sprint 8703e issues - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

persuasion37 · **sprint 8703e issues -** 11-27-2006, 10:26 PM

Hello, I'm new and I was told this was the best place to be for a Blackberry user so here I am.
I just purchased my 8703e from Sprint today and I have no icon for internet/web browsing. Am I suppose to do something to make it appear?(sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but this is my first non-flip phone

)

Also, when I went to make a phone call it wanted me to turn on the "radio". What is the radio and why do I need it to be turned on to make a call?

markhutchison · 11-27-2006, 10:30 PM

Wirelessly posted (7250/4.1.0.268, Bell Mobility: BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/109)

Any cellular device uses radio transmissions to communicate with the network. If the device radio is off (airplane mode) then you cannot send or receive voice or data.

You must register a Web Client (BlackBerry Internet Service or BIS) account or activate on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) before the browser icons will appear.

persuasion37 · 11-27-2006, 10:39 PM

thank you!

tbdiscovery · 11-27-2006, 10:59 PM

I had the same issue with Sprint. I was told that everything was turned on, but I ended up having to call to get a data plan set up. Ask for one of the Blackberry techs and they will assist you in provisioning it and getting set up.

dx2995 · 11-27-2006, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhutchison

Wirelessly posted (7250/4.1.0.268, Bell Mobility: BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/109)

You must register a Web Client (BlackBerry Internet Service or BIS) account or activate on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) before the browser icons will appear.

Does this cost a monthly fee? I was going to order mine tomorrow from Sprint.

scotthawf · 11-27-2006, 11:26 PM

Well, I just bought a 8703e from Sprint today, and I too am having the same problem. They told me to just wait it out, and eventually the icon will show up. They said that it might even take until tomorrow. Hmmm. This kind of sucks.

pspiegel · 11-27-2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotthawf

Well, I just bought a 8703e from Sprint today, and I too am having the same problem. They told me to just wait it out, and eventually the icon will show up. They said that it might even take until tomorrow. Hmmm. This kind of sucks.

you can go into options, advanced options, host routing table, then click the track wheel and click register now to speed up the process..

scotthawf · 11-27-2006, 11:56 PM

Awesome, thanks a lot!

bvandrasik · 11-28-2006, 06:05 AM

I had a tough time getting my Sprint 8703e activated, too. The people at the Sprint store were absolutely clueless, it was still non-functioning (phone or data) after three trips to the store. It took me several calls to the dedicated Sprint/BlackBerry support people (877-546-9111, option 2) before everything was working. Then, when I received my first bill there were 3 identical charges for the first partial-month BlackBerry data service, so be sure to check your bill!

Don't give up, though. It is worth the effort!

tbdiscovery · 11-28-2006, 08:28 AM

Sprint's communication and customer service strategies are horrible. Boo. Be sure to follow up on any changes that you had done, especially invoice issues.

dx2995 · 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbdiscovery

Sprint's communication and customer service strategies are horrible. Boo. Be sure to follow up on any changes that you had done, especially invoice issues.

I totally AGREE 100%. I went to order my BB today and I could not understand the CS lady on the other end. I can only understand english.... So now I will just go to the Sprint store to speak in person about the phone. I still would like to have my $100 Rebate. Anyone know were I can get a good deal on the 8703 for Sprint?

jbairdjr · 11-28-2006, 10:56 PM

I know that the Sprint folks here are clueless also. I find it amazing that they are allowing Blackberry devices out the door without a plan.
That's why I've stuck with Alltel, and they just got the 8703. I have had pretty good luck with their customer service.

tbdiscovery · 12-06-2006, 06:22 PM

Just to clarify, the number for the techs is 877.654.9111 option 2

seaneboyee · 12-06-2006, 06:55 PM

When I got my Sprint 8703e the week it came out, I was instructed to do the following over the phone and it worked shortly afterwards.

1. Options > Network > Click Thumbwheel > Start Provisioning
2. Options > Advanced Options > Host Routing Table > Click Thumbwheel > Register Now

Hope that helps!

MrSanc8 · 12-06-2006, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotthawf

Well, I just bought a 8703e from Sprint today, and I too am having the same problem. They told me to just wait it out, and eventually the icon will show up. They said that it might even take until tomorrow. Hmmm. This kind of sucks.

I recently got my 8703e from Sprint also. And what they did to me was give me the Sprint Power Visions instead of the BB Data Plan. Without the data plan you will not get no email or internet.

So you may want to call and check that out. As for it taking that long, that's not true. While switching from Nextel to Sprint I realize that many of Sprint's CSRs are misinformed, or don't know the BB that well.

When I called, I was transferred to the BB support line, and within 7 to 10 mins, I had an internet icon on my home screen.

As a matter a fact someone posted the number to Sprint's BB support, and I wrote it down. Here it is: 877-654-9111.

Overall my experience with Sprint was very positive. I just wish their CSRs would be more knowledgeable about the products which they are selling or helping current and new customers with.

pdachica · 12-07-2006, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilligaf05

I recently got my 8703e from Sprint also. And what they did to me was give me the Sprint Power Visions instead of the BB Data Plan. Without the data plan you will not get no email or internet.

So you may want to call and check that out. As for it taking that long, that's not true. While switching from Nextel to Sprint I realize that many of Sprint's CSRs are misinformed, or don't know the BB that well.

When I called, I was transferred to the BB support line, and within 7 to 10 mins, I had an internet icon on my home screen.

As a matter a fact someone posted the number to Sprint's BB support, and I wrote it down. Here it is: 877-654-9111.

Overall my experience with Sprint was very positive. I just wish their CSRs would be more knowledgeable about the products which they are selling or helping current and new customers with.

I just got mine today. I noticed there was no browser either. The CS gal told me the power vision plan....she didn't mention the BB data plan.
She told me the BB data plan is if I want to use the BB for a modem.

Of course I am sure I need the BB data plan if I want internet correct?

russellfamily · **Sprint....should be Crawl -** 12-07-2006, 01:02 AM

O.K. so I am a long term Sprint user. Probably just to scared to change. Anyway the same thing happened to me. The store clerk told me the data plan was mandatory (1st month free trial) when I purchased the phone. I told her I didn't want it but she insisted that she could not take it off. I would have to call later. After about 2 days of trying to register an e-mail account at the sprint.blackberry.com site I called the Sprint BB support number 1-877-654-9111. They said the internet system for registering new e-mail's is frequently down in the evenings (how convenient) and that I should try the next day. So, the next day I tried every 2 hours. No joy. Finally I called 1-877-654-9111 again on the 3rd day. The tech rep told me I didn't have a data plan on my account (remember the girl at the store). So with a few click and types he said it is turned on and that I should start receiving e-mails in about 4 hours. Before I was off the phone my connection changed from 1X to 1XEV. I went home and shizzamm the sprint.blackberry.com e-mail registration site worked for me. Next thing you know ol' Jed's a millionaire.
Here is a quote from another post I made about Sprint's incredible BB service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellfamily

I've been with Sprint for over 7 years. I recently had the worst experience I've ever had with them. Without going into too much detail, the lesson I learned is this: Sprint doesn't seem to know much about Black Berry. They support it but don't train their employees on it. 4 store clerks didn't know the BB could sync with a computer. 3 customer service reps didn't know how to make my data (e-mail) work. 1 customer service rep admitted to me that they all learn as they go. I'm still with Sprint because my friends are and I like unlimited sprint-to-sprint calls. Actually my wife likes it. Being in the Navy, we have friends from one side of this country to the other and we like to keep up with them. In the long run Sprint did get my data up. It just took a while.

Enjoy.

denvernoob · 12-07-2006, 10:00 AM

this is all terribly funny, i must have spoken to one of a handful of knowledgible reps out there...i went from a PDA clamshell to the 8703e...walked in to the store and said "i want a blackberry, make it as cheap as possible" (i was not qualified for more than $75 in discounts at the time)....i knew i wanted the 8703.

my old phone was mangled, but the only way for me to get the BB was to activate a 2nd line...which under the family plan is free...so 2 yr family plan, BB out the door for $300ish, with another $100 in mail-in rebates, activation waived, and my old mangled phone replaced for free and activated on the new #, my old # put on the BB. before i walked out the data plan was setup, phone syncd on the system, and email accounts setup. it actually was the first great experience i have had with sprint in the 7 yrs ive been a customer.

tbdiscovery · 12-07-2006, 11:35 AM

I also was told that the data plan was activated in-store/telephone. I had to call Sprint's techs a day later and have it turned on. Even the techs seem to chuckle at the CSRs that Sprint has on the front lines.

veks · 12-08-2006, 03:36 AM

im suppose to get my 8703 tomorrow. hopefully i will have a good experiece and everything will get set up without a problem. (oh text messages dont fail me now!!)

tbdiscovery · 12-08-2006, 08:41 AM

Another example. I got my bill yesterday, and I'm being charged for text messaging (I have unlimited), charged for data (I have unlimited data) and long distance (the plan clearly states that long distance is included in my plan). They also agreed to split the bill into a few months for me because I bought 4 phones at once and the rebates won't kick in until next month - this bill is all inclusive.

They have been so bad that I feel forced to get a lawyer and I've never sued anyone.

mister.zero · 12-08-2006, 06:17 PM

My most successful strategy so far with Sprint and Blackberries is this:

"Mail the phone to me. I'll pay whatever, just send me the phone. I don't want to deal with any 'specials,' just the phone is all, please. No thank you, don't activate anything, don't adjust my plan. No, I don't need *power vision*Just send me the phone, please."

I open the box, call the very knowledgeable people at Sprint BB support (number posted above) and am happily about my business in less than an hour.

I've been with Sprint about 7 years as well. Never had a day of trouble from any phone or the network, but I avoid the CSR's at all costs. [Although the support by email folks have always been pretty good]

I guess I'll pick up an 8703 in a few weeks. I've put it off long enough.

tbdiscovery · 12-08-2006, 06:32 PM

I just took the time to hunt down the e-mail addresses of some of the higher-ups. I explained every aspect. Let's see how much they care about this.

newyowker · 12-09-2006, 06:04 PM

they charge $40 for the data plan which is ridiculous

Lurs · 12-09-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newyowker

they charge $40 for the data plan which is ridiculous

Except for T-Mobile, everyone charges that or more for the BB data plan. I think Cingular has a $30 (BIS, no BES) option also. As to getting the icons and the Internet to work, you have to have a data plan (preferably the BB data plan); the service books are sent to your phone from the BB server.

southwestcomm · 12-10-2006, 01:41 PM

You call also call 866.275.1072 for BB support.

And yes, the $40.00 plan is required. If you don't want to pay for BB service get a Treo - and have fun with all the OS issues....

tbdiscovery · 12-11-2006, 09:55 AM

I received an e-mail reply from Gary Forsee's address. Even with his supposed reply, and a followup from customer care, it is still condescending and bs. I hate this.

NJBlackBerry · 12-11-2006, 09:57 AM

** Moved to Rants and Raves **

laniertom · **Sprint BB clarifications -** 12-16-2006, 10:11 AM

I work with Sprint in the INdirect channel operating retail stores. Yes, there are issues with cust care and information being correct. Some clarifications...

You do need the BB email $39.99/mo on a blackberry Device. THis is all about the same from all carriers. THis allows you to use the bb (rim email client) and get web access.

With sprint, make sure they include PAM (phone as modem). It's included free with sprint and allows you to use your EVDO device as phone as modem either using wired tether or bluetooth.

You do not need vision plan with a blackberry!

The info above to provision is good information, do it when you activate unit!

Hopefully this helps.

ps.. I've been in wireless for some time, very extensive in Nextel. the sprint network is great and the evdo blackberries now out are unbelievable! I am confident that Sprint will overcome the CS issues and back end issues and become the company that nextel was. Im frustrated, as well as my employees and customers, but I know it will get there. I'm enduring the pain in the meantime!