I just got my bill. I use Google talk and 411 and was not charged for either. In fact, it lists my data usage and shows the data amounts in kbs but next to each one are 0.00 charges.

I changed my WAP settings per this site when I first got my 8700c, about 1 month ago FYI.

Also, I am using BIS and not BES.

Anyway, thought those of you considering using Google IM, which I love by the way, would want to know. I know it can be hit or miss so it looks like I hit.

411?
they did not charge you when you called 411?

I meant the 411 program, I think it's Google or something like that, that accesses the internet.

Bottom line is I was not charged to use 3rd party apps that accessed the internet. Good news this month!

I have had 3 bills and never got charged extra at all. I use IM+ googletalk.

I hope I have your luck, my bill is due in 4 days, and I've used tons of data & 3rd party apps. By the way just what settings did you use specifically, including in TCP? I was told to put <blackberry.net> and nothing more.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8700c: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0) BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I am surprised to see they have not charged you for 411 but google talk should be no extra charge if you have the blackberry data unlimited plan. I know because I have cingular as well.

the 411 program is Berry411Search

my settings are:
APN: wap.cingular
USERNAME:

If you have the unlimited blackberry and internet plan they will not charge you.

Interesting... they told me that if I used the wap.cingular I would be charged but if I used the blackberry.net I would not be charged. I guess I'll just wait for my first full bill (3 days) and see if I have to argue some more or not. T-Mobile is looking mighty good, can their reception really be as bad as folks say? I DO NOT have an internet (MediaNet) plan with Cingular as I was told the Blackberry unlimited covered anything I would do on the internet, including MediaNet which I have no need for.

21:55 EDT 16MAY06

Just got MY Cingular bill: Yeah Baby!! No data charges at all !! Unlimited Blackberry. Used Gmail, Google Earth, Yahoo Mobile, eFile, eWord, DocHawk, Minuet, all kinds of third party programs, and tons of internet access. I did not use the Cingular Browser though and TCP has only been set to APN: blackberry.net My next experiment will be using APN: wap.congular and using the Cingular Browser and MediaNet, along with some different third patry programs. I am trying to discover just what's included and what's not included in UNLIMITED BLACKBERRY PLAN. So far so good. I sure hate those $30 plus taxes and gov't fees though!

I thought this was always the case...and tethering was the only time they did charge extra, if at all.

I spoke to a Cingular representative and they told me that the only time you will be using MediaNet data (and not BB data) is when you tether the BB to access the internet on your laptop. I also called back to talk to someone in the technical department to ensure this was correct and they told me the same story.

So what you guys are saying is that 1) if I use my BB for pretty much anything data-related I won't get charged -- regardless of which browser I use -- but once I use it like a modem on my laptop (say in a Starbucks where they gouge you at $9.99 a day) I will get charged?

I have the Blackberry unlimited data plan as well. I never heard anything about the Cingular browser being one that they charge you for.

You should only be charged usage fees for tethering, text messaging (above and beyond your plan if you have one), 411 calls, and any overage minutes from your calling plan. Besides that it is unlimited.

Why was there ever a concern that using the Cingular-branded browser would cost additional money?

Why does tethering cost money? Isn't it using the same transport method? I was really looking forward to tethering at Starbucks this weekend, too!

Its a free enterprise system, in a capitalist society.

KonTiki: Sorry, were you responding to my question about the Cingular browser? I guess my question should be phrased as what did Cingular do or say that made us concerned that they might charge us for using their cingular branded browser?

And about the tethering, my question was more around what the difference in technology is that would make it a different transport method, thus incurring charges.

I have not done any tethering but when I asked the Cingular Data support they asked if I had the $44.99 BB plan or the 69.99. I said the 44.99 and their reply was, that plan does not allow tethering, you need the 69.99 plan.

Now I do not know if I wanted to tether on the $44.99 plan if I actually could, even if I was ok paying data usage fees. Cingular said it was not capable-which I have learned to not 100% beleive until I actually try it myself.

Probably no difference on a technical basis (unless you expect free tech support, which would incurr additional costs for the carrier). The difference is the class of device you are using to connect. The carriers seem to agree on roughly three classes of devices and bill you at three price points.

$5-$20/mo for internet on a basic flip-phone or candy bar phone

$20-$40/mo for internet on a PDA phone

additional $7-10 for BlackBerry on top of what a PDA plan would cost (ca.$30-$45 total)

$55-80/mo for laptop/notebook PC access.

I don't think the basis that "one would use less bandwidth on a flip phone" is true anymore, especially not with things streaming video. So that argument is largely out. The carriers just seem to be using a pricing model depending on the class of device you are using, figuring that you would pay more. I believe the economics term is called "price discrimination" and it's about maximizing profit. I can't say I blame them. But the consumer has been conditioned for a while now that "bits is bits" and you're just paying for bandwidth, presumabling on the "all you can eat" menu that we're all used to with home access (dialup or broadband).

It's about making sure you get plenty of crippled flip phones buying internet at cheap rates, while still getting the PDA and notebook power users to pony up more dough.

If there is no difference, how is the provider going to detect that you were tethering, and therefore charge you more for that month?