Hi,

I am considering purchasing the BB 8320 wifi without adding a data plan. I been going through the forums, but I am still very confused. What I understand so far is that the 8320's wifi, if used with ATT, will not work unless I purchase the data plan. However, the 8320's wifi, using T-Mobile, will work as long as the Feature Enabler and Service Books are enabled/installed. My use of the wifi is purely to be able to go the web such as Facebook and possibly some workable apps such as gmail. I am not looking to be able to use Wifi for voice if I do not get signal. Also, I will primarily be using the phone on my school campus which is completely Wifi. Please clarify for me blackberry users. Thank you!

The ATT 8320 does not have the calling over WIFI feature (via UMA/GAN), niether does their network support it. Where as the T-mobile 8320 does (And their network). So unfortunately the calling feature over wifi will not work with ATT. I used to have an 8120 with T-mobile so I used to take advantage of this feature as well I am looking forward to this feature when I purchase the new 8900 to come out on Feb 11.

Also many applications do not work without a data plan.

I believe Gmail does work, just not instantaneously (famous blackberry pin-based email doesn't work without a data plan). It also won't alert you when you receive a new email neither.

Okay. But will I be able to browse the web on the 8320 using its Wifi without a data plan? I am not looking to use voice over. I just want to go on yahoo and facebook. According to ATT rep, the wifi does not work without a data plan, but some people on the forum says the wifi does work without a data plan. Please clarify. Thanks!

It generally does not work. WiFi browsing still requires a service book, which will only be provided upon activation of a BlackBerry data plan.

More information here:

How to use BlackBerry on Generic Data Plan - BlackBerryFAQ

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Will the wifi work if I add the data plan which will get me the Service books and then remove the data plan?

The Data Plan is essential for the Blackberry... you wont have nearly half as much fun with ur phone without it...

Its not the same without...

LOL...so be it. But my question still remains unanswer. Can someone please clarify. Thanks!

I had an unlocked 8320 for tmobile on at&t and i believe that if you go into the browser options you can change the broswer from "media net" or "internet browser" to "wifi browser"...

I THINK that should work... but it would only work for browsing... not for push email, bbm, ect.


and that was on a tmobile 8320...

I dunno if it'll work but its worth the try...

I'm kinda wondering the same thing... I currently have the BlackBerry Data Plan on TMobile for my Curve 8320, but was always wondering if I could just use my WiFi and work some things on the internet. I too am a student and we have wireless internet open throughout campus. I would use mine mostly for Facebook and talking on AIM and Yahoo... this is possible?? Would be awesome to save $25 bucks a month! Thanks!

I do not believe the Facebook app works over wifi. The only instant messaging program that I know of that works over Wifi is BeeJive - Beejive - instant messaging anywhere

I'm kinda new to BB, but what is the advantage of WiFi if you really can't benefit much from it without the data plan? I guess a strong signal for calls and internet?

Yes, that would be the major benefit of having it in your device.

There are programs out there that will run on Wifi, but many of them still require the data plan.

Also, this is a useful thread - http://www.blackberryforums.com/wifi...-can-t-do.html

Thanks, I'm still new to BB but learning a post at a time!

I love how broke college students are trying to find ways around the data plan! I feel as though there are still a lot of uncertainties on whether or not Wifi on the 8320 will work if there is no data plan. I guess the only way is for me to try it and report back! But from what I understand, I should include the data plan so that I will have the service books. Once that is over, then I can cancel the data plan. Truthfully, I could careless about push to email, I just want something to entertain me in class. Like any other college students, facebook and instant messaging are all that matters. lol

That is so true! While $25 dollars is somewhat nothing to non-college students $25 dollars to us is like 15 meals haha. Let me know your findings, currently have TMobile but have the data plan, I guess if I get bored once school starts I could turn it off and take it to campus one day and try it out. Even though I have asked many times if the WiFi will work without the data plan and numerous times have been told no, maybe I will have to see for myself. Either way, let me know what you find out and good luck!!