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Brigadier · 12-16-2008, 07:50 PM

From AT&T's website concerning the Bold:

Quote:

Wi-Fi requires a BlackBerry data rate plan and a Wi-Fi capable BlackBerry.

Is that true? You can't use Wi-Fi without a BB data plan?

mariner · 12-16-2008, 07:54 PM

That would seem to make sense to me...

Only data flows over wi-fi, no voice.

Brigadier · 12-16-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariner

That would seem to make sense to me...

Only data flows over wi-fi, no voice.

So why would I need a data plan to surf the internet over Wi-fi? I can surf with my Tilt at home and at work w/out using the network.

mariner · 12-16-2008, 08:04 PM

What if you're somewhere with poor signal but strong wi-fi? I've been there. Plus, having the data plan gives you free access to all the ATT hot-spots via tethering.

Vertioch · 12-16-2008, 08:34 PM

w/ Verizon, they say you can't use a blackberry w/o a data plan because the device is so chatty. the concern is you'd end up racking up a ton of at large data use and then refuse to pay or something...

I would tend to agree w/ that. You would need to turn off data services when not w/in a wi-fi environment and I doubt RIM has done that (the carriers like their data plans).

JacobHM · 12-16-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariner

What if you're somewhere with poor signal but strong wi-fi? I've been there. Plus, having the data plan gives you free access to all the ATT hot-spots via tethering.

There's no reason why you should need a data plan to be able to use wifi.

The data plan has nothing to do with voice either.

If you have no signal but you do have wifi then you can't get phone calls, but you should be able to surf the web. Heck, if you have a version of skype then you should be able to make phone calls over VOIP.

If AT&T has locked their phones down to require a data plan in order to use Wifi then I'm pretty disappointed in them since they're needlessly hamstringing their devices.

JacobHM · 12-16-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertioch

w/ Verizon, they say you can't use a blackberry w/o a data plan because the device is so chatty. the concern is you'd end up racking up a ton of at large data use and then refuse to pay or something...

I would tend to agree w/ that. You would need to turn off data services when not w/in a wi-fi environment and I doubt RIM has done that (the carriers like their data plans).

It is very recommended to have a data plan since that's a major part of the functionality of the phone. You should be able to disable access to the data part completely and essentially use the phone via only voice and wifi though.

mmuras · 12-16-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigadier

From AT&T's website concerning the Bold:

Is that true? You can't use Wi-Fi without a BB data plan?

-One of the VPs at the company I work for had a similar (but slightly different) issue with T-Mobile USA:

His daughter tried to use WiFi on her BlackBerry Curve when she did not have a Data Plan, the T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve asked the user if they wanted to be charged $X/per Kbps transfer - the dad (the VP) saw this and told his daughter she could not use it.

The VP told me his daughter was really upset - I think I would be too if my partent told me that - but the VP said that his daughter could not even use it if she turned off the Wireless Provider connection....

I guess T-Mobile (and would suspect others providers too) do some sort intrusive check once the device PIN attempts to connects to the Internet.

Thoughts?

-mmuras

controlled · 12-16-2008, 09:25 PM

I can turn off the mobile network and still connect to the internet and email via wifi

Brigadier · 12-16-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacobHM

There's no reason why you should need a data plan to be able to use wifi.

If AT&T has locked their phones down to require a data plan in order to use Wifi then I'm pretty disappointed in them since they're needlessly hamstringing their devices.

Exactly. That is why an unlocked Nokia E71 is looking better all the time. Too bad, I really want a Blackberry, but if I can't get an unlocked BB and use Wi-fi without having a Data Plan......that's a deal breaker.

The fact is, Wi-fi is free, and AT&T doesn't want you to access the internet without their guaranteed monthly income of a data plan. And from where I stand[a BB newbie], it looks as if BB is an accomplice in this.

Caspan · 12-17-2008, 10:10 AM

its just a cash grab. get an unlocked phone it will fix these issues of providers locking the GPS and wi-fi. Its all about money. If you are pulling from wi-fi all the time how would they make money on data. But then again what would you be doing on wi-fi that you cant do without the data plan. I guess you could just surf only when in wi-fi spots. They just need to make up for the loss of revenue that wi-fi takes away and of course you will pay for it.

I remember when you could not use the GPS unless you paid $10 a month. That included 3rd party programs that wanted to access the GPS like Garmin again if you are not using their services they want some way to get some money from you. This is why so many people like unlocked phones because these restrictions don't exist.

test54 · 12-17-2008, 10:15 AM

Its the case with most all BB that the carrier will require a data plan, wifi or not. RIM actually makes the carriers do it but some don't always enforce it. If this is an issue for you then go with a different device, no use fighting it.

Narve · 12-17-2008, 10:19 AM

Anyone know if this is the same on Orange UK?

sj2007 · 12-17-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narve

Anyone know if this is the same on Orange UK?

I believe anywhere in the world that has blackberry service, you will have to pay for wifi. Its simply how RIM use their devices. If you want "free wifi" in its complete sense, then something other than a blackberry will work. (ie iPhone)

Caspan · 12-17-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sj2007

I believe anywhere in the world that has blackberry service, you will have to pay for wifi. Its simply how RIM use their devices. If you want "free wifi" in its complete sense, then something other than a blackberry will work. (ie iPhone)

Its not RIM it is the carriers, RIM wants to satisfy the consumers and pack as much crap into a phone. Providers have problems with that because it takes away from their revenue stream so they said well if you want you can lock the feature and unlock it with a service book push after paying for it. Charge them for the customization RIM makes some $ and provider protects their bottom line

Klotar · 12-17-2008, 10:56 AM

Put in a different way...

A BB data plan gives you the service books for email, browser, BBM, etc. When you have a data plan and are connected to a WiFi network, the medium used to transport email and browse switches from using the cell network to the wifi network; so you can get email and browse the internet.

If you don't have a data plan, it is likely but not always, that you are missing service books; or the service books are from another carrier (and possibly won't work), etc. Now, if you have the service book and set your APN for your carrier (which means data does not go through the RIM infrastructure), you MAY be able to browse the net and surf using the WAP browser. But you will not be able to get email or send PIN messages over wifi because you are likely missing the service books, and having no BIS account (@carrier.blackberry.net) means your email has "nowhere to go" (i.e. to your BB's PIN).

Again, I am talking about BB data plans, not generic data plans.

Disclaimer: I know this is oversimplified and I have left a few things out.

Caspan · 12-17-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klotar

Put in a different way...

A BB data plan gives you the service books for email, browser, BBM, etc. When you have a data plan and are connected to a WiFi network, the medium used to transport email and browse switches from using the cell network to the wifi network; so you can get email and browse the internet.

If you don't have a data plan, it is likely but not always, that you are missing service books; or the service books are from another carrier (and possibly won't work), etc. Now, if you have the service book and set your APN for your carrier (which means data does not go through the RIM infrastructure), you MAY be able to browse the net and surf using the WAP browser. But you will not be able to get email or send PIN messages over wifi because you are likely missing the service books, and having no BIS account (@carrier.blackberry.net) means your email has "nowhere to go" (i.e. to your BB's PIN).

Again, I am talking about BB data plans, not generic data plans.

Disclaimer: I know this is oversimplified and I have left a few things out.

I would agree to that as well

test54 · 12-17-2008, 10:59 AM

i agree, BB Data is not like all other devices so it is treated as such.

JW021979 · 12-17-2008, 11:03 AM

WIFI on the Bold will only work if you have a BB dataplan. You can still use the WIFI even if you have the mobile network part turned off but you need to have a Sim in that has BB activated on it. I have tried using WIFI on my Bold with a regular (non-BB activated) Sim and the WIFI will not work.

Caspan · 12-17-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JW021979

WIFI on the Bold will only work if you have a BB dataplan. You can still use the WIFI even if you have the mobile network part turned off but you need to have a Sim in that has BB activated on it. I have tried using WIFI on my Bold with a regular (non-BB activated) Sim and the WIFI will not work.

was the device unlocked?

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