[litlpunk]

I just bought a bb 7230 on ebay. Do I need a service network to use the email and internet browsing features? If so, can I use cards or do I have to have a set plan.

[finch]

Yes you need a BlackBerry Data Plan. BlackBerry Data Plan = no data. End of story and no there's no work around. Without said BlackBerry Data Plan all you have is SMS and voice.

[litlpunk]

How much are data plans and where can i get one?

[newyowker]

Not sure exactly which carrier your phone is for. I have Sprint and they charge $40 per month for unlimited data. They basically force you to have the best data plan with phone as modem included. Although, friend's who have T-Mobile say its only $20 per month for unlimited and $50 for added features such as phone as modem.

[takeshi]

IIRC there's no extra charge for tethering a Blackberry with TMO. TMO currently has the cheapest Blackberry add-on data plan at about $20/month for BIS only. Cingular charges about $30/month for BIS only, however the data plan that supports tethering is something like $70-$80/month. I haven't checked pricing with Verizon or Sprint.