This isn't a topic about connecting the Wi-Fi!
As a reward from Virgin Mobile they've given me unlimited megabytes access and unlimited texts, but I can't access the internet!

I've deleted all the Wi-Fi connections that were on the phone beforehand, it's my friend's old phone as she's upgraded to an iPhone 4. So, at the moment, the phone does not have any Wi-Fi connections that would interfere.
In addition, if it did make a difference, I've changed the Wi-Fi settings to the hotspot option.

When I try to access Facebook, for example (which on my other phone, a Motorola and a Sony Ericsson, it would connect straight away due to the reward from Virgin and let me surf wherever), it says 'Could not connect because a data service is not available. Please try again later. If this continues, contact your service provider for support', but I know I have unlimited internet access so I don't see what the problem is!

I've since called up Virgin Mobile who have confirmed I definitely have this reward available to use. After a good 15 minute call with some 'take the battery out' tips etc, they gave me a BlackBerry helpline which connected me to an American Customer Services saying I'd have to pay $49 to get help. As a result, this is my last resort, so please help!?

Device info
BlackBerry 8120 smartphone (EDGE, Wi-Fi)
v4.5.0.52 (Platform 2.7.0.66)
Cryptographic Kemel v3.8.5.32a

If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. Also, in the meantime, how do you change the hotmail/email address? It's set to my friend's one. I've been into 'Options' on the email and also in the messages folder, no use. I've also been into 'Options' in the main menu, then 'Advanced Options', then 'Default Services' and tried to change both the Calendar (CICAL) and Messaging (CMIME) from her email with no use, it highlights but honestly ceases to change. The SetUp Wizard told me to change it this way but it doesn't.

Thank you

You need a specific BlackBerry Data Plan on your account...

so does that mean I have to ring them up? Is this the 'bolt-on'?

I don't believe virgin call it a "bolt-on" but yes, you need to call them up and ask that Blackberry Internet Service be added to your account.
It will cost an extra £5 per month, and your current reward of free internet will not count when using a blackberry.

The fee is definitely worth it, since the Internet on Blackberries is actually pretty decent. Honestly, I've used the iPhone and I like that better, but I am so used to the Blackberry I do not feel that I could switch over to anything else.

Okay great, thank you.
Since posting, I've managed to get on the internet through the browser, and onto facebook etc but with it looking like a really old facebook page and an amazingly slow connection, with some pages needing to be clicked and waited for twice! I can't get on the internet using the facebook app, and still can't access BBM so I'm definitely not on BlackBerry internet, this is the one supplied free from Virgin.
How do I get a data plan then, seeing as I've called up Virgin Mobile numerous times and not getting anything, and also trying to Register through my Host Routing Table (*No Entries*)? I've sent a request to register through it too but nothing has happened since.

You need to call Virgin and ask them to add "blackberry Internet service" to your plan.
This is the only way.

There are no entries in your host routing table, because you don't have blackberry internet service.

Are you using PAYG or Pay Monthly? You need to be on Pay Monthly to use BlackBerry correctly. This can be had for as little as £15 monthly.