Yes, Internet and BES applications are NOW possible on BlackBerry without needing BES!
Yes! Chat, AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, IRC, telnet, ssh, HTML, WAP, TCP/IP, UDP, sockets, whatever.
This is a reminder to let everyone know that you can run Internet apps without BES nowadays, if you are a consumer or individual user who cannot afford BES.
Some applications claim to require BES. But not necessarily! You can run Verichat, WebMessenger, Idokorro, midpssh, etc, without using BES. You do need BlackBerryOS 4 and a properly configured carrier.
For more information, please see:
- Configuring Internet On BlackBerry - WAP/APN/Gateway Settings
You can now run Internet (TCP/IP) software on BlackBerry nowadays if you are using BlackBerryOS 3.8 or later! No need for BES/MDS anymore. You can now do chat software, AIM, ICQ, MSN, IRC, telnet/ssh, web browsing, etc, on many carriers now.
- HOWTO: Use BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop
Instructions on how to use a BlackBerry as a modem for a laptop. Works on 7100 and 7290 BlackBerries. May also work with other models of BlackBerries.
- BlackBerryOS Upgrade Downloads
This article tells you where to download the BlackBerryOS upgrade for your particular BlackBerry handheld. Also where to download the latest BlackBerry Desktop as well. Includes Version 4.0 which you need to run Internet applications, as well as BES/MDS applications without needing BES!
Other useful threads include
BlackBerry Killer Software Thread and if you eventually think you need BES/MDS after all because of carrier issues or need nifty BES features such as wireless PIM synchronization, there's way to get BES for only about $10-$25 per month in the
Hosted BES FAQ.