I asked members here if the BIM was different from SMS to the extent that there would be no cost to use BIM in Europe while on global roaming. Experience showed me that SMS does carry a minimum cost of .35 for each SMS.

I called T-Mobile and asked the question. They passed me to Technical Service who gave me an answer that there was no additional charge. Then, as I was BIMing friends to tell them to use the cool new way to get messages to me faster than email, I got a call from T-MO/RIM.

As I suspected, there is a charge and it is assessed by the local carrier in Europe. There is no T-Mobile or RIM cost associated, but T-Mobile Deutschetelekom and all others over here do charge that .35 (up to 1.00 Euro) charge.

Wirelessly posted

BB instant Messaging uses data and ANY data use whilst abroad is subject to international roaming charges. Rather than being charged per message I would imagine that you are charged by the kb/mb of data use.

The cost per kb will be as per T mobiles international roaming charges.

Keep in mind this cost will be for all BlackBerry data usage including email, PIN, BlackBerry Messenger, and web browsing.