Hi Everyone

Okay, I spent the last couple days reading everything I could online on whether or not my unlocked 6320 (soon to arrive) will work on Fido and I believe the "if" is basically "NO". (Except for SMS and Voice), my question is "Why"?

I have a GPRS package on Fido, but its unclear to me what makes Blackberry different from any other Internet device that will stop it from working on my Fido GPRS plan.

If I don't need a BES or BWC (from Rogers or another Blackberry supported carrier), I was wondering why my Blackberry wouldn't work with my Fido GPRS plan if I am using the Blackberry Desktop Software? What does the BlackBerry Desktop software do anyhow? Doesn't the BDS manage the connection between your PC and the BlackBerry via standard GPRS? If so why is a special Blackberry infrastructure required at my carrier's end?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks


Richard

Because BlackBerry's communicate through secure RIM severs on the data side and require a specific BlackBerry Data Plan to do so. Without said BlackBerry Data Plan your device will do little more than voice/sms. End of story and no workaround. If your device is unlocked contact Robbers Wireless for a BlackBerry Data Plan.

Finch is right. You're gonna have to cough up some dollars and choose Robbers Wireless if you want BlackBerry data.

Thanks for the replies guys...

yeah, I pretty much know that I have to go with Rogers, not arguing that point - unfortuantely , but I wanted to understand the functionality issues.

Specially what does the Desktop Software do? I thought it would make it possible to not need the BES or BWC, but apparently not, so what is going on with my data when I use the BDS and at what points does it STILL hit Rogers and/or BlackBerry.

I guess I'm looking for a logistical overview of how the service works especially when using the BDS.

Richard

The desktop software does little more then allow you to sync with your PIM, Outlook etc. and re-direct messages if your connected to BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server) or Exchange, BES 4.x also has wireless sync.

The BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) is little more then a webmail login that connect to RIM's backend, you add you POP3 mail accounts GMail etc. and the BIS pushes the email to your device. Hence the "always on" term.

It's a shame Rogers Wireless charges so much for data use. Even their other data packages are sky high. I am tired of paying hundreds of dollars every month to them for BlackBerry data alone and if it wasn't for me needing GSM I would be with Bell Mobility. Too bad Fido never had BlackBerry plans in the past and since Rogers took over Fido I don't see BlackBerry ever heading down to Fido. Rogers makes huge amounts of money on their price gouging and that's why they won't change their data rates.

:::CB:::

I suppose one can say that they are making money because the consumer continues to BUY dispite the high prices. Nonetheless you are right, if you must have GSM (for International Roaming, etc.), then you are stuck with Rogers (In Canada) At least with CDMA there is competition (Bell & Telus), not sure how much more competitive their pricing is.

We need the CRTC to issue more Cellular licences and spawn a new GSM facilities based carrier, even it just starts off in cheaper to service cities like Fido & Clearnet did. Hopefully there will be investors for a new GSM start-up.

There is also the WiFi (or likes) alternative, which would give the cellcos a run for their money. (If implemented on a more extensive scale ie: city wide).

Richard