Hi there. I just got a curve 8900 from ebay. I dont have a data plan and i am not planning to get one.
I m just going to use wifi.
BUT I am having trouble doing anything else than web browsing through wifi.
I read that in order to use apps such as Facebook and Windows live etc. and send pop3 email you MUST have a data plan.
Is that true
I wont be able to do any of these without a data plan???

Lots of great information for new BlackBerry users at BlackBerry FAQ - BlackBerryFAQ, including this thread -> What do I need a Data Plan for? - BlackBerryFAQ

Thank you.

Just one question... Why did they bother to put wifi if we cannot use it properly?

This link is not completely correct however. Even though the link indicates you can ***xxx8226;NOT send or receive any information over the internet, in any way shape or form, despite what you heard about it being possible.**** It is in fact incorrect. On AT&T you can in fact do ALL the things it says you can not, WITHOUT a data plan. If you choose no data plan then you are assigned to the Pay Per Use Media Net plan @ a rate of .01 cents per kb. I use data routinely WITHOUT a data plan and have had no issues. I would not recommend it for data intensive users but for those who only get Google map directions or use the net infrequently, the PPU is fine.
These facts have been debated regularly, but I have the proof to back up my own experiences.



Of course as of Sept. 6th AT&T is requiring all "New Activations" and upgrades involving Smart Phones to have a data plan. They are grandfathering in existing smart phone users without data but if you ever need to replace your phone, even just straight across, it requires that "New Activiation". So as long as you are never in need of a contract renewal to get that subsidized phone your are golden...lol.

Great way to rack up surprise charges.
I'll stick with the FAQ.

It's only a surprise if you don't keep track of your bill. I am aware of my PPU status and therefore accept that if I get lost in San Diego and use the heck out of my Google Maps I may pay more than the $30 flat fee as my bill this month did by 1 dollar. However I used it last month to find my way around AZ and only spent $20, the month before that it was $10 and before that $3 so I am up $53 for the last 4 months. I also use FB when I feel like updating the family about my trips which occured about once a month this summer. Beyond that, I rarely use data so for me PPU rocks.

Edit****

By the way...I find nothing wrong with those who want a data plan and if I didn't have a laptop with me on every trip I might have a plan too, but to offer an FAQ as fact when it is in fact NOT correct in my opinion if wrong.

Of course the original poster is not on AT&T and was inquiring about how to use the WiFi for data.

So the PPU scenario isn't pertinent. And there are too many people who do get surprised.

Since he made no mention of carrier I felt it pertinent. Had he said Verizon or Sprint the discussion may have been different.

As for people who are surprised, they have no one to blame but themselves. When you get a new device you should make yourself aware of all it's features and costs. Ignorance is no excuse, especially when most carriers will give you one "muligan" before making you pay for your lack of knowledge.

Actually, PPU is a data plan in the meaning of the FAQ. Other carriers do not offer PPU so if you don't have a data plan, you don't get data.