Hi:

I have AT&T and i have the LG Incite, but i've been wanting a blackberry. I just got the blackberry pearl 8100 from ebay. Everything works fine BUT I can't send messages.... any idea why? do I HAVE to have the data plan with AT&T? one more questions.... why does the phone show GSM network (under the signal bar) when I turn the phone on and then it changes to "edge" and the phone says "data connection refused"?

thanks guys....

Welcome..

In order to use e-mail you must have a BlackBerry Data Plan to use any BlackBerry data servies.

But i'm not interested in emailing with the blackberry... I just want to txt. Do I still need the data Plan?

No, you don't.

Data connection refused means there is no BB data plan and therefore no connection to RIM.

Lowercase edge means you are not connected to any data. Uppercase EDGE means you are on the data network.

You need a text activated on your account to send and receive SMS. You do not need a data plan for SMS only.

Lucy - I presume this is a used BlackBerry. If voice is working and texting does not, it likely has an "IT Policy" on it, blocking texting.

Remove IT Policy - BlackBerryFAQ

an IT Policy? Can I call AT&T and have the IT policy changed?

if I don't need a data plan for SMS... any idea why it's not allowing me to send any? (is this the IT policy?

Follow the link. If you bought a used BB with an IT Policy on it AT&T can't do anything. You have to remove the IT Policy. One of the perils with buying a used BB. eBay purchase?