I am considering buying the 8703e. I will not need the data services (no email or internet), so Verizon puts you on their Pay-as-you-go plan.

A rep told me that BB often sends updates and other info to your phone without your knowledge, and you therefore are forced to pay data fees. Is there a sure way to disable my phone from connecting and using data?

All I need is to use the BB as a phone, PDA, and text messenger - no email or internet.

It seems like I've seen this issue posted about before. I don't think you can disable data with Verizon. They want you on a data plan. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

With Verizon, you MUST have the Blackberry plan or they will not activate your Blackberry.

audit - I would get pay as you go and hopefully disable the data connection somehow. any thoughts?

Last time I checked, they won't do that with the Blackberry's. Your best bet is to get the blackberry plan and use the device how it's ment to be used or get another PDA more or less. It will save you the headace and billing in the long run. Trust me on that.

I had the same problem you did. I called many times to get this fixed. Most of the operators gave me a hard time, but one nice lady did help. I think she basically "banned" my phone from getting data, almost as if I was abusing it and they were shutting it off.

As a result my phone now says "Data connection refused" across the top, near where the 1X is.

I've never had to pay for data since!


(most of these users are probably wondering why get a BB without data, I liked the schedule/calendar feature and the full size keyboard for txt. My other VZ options were: Treo(too expensive), MotoQ(Moto makes cheap phones), or the VZ branded smartphone(its a brick).)

Im sorry I just dont believe this! Only because I have tried countless times.

And yes I do agree a Brand new BB is a waste of money if you arent using all the features. Like having candy and not taking the wrapper off. Treos arent anymore than the BBS

You will be hard pressed to get them to turn the data off. I dont know when the other guy did his but I tried a few days ago for my son (OLD 7250) and it was a no go. I called back 5 times and asked for a supervisor the last three. He was mad becuase he wants a BB but I dont see any reason for him to have all the features, he just wants the keyboard.

here's a pic of my BB 8703e

Well I think I'd better be safe than sorry. I bought the Moto Q and should get it in a few days. I called VZ a few times prior to the purchase and they said that there is no way whatsoever to block the data. I believe though that it gets done for some, I just do not want to be bothered with hold times, etc.

I have had a Motorola phone for a while & it has been great. Hopefully the Q will be too.

Thanks for the info folks.