Cell Phones

[KafkaDreams]

Is there an internet service on a Blackberry, and do all Blackberry plans come with, EMAIL access?

[XL]

Are you asking whether you can surf and browse the internet with a Blackberry?  The answer is yes.  However some sites work better than others.  Best to visit the store and see if your favourite website works.  The newer OS6 (Torch) promises the best experience.

Blackberry phones are sold with data plans (which do cost more than voice only plans), so email is available.

[Krypto]

However, be aware that email is not included on all BlackBerry plans.  Many of the major carriers offer what is called a BlackBerry Social Plan.  This includes unlimited access to Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, BlackBerry Messenger, and so on, but does not include browsing/internet access and it does not include email.  Make sure you get a regular data plan that will do both browsing and email.

[KafkaDreams]

Hey!

My question was more basied upon wether, Blackberry's run on a Wireless connection, or have the own internet, service.

Also, do include email, and browsing. What is the best plan for a family, or two?

Let me know, okay.

[KafkaDreams]

Hey again! Thanks for responding. The question I have, is does a "BlackBerry" come with an Internet service.

[XL]

• RIM makes "Blackberry smartphones" that work on cellphone companies' wireless networks.  RIM is not a cellphone wireless carrier.
• Some Blackberries models will work on one network (CDMA vs HSPA vs EDGE) and not another.  The main difference is speed (really noticeable when using the Blackberry to browse the Internet).
• Some Blackberries are "wifi enabled".  However, some applications still need a cell carrier's wireless plan to "initialize" before it work on wifi (eg Google Maps).  When I get home, my Blackberry is running on Wifi to avoid charges on my data plan.  You can even stream YouTube videos on it..... it's one reason I have little need for a netbook.
• In addition to plan value for your needs, also think about coverage.  Think about where you plan to spend your time the most and talk to others what carrier they are using at that location.  Some shopping centres, office towers and underground parking lots have "repeaters" for one carrier and not another.

I hope this clarifies the situation...

[Krypto]

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KafkaDreams wrote:

Hey again! Thanks for responding. The question I have, is does a "BlackBerry" come with an Internet service.

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Yes and no.  You have to get a plan with access to the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS).  Nearly all Canadian carriers offer such a plan (some of the newer cellular services, such as Chatr, do not, but most do).  If you want to use a BlackBerry and get access to the internet services such as brower/email access, you need to ensure you sign up for a BlackBerry data plan.  This will give you access to BIS, which will give you access to all of the BlackBerry features.  Without a BlackBerry data plan, your options are limited as to what can and cannot be accessed.