log in to hotmail.com to access such email?

2. is there any kind of discount for ppl like me who are already sprint customers? I have been with sprint for 6 years now and have good credit but it seems that if I need to upgrade my A900 to a BB 8703, I need to pay way more than someone who's joining sprint a-new. I know that's the way all companies are running the services these days but i'm hoping there is some way to save some money, stay with sprint and upgrade.

thanks.

[StarmanDX]

You can't get Hotmail on a BlackBerry unless you sign up for Hotmail "Plus" that offers POP3 access. I believe it is $20 a year. You could log in to the hotmail site with the Internet browser and check your mail from there if you wanted.

The cheapest BB plan is $36.97 for corporate plans, otherwise it is $39.99 with a contract renewal and $49.99 without one. Doesn't matter if you signed up for Sprint 9 years ago or today - the BB service is still the same price. The only difference is with a cheaper handset, and well, we all know how Sprint is with handset upgrades

[typeshprelude98]

one hotmail fix would be to have your hotmail account forward to a free blackberry email account...which is setup on the BB

[StarmanDX]

Free hotmail doesn't allow message forwarding either - MSFT thought of that

[reverseswing]

Free hotmail doesn't allow message forwarding either - MSFT thought of that

Hotmail shouldn't really be an issue. My primary hotmail account is also my beta test account since I do some beta testing on the side for MS.

I am more interested in getting a discount on the hardware. I guess I'll sell my A900, should get something back for it.

[StarmanDX]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7130e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

You should be able to get between 150 and 200 dollars for an a900. That should make the BlackBerry purchase a little more palatable. Sprint really has an idiotic handheld upgrade policy-that basically prevents you from ever getting a handset discount if you buy your own phones and were a customer before the new 'system'. You should get used to existing customers getting screwed with sprint unless you call in and threaten to cancel. I will never understand the logic of offering such 'plums' only to new customers-nor will I ever understand how a current customer out of contract is not eligible for the same things as a 'new' customer. A contract is a contract, IMHO

[Cal]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7130e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

You should be able to get between 150 and 200 dollars for an a900. That should make the BlackBerry purchase a little more palatable. Sprint really has an idiotic handheld upgrade policy-that basically prevents you from ever getting a handset discount if you buy your own phones and were a customer before the new 'system'. You should get used to existing customers getting screwed with sprint unless you call in and threaten to cancel. I will never understand the logic of offering such 'plums' only to new customers-nor will I ever understand how a current customer out of contract is not eligible for the same things as a 'new' customer. A contract is a contract, IMHO

Because existing customers are statistically less likely to cancel their service once their contract is up, thus a smaller discount is more financially beneficial to the company. New customers are more valuable, so a larger discount is offered to bring them in.

From a business standpoint it makes perfect sense. Besides, who ever said a cell phone company HAS to offer any sort of discount to existing customers? They offer what they offer as a courtesy to existing customers, it is not required.

[Aurakles]

Free hotmail doesn't allow message forwarding either - MSFT thought of that
They sure did.

[StarmanDX]

From a business standpoint it makes perfect sense. Besides, who ever said a cell phone company HAS to offer any sort of discount to existing customers? They offer what they offer as a courtesy to existing customers, it is not required.Of course they don't, they don't have to do anything, but I still don't see how I'm no longer a 'new' customer once I go out of contract. With number portability, there's nothing tying you to a provider anymore, other than said contracts.

What is really important here is to realize that phones really aren't that expensive and handset discounts aren't that much.. $5 a month over the 24-month life of a contract? Keep it, I'd rather not be forced to maintain cellular service for that long in case some sort of disaster happens. That, and that if you're an existing customer with any cellular carrier you're going to get screwed upgrade-wise. :deal:

[Askani]

You can't get Hotmail on a BlackBerry unless you sign up for Hotmail "Plus" that offers POP3 access. I believe it is $20 a year. You could log in to the hotmail site with the Internet browser and check your mail from there if you wanted.

The cheapest BB plan is $36.97 for corporate plans, otherwise it is $39.99 with a contract renewal and $49.99 without one. Doesn't matter if you signed up for Sprint 9 years ago or today - the BB service is still the same price. The only difference is with a cheaper handset, and well, we all know how Sprint is with handset upgrades

What's this corporate plan you mentioned? Do you have to get it through your job, or is that a way for a user to sign up for it and mention your job?

[StarmanDX]

If you have an NVP discount on your line, which it appears you do from your sig, you should be eligible for the discounted BB service

[Askani]

If you have an NVP discount on your line, which it appears you do from your sig, you should be eligible for the discounted BB service

So, I should be able to email ecare or call CSR and just mention this corporate discounted BB rate?

[mindtrix]

i just emailed ecare and since i have NVP already, the corporate discount will automatically apply to the BB data plan also. sweet!

[reverseswing]

i just emailed ecare and since i have NVP already, the corporate discount will automatically apply to the BB data plan also. sweet!


Sorry for a dumb question, but what is NVP? I know I have a "business account" cuz for some reason that is how they initially set it up for me 6 years ago. Does that mean I can get a corp discount or do I need to provide them the name of a company?

[reverseswing]

one more question. lets say i get a new line so i can get the BB 8703 for less money. after say 30 days, can i switch the phones so that my first line is then on the BB and the second line is on my original phone (A900). If this is possible, I can get my fiance this second line and save some money for my BB.

[ARTIEFLETCHER]

When u use the BB8703 as a modem, are the speeds fast? Can u get calls while in modem mode? I am thinking of getting rid of my wireless card

[-Drifter-]

it's GSM, they won't be getting it (thank god)

Keep your eyes out for the CDMA/GSM Blackberry 8800 series. Last I heard, Sprint should have it June/July. Can't wait for it personally :)

[achesser]

nvp discounts are not applied to blackberry plans when they are accompanied with a voice plan.. the system automatically discounts the service to 39.99 and thus you cant double dip. you will only get the discount when you purchase the bb plan as a stand alone mrc

[reemusk]

Keep your eyes out for the CDMA/GSM Blackberry 8800 series. Last I heard, Sprint should have it June/July. Can't wait for it personally :)


same here. its already confirmed as coming...whether we get an 8800 or 8820 (which will be both GSM/CDMA world phones) is my question

[applerokr]

This is mainly a rant... but Sprint should re-evaluate the 40/month service plan for blackberry service. They aren't being that competitive, at least with the blackberry data plans. Cingular charges a similar amount and T-Mo has a cheaper version.

Generally speaking, Sprint has had great data plan prices.
But then I suppose RIM gets a chunk from Sprint in the licensing costs for Sprint to offer the blackberry services.

I'm finished.

[chrismlee12]

one more question. lets say i get a new line so i can get the BB 8703 for less money. after say 30 days, can i switch the phones so that my first line is then on the BB and the second line is on my original phone (A900). If this is possible, I can get my fiance this second line and save some money for my BB.

I know (from a recent problem I had with my local Sprint store), that if you start a new line, you can get the phone at the super low price, but you can use it on whatever line you want! So you could put the BB on your line and your A900 on the other! We did this but with the Q...

[gobluetwo]

sprint's unlimited data plan price is not competitive with other carriers, from what i can tell. i'm considering staying with sprint since my wife and i have a shared account with 15 months remaining on the contract, but $60/mo (unlimited - really need this for work) + cost of the phone? cingular's regular rate is $50/mo; tmobile is $70/mo for unlimited + 1000 minutes. of course, since my current 7 mo old phone is dead/dying (apparently due to inherent flaw in the phone, per another thread), i'm hoping they'll throw me a bone with the blackberry. i can deal with the $60/mo added onto what we're currently paying (which is pretty good).

[applerokr]

I just believe sprint should offer a blackberry email and internet data package for 19.99, similar to what T-Mo has. 39.99 is one thing if your company uses a blackberry software package, but for those of us who are using blackberrys for personal use, 40 dollars a month extra is a bit much to ask.

[gobluetwo]

i need it for work, so my company would pay the monthly fee.

in any case, i discovered that the sprint website doesn't show the blackberry plans - had to go into the store to get that rate info. so ignore my post above re: sprint data plan rates, which are competitive after all.

[Askani]

I just believe sprint should offer a blackberry email and internet data package for 19.99, similar to what T-Mo has. 39.99 is one thing if your company uses a blackberry software package, but for those of us who are using blackberrys for personal use, 40 dollars a month extra is a bit much to ask.

They did have it at one point for $19.99. This was a SERO add on for Nextel. They should make it permanent though. You can get a sidekick and use it just for data at less then $1 a day. Sprint is clueless.

[applerokr]

They did have it at one point for $19.99. This was a SERO add on for Nextel. They should make it permanent though. You can get a sidekick and use it just for data at less then $1 a day. Sprint is clueless.

Maybe they will have a promotion....
Suppose that is wishful thinking.
Haha.

[southwestcomm]

You don't find the value of FREE PAM at the $39.99 price point? Tethering my 8703 is a great modem without extra cost.

[applerokr]

No, you don't get what I'm saying.
Having that option is GREAT...
however its not free... you are paying for it one way or another.
Spring should offer a blackberry data package without that if it equates to a cheaper package. For ten more dollars (49.99) I can get a dedicated data broadband card and not tie up the phone while using data.

[sprintboy42]

yes, but on a blackberry, atleast on mine, when i have it hooked up on PAM, i can still use the phone, i am just not web browsing at the same time. Also, i agree there should be 2 types of data, something like 20-30/ month for blackberry use, no PAM, and then 39.99 with the PAM. I personally love using PAM when i am traveling, i dont have to worry about getting a wifi spot or can even use it while im on the road.

[applerokr]

yeah i think the PAM feature would be awesome, especially if a rev. a EVDO blackberry is released...
however...
i Just don't like how it ties up the line with data and all.. it would be one thing if it was simultaneous voice and data...
but for that price i'd just get the SERO data plan for 49.99....

[Askani]

That is exactly it. $40 with PAM is a great plan for those who need it (mainly business) which is what Sprint is focusing the Blackberries on. Now that they will be getting the Pearl (which is a consumer version) perhaps they will wise up and offer a strict internet and BB data plan for $20. Blackberries are becoming big with consumers (see Pearl), but to have to pay and additional $40 will kill a lot of that steam.

[bryanharig]

^^ That is really it. Id love to get my GF to move to a BB but right now she is paying about $8/mo (w/ discounts) for data on her treo. Moving to $40/mo with no discounts applicable just isnt going to happen on a grad students salary! :) $20/mo we could probably work with, PAM isnt an issue for her.

[applerokr]

yeah... being a student and having a BB would be great.
However the monthly fee is a little high with my voice plan added together.
Wish they had T-Mo's Crackberry plans...
at least give us a cheaper version without PAM ability!

[bikedogrun]

yeah... being a student and having a BB would be great. However the monthly fee is a little high with my voice plan added together. Wish they had T-Mo's Crackberry plans... at least give us a cheaper version without PAM ability!AGREE :irked:

I would guess (or I'll get flamed if I'm wrong :D) but far less than 1/2 of Sprint's Blackberry users ever actually use or want the PAM plan. In fact ... PAM makes far more sense for non-BBs than for Blackberrys - but I digress /

Sprint - please do keep a BB Plan + PAM @ $40. But: to be more competitive; especially with T-Mobile's Blackberry plans, add the FOLLOWING NEW BB PLANS -

1.) Enterprise (BES) Blackberry "without PAM" @ $30 monthly (with an associated voice plan)
2.) Internet (BIS) Blackberry (for POP3 email) "without PAM" @ $20 monthly (with an associated voice plan)

++ Those prices simply match T-Mobile's slower, Edge-based BB plans and are likely to inspire many defections (especially from Verizon & Cingular) and result in a huge gain in Blackberry customers for Sprint! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Cmon; Sprint ... with the Pearl and the 8830 coming REAL SOON - now's the time :tu:

[worldwearyeyes]

I was able to get retentions to give me a monthly $20 credit when I switched to the Blackberry plan. May not work for everyone, but it did for me. Good luck....

[applerokr]

hmmm...what kind of voice plan are you on?

[Askani]

I couldn't have said it any better. $20!

AGREE :irked:

I would guess (or I'll get flamed if I'm wrong :D) but far less than 1/2 of Sprint's Blackberry users ever actually use or want the PAM plan. In fact ... PAM makes far more sense for non-BBs than for Blackberrys - but I digress /

Sprint - please do keep a BB Plan + PAM @ $40. But: to be more competitive; especially with T-Mobile's Blackberry plans, add the FOLLOWING NEW BB PLANS -

1.) Enterprise (BES) Blackberry "without PAM" @ $30 monthly (with an associated voice plan)
2.) Internet (BIS) Blackberry (for POP3 email) "without PAM" @ $20 monthly (with an associated voice plan)

++ Those prices simply match T-Mobile's slower, Edge-based BB plans and are likely to inspire many defections (especially from Verizon & Cingular) and result in a huge gain in Blackberry customers for Sprint! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Cmon; Sprint ... with the Pearl and the 8830 coming REAL SOON - now's the time :tu:

[applerokr]

I second that!

[infoe]

I need a for sure answer on this because I really want the blackberry 8830...I have a third party employee plan that gives me free power vision. I called and after being transfered to an employee discount rep, he told me that I would not have to do anything in terms of being able to log into the internet that it would switch over and that i would be fine. I asked him again, ok so I will be able to get on the internet and have data capabilities with my current plan.

I kind of believed him but then again Ive never had a BB before. I love upgrading phones and have broken a couple so I just call get the esn switched and I get everything on the new phone that ive had with my plan keep working.

I wonder if I should call the employee plan line one more time to confirm?

[bikedogrun]

I need a for sure answer on this because I really want the blackberry 8830...I have a third party employee plan that gives me free power vision. I called and after being transfered to an employee discount rep, he told me that I would not have to do anything in terms of being able to log into the internet that it would switch over and that i would be fine. I asked him again, ok so I will be able to get on the internet and have data capabilities with my current plan.

I kind of believed him but then again Ive never had a BB before. I love upgrading phones and have broken a couple so I just call get the esn switched and I get everything on the new phone that ive had with my plan keep working.

I wonder if I should call the employee plan line one more time to confirm?Lots of folks (including some Sprint employees, it seems) continue to be confused on this. All Blackberry models (from all carriers, not just Sprint) require a "specific" Blackberry plan to get email and/or internet access!

The Power Vision or Vision plans; whether from a SERO account or separately will DEFINITELY NOT provide internet access on the future 8830 ... or any other Blackberry device. :indiff:

/BD :cool:

[infoe]

Lots of folks (including some Sprint employees, it seems) continue to be confused on this. All Blackberry models (from all carriers, not just Sprint) require a "specific" Blackberry plan to get email and/or internet access!

The Power Vision or Vision plans; whether from a SERO account or separately will DEFINITELY NOT provide internet access on the future 8830 ... or any other Blackberry device. :indiff:

/BD :cool:


I actually just got confirmation from sprint from 2 different people that "knew" what they were talking about...sprint's vision plan and blackberry visions plan is different...sprint's vision plan will allow you the "basic" access onto the "internet explorer" but wont give you all the features that the blackberry's (proprietery) service will give you. (I dont know what the differences is and neither did the rep but it helped me alot)

I do have an option of $15 blackberry plan since it is a third party employee plan that i might consider if the $15 justifies itself for my needs...

I dont think so though because I basically only ever browse the web from the phone

please hit me up with your thoughts and opinions

[Askani]

I will state for the millionth time, you DO NOT need the BlackBerry plan to access the internet. How do I know this? Simply because I have a 7130e and do not have a BB Plan. I have a Sero plan that gives me unlimited Power Vision. The BB plan only gives you two things: 1) BB push email. 2) Service Books which allow you to use the BB internet browser as well as BB Talk, and some other apps. If you have PV you can install Opera Mini and use it to access the internet. I have a Gmail account and use the Gmail mobile app to read and send email. You don't need BB service to use GPS. I use BB Maps on my 7130e (though I wish Goggle Maps allowed you to use GPS). TO summarize, if you already have PV then just purchase a BB and do an ESN swap over the phone (might be best to call retention or vision tech support to do it properly). If you can get the BB service for $15, then by all means go for it. I wish Sprint only charged $20 for it like T-Mobile (or charge $5 extra if you already have PV).

[LeVeR2oOo]

2 weeks ago I went from my expired (after 2 years) $50/500 plan to SERO $30 plan in hopes to get a Blackberry. I switched to the SERO plan but instead of purchasing the 8703e I decided to hold out for the July release 8830. I then found out that I need to purchase a $39.99 plan for the BB ontop of the plan I have now.

I have no desire to keep my sprint account for any longer if I have topay $40 for the BB use as compared to $20 with T-Mobil or Cingular or whatever.

I want to a) get my bb plan cheaper b) cancel my plan and go with the other service without getting a termination fee.

rumors have it that if I call retention I can obtain the $39.99 bb plan for $20.00 plan.

My current plan as of two weeks ago:
SERO $30
Unlimited Text Messages $15
Total Protection $7
Public Healthcare Sector Discount 15%
E-bill $5 credit

please advise

[Askani]

1) I'm confused as to why you would make the change in hopes to get the blackberry? Did you renew just to get the discount?
2) Yes the $40 sucks compared to $20. You can hope to get call retentions and get them to pricematch. Unfortunately that may likely get you no where.
3) With new plans you have $30 to cancell without termination fee. I don't know if this is the same with plan renewals or changes.

Good luck.

2 weeks ago I went from my expired (after 2 years) $50/500 plan to SERO $30 plan in hopes to get a Blackberry. I switched to the SERO plan but instead of purchasing the 8703e I decided to hold out for the July release 8830. I then found out that I need to purchase a $39.99 plan for the BB ontop of the plan I have now.

I have no desire to keep my sprint account for any longer if I have topay $40 for the BB use as compared to $20 with T-Mobil or Cingular or whatever.

I want to a) get my bb plan cheaper b) cancel my plan and go with the other service without getting a termination fee.

rumors have it that if I call retention I can obtain the $39.99 bb plan for $20.00 plan.

My current plan as of two weeks ago:
SERO $30
Unlimited Text Messages $15
Total Protection $7
Public Healthcare Sector Discount 15%
E-bill $5 credit

please advise

[LeVeR2oOo]

1) I'm confused as to why you would make the change in hopes to get the blackberry? Did you renew just to get the discount?
2) Yes the $40 sucks compared to $20. You can hope to get call retentions and get them to pricematch. Unfortunately that may likely get you no where.
3) With new plans you have $30 to cancell without termination fee. I don't know if this is the same with plan renewals or changes.

Good luck.

a) I did the renew to get the discount for a 8703e but decided to hold off on buying a phone for the 8830.
b) I can try
c) I think I might, in all fairness for some reason I didnt even get the 7pm night and weekends with my SERO plan, my online details say 9pm
d) Is it possible for me to revert to my old plan and just wait for it to run out?

[Askani]

You can try to revert back. Good luck.

a) I did the renew to get the discount for a 8703e but decided to hold off on buying a phone for the 8830.
b) I can try
c) I think I might, in all fairness for some reason I didnt even get the 7pm night and weekends with my SERO plan, my online details say 9pm
d) Is it possible for me to revert to my old plan and just wait for it to run out?