vB Easy Archive - Final Word on BlackJack Data Plan?

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Final Word on BlackJack Data Plan?
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Posted by: EuroKRN

Anyone know what the official line is on which data plan should be used with the BlackJack?

Cingular's website only gives you the DataConnect option at $39.99. MediaMax is only $19.99 and I don't see what the difference is between the two. I know the DataConnect gives you access to the isp.cingular network (whereas MediaNet is on wap.cingular). But is there really any difference? From what I hear, both give you 3G in areas where it's available.

I'm coming from a different PDA phone which was on DataConnect so I'm asking because I don't want to be throwing $20 away every month.

On top of that, I noticed the BlackJack comes configured to use MediaNET (wap.cingular)...

Anyone have the official story?

Posted by: DubDub

What is the difference between the SmartPhone Connect and the MediaMax plans? Both are $19.99. I think I have Smartphone connect on my BJ, but am not sure. The guy at the store did some playing around and changed things since i added a line. Sure is alot a cheaper.

Posted by: thechosenway

Wirelessly posted (Nokia9300/6.01 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Mozilla/4.0 compatible; MSIE 5.0; Series80/2.0 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

The blackjack plans that qualify you to recieve your mail in rebate are exactly as follows..
39.99 PDA connect (internet use)

49.99 PDA*Max includes 1000 text,mms ,or video message + Unlimited data.

19.99 MESSAGING*Extreme 3000 message package text,mms,video...

You must have one of those three in order to get the rebate. Media Bundles will not work. Smartphone plans also will not get you your rebate!

Confirmed today at store meeting! If the website says anything different then its an error.

Nice phone too. We also got 2 8525's in today. Think thats the one im going with

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechosenway

Wirelessly posted (Nokia9300/6.01 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Mozilla/4.0 compatible; MSIE 5.0; Series80/2.0 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

The blackjack plans that qualify you to recieve your mail in rebate are exactly as follows..
39.99 PDA connect (internet use)

49.99 PDA*Max includes 1000 text,mms ,or video message + Unlimited data.

19.99 MESSAGING*Extreme 3000 message package text,mms,video...

You must have one of those three in order to get the rebate. Media Bundles will not work. Smartphone plans also will not get you your rebate!

Confirmed today at store meeting! If the website says anything different then its an error.

Nice phone too. We also got 2 8525's in today. Think thats the one im going with

I purchased the BJ yesterday. The store rep changed the plan I had (smartphone 19.99 plan) to the PDA 39.99 plan. When I got home I called customer service and had them change it to the 29.99 media max 1000 bundle because she did not see the smartphone 19.99 plan in the system.

The store rep called me on my cell phone today to say they had been double checking some of the accounts and could see where I changed my plan. He warned that the plan I had was not compatible with the phone. He said this is a new phone and I will be charged per KB usage rate for the data I use when on the internet if I continue with the plan that I have. He said 3G technology is brand new and the customer service rep should not have changed the plan. I told him I would call him back on my landline phone when I had a chance to. Now I'm wondering if I should change it back to the 39.99 plan.

Posted by: sp887

The device has Windows 5.0 Smartphone, therefore it is a smartphone. No touchscreen on smartphones. Get either the Smartphone connect or Medianet packages. It doesnt need the PDA Connect plan. Period.

Posted by: forest007

Thanks, just wondering if they can flag my account. I don't know why they would go back and check it anyway.

Posted by: DubDub

Seems to be alot of controversy over this and everyone is getting a differnt story from CSRs, store reps, etc. I bet there will be alot of angry customers if rebates don't go through or extra charges are added. Who do we believe?

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubDub

Seems to be alot of controversy over this and everyone is getting a differnt story from CSRs, store reps, etc. I bet there will be alot of angry customers if rebates don't go through or extra charges are added. Who do we believe?

Well after thinking about it I may just chance it because my billing cycle starts over on tomorrow. I'll just limit my use for the next few days and wait til I get my bill to see what happens.

Posted by: Cowboyshootist

Don't worry, if given the chance Cingular will screw you out of the rebate. You might as well assume that you'll never get it.

2 years ago when I was "forced" to switch from ATT to Cingular I purchased a phone in December which qualified for a $50 rebate. I had to exchange the phone the first week of January due to a faulty keypad. When I submitted the rebate request along with copies of the original purchase it was denied because they claim the phone was purchased in January not December. I never count on Cingular to give me the rebate.

Posted by: Jayden0606

I will tell you that eveyone who is a on media package on a PDA or smartphone should get on the correct package now. There will be a change and it will be able to detect that you are on an incorrect package. I can see lots of people calling up very soon because they have 30,000 kbs in overage on an unlimited media package. ::hint::hint:: I hope no one thought it would be a forever thing.

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowboyshootist

Don't worry, if given the chance Cingular will screw you out of the rebate. You might as well assume that you'll never get it.

2 years ago when I was "forced" to switch from ATT to Cingular I purchased a phone in December which qualified for a $50 rebate. I had to exchange the phone the first week of January due to a faulty keypad. When I submitted the rebate request along with copies of the original purchase it was denied because they claim the phone was purchased in January not December. I never count on Cingular to give me the rebate.

I''d rather save $20.00 a month for the duration of my contract (which is much more than 5 months) than get the rebate anyway. If it's possible to do that without any problems.

Posted by: kirbo20

1. The following data/messaging plans ARE eligible for the device rebate:
-PDA Max Bundle: Recommended for customers who need unlimited Internet browsing, moderate messaging use and unlimited Cingular Video.
$49.99 (unlimited Internet browsing, Xpress Mail Personal Edition and 1,000 messages, now includes unlimited Cingular Video with Blackjack)

-Data Connect Unlimited: Recommended for customers who need unlimited Internet browsing, unlimited Cingular Video and the ability to tether the Blackjack to their laptop.
$59.99

-PDA Connect Unlimited: Recommended for customers who need unlimited Internet browsing and unlimited Cingular Video.
With Voice $39.99 (unlimited Internet browsing, Xpress Mail Personal Edition, now includes unlimited Cingular Video with Blackjack)
Standalone $44.99 (unlimited Internet browsing, now includes Cingular Video with Blackjack)

-Messaging Extreme: Recommended for customers who only need a large bucket of messaging and no Internet browsing.
$19.99 (3,000 messages)

2. The following data/messaging plans are NOT eligible for the device rebate and are NOT allowed to be provisioned on the Blackjack:
-MEdia Basic
-MEdia Works
-MEdia Max 200
-MEdia Max 1,000
-MEdia Max 3,000
-All Smartphone rate plans
-All BlackBerry rate plans

Posted by: DrBaker

FWIW, I picked up a copy of the Data Plans guide "Pick the plan that fits your specific needs."

Smartphone: Microsoft Windows Mobile functionality in a compact phone design.

PDA: Manage your entire day-on the go. Check and answer your email, browsethe wireless web with a PDA.

Blackberry: Accomplish it all with BlackBerry... A simple, all in one solution for phone calling, wireless Web and email.

PC Card Modem: Use your laptop to conduct business wirelessly.

After reading the guide, it doesn't do much to clear up the questions. However, the website details state "Media Net capable".
link to cingular site w/verbiage

Posted by: foamman

I'm currently on the phone with cingular trying to get an answer to why we are unable to use the Unlimited Smartphone plan with the blackjack and still get the rebate. Hopefully I'll have an answer soon.......Well she came back and found a way to change it but wants to check with the sales dept. to make sure the rebate will still be valid......Survey says!....We must have the PDA connect plan ($39.99) in order to get the rebate.

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by foamman

I'm currently on the phone with cingular trying to get an answer to why we are unable to use the Unlimited Smartphone plan with the blackjack and still get the rebate. Hopefully I'll have an answer soon.......Well she came back and found a way to change it but wants to check with the sales dept. to make sure the rebate will still be valid......Survey says!....We must have the PDA connect plan ($39.99) in order to get the rebate.

Thanks for the update.

I think most will choose to keep their cheaper plan and forget about the rebate.

Posted by: bdc10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayden0606

I will tell you that eveyone who is a on media package on a PDA or smartphone should get on the correct package now. There will be a change and it will be able to detect that you are on an incorrect package. I can see lots of people calling up very soon because they have 30,000 kbs in overage on an unlimited media package. ::hint::hint:: I hope no one thought it would be a forever thing.

Hey, this is BS. I bought a "smartphone". I called Cingular and asked them if I was on the right plan and the CS rep told me "No", and then she switched me to the a MediaMax 200 plan. I fail to see how that is my fault, or my problem.

Cingular is welcome to contact me if they wish and explain why this smartphone (running WM5 Smarphone) is different than my last smartphone (running WM5 Smartphone). But if they try to tell me I owe them overage charges because their own CS people can't figure out which plan I should be on, I'll see them in aritration.

Hell, you only get half a day's data usage on this phone anyway, before the battery dies. If they really want, I'll be happy to give the phone back and continue using my 2125. But I won't be paying $40/mo. for data on a phone. Period.

Posted by: bdc10

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

FWIW, I picked up a copy of the Data Plans guide "Pick the plan that fits your specific needs."

Smartphone: Microsoft Windows Mobile functionality in a compact phone design.

PDA: Manage your entire day-on the go. Check and answer your email, browsethe wireless web with a PDA.

Blackberry: Accomplish it all with BlackBerry... A simple, all in one solution for phone calling, wireless Web and email.

PC Card Modem: Use your laptop to conduct business wirelessly.

After reading the guide, it doesn't do much to clear up the questions. However, the website details state "Media Net capable".
link to cingular site w/verbiage

Curiously, when I go to Start->Settings->Connections->GPRS->GPRS my configuration is called "Media Net" and uses wap.cingular as the access point. How is a real PDA (like, say, a 8525) configured?

Posted by: Myna

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0) BlackBerry7100/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Straight from the horses mouth in regards to this:

Samsung Blackjack, Cingular 8500/8525:*

What are they*and what plans are available?

* These devices are*PDA's, not Smartphones.
* Available rate plans: PDA Max, PDA Connect, PDA Connect w/ Good, PDA Connect w/ Direct Push, and Data Connect
* Rate plans NOT available: Media Basic, Works, or MAX,All Smartphone plans, All Blackberry rate plans.

Posted by: DubDub

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

Thanks for the update.

I think most will choose to keep their cheaper plan and forget about the rebate.

Or get the rebate and then change the plan?

Posted by: shaneotoool

I've never had a smartphone or pda phone before, but I was at the cingular store and played with the blackjack for about 5 minutes and it was sweet. I'd pick one up if I could get it for $199, but having to pay $40 on top of what I already pay just so I can use it's features is outrageous.

Posted by: MarkK

I don't understand why there is such a debate over which data plan will qualify you for the rebate. The rebate form (http://www.cingular.com/global/MEDI...RSTX_123006.pdf) has several different notations for varying devices:

* - requires activation on an unlimited Smartphone Connect plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher
** - Requires activation on an unlimited $39.99 or higher applicable data plan plus a $39.99 or higher voice plan
*** - requires activation on an applicable unlimited data plan
+ - requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher

The Blackjack has a "+" by it. So it seems to me that in order to get the rebate, all you have to do is have the Blackjack on "an unlimited data rate plan" and a voice plan $39.99 or higher -- if they were requiring you to be on one of the other plans (Smartphone Connect, PDA Connect, etc.), wouldn't they have put the appropriate symbol (*, **, ***) by the Blackjack to indicate that? The ONLY phone listed on the form with a "+" by it is the Blackjack -- it seems to me that they are explicitly saying that the Blackjack requires only "an" unlimited data plan, not any specific data plan.

Am I missing something here?

Posted by: hitechy

What I think I'm gonna' do, just to be safe, is to get the $19.99 Messaging Pack and a $19.99 Smatphone Connect Unlimited. Anubis copied from an internal memo stating the rebate can be obtained with $39.99 PDA Unlimited OR $19.99 Messaging. It's $10 more than what I'm paying now for my $29.99 MEdia MAX 1000 plan. I could use the extra messages anyway. I'll just switch back after getting the rebate.

Posted by: DubDub

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkK

I don't understand why there is such a debate over which data plan will qualify you for the rebate. The rebate form (http://www.cingular.com/global/MEDI...RSTX_123006.pdf) has several different notations for varying devices:

* - requires activation on an unlimited Smartphone Connect plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher
** - Requires activation on an unlimited $39.99 or higher applicable data plan plus a $39.99 or higher voice plan
*** - requires activation on an applicable unlimited data plan
+ - requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher

The Blackjack has a "+" by it. So it seems to me that in order to get the rebate, all you have to do is have the Blackjack on "an unlimited data rate plan" and a voice plan $39.99 or higher -- if they were requiring you to be on one of the other plans (Smartphone Connect, PDA Connect, etc.), wouldn't they have put the appropriate symbol (*, **, ***) by the Blackjack to indicate that? The ONLY phone listed on the form with a "+" by it is the Blackjack -- it seems to me that they are explicitly saying that the Blackjack requires only "an" unlimited data plan, not any specific data plan.

Am I missing something here?

I agree with you.

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkK

I agree also. I should have read the rebate form carefully like you did. After reading your post I printed a copy from Cingular's website. This actually gives me something in writing to confirm that the 39.99 plan is not needed for the BJ. Thanks Markk

Posted by: bidwalj

also if mediamax isnt the correct data plan, than why does the cingular video only work with that plan? if i they are forcing people to swtich then screw that, not going to pay 40 when i dont even get 3g here. 40 for edge is crazy, ill rather sign up for verizon data and get the Q, atleast it would be evdo.

Posted by: holaDude

Quote:

sp887 The device has Windows 5.0 Smartphone, therefore it is a smartphone. No touchscreen on smartphones. Get either the Smartphone connect or Medianet packages. It doesnt need the PDA Connect plan. Period.

The correct plan for the Blackjack is indeed the PDA connect for 39.99. Period! It does not mater that it has WM5. It has been noted and listed in csp as requiring the PDA connect plan if you wishto have a data package on it. Period!

Posted by: Eric5273

There is no way they can "crack down" on any of this. Here is an example of the reason why:

I have the Nokia 9300. Back in April when the phone first came out, I purchased it from Cingular's website with the MediaNet Unlimited plan, and I signed up for a 2 year contract. About 2 weeks later, Cingular "updated" the website and it no longer offered the MediaNet plan with the 9300 and instead required the PDA Connect plan. This same thing also happened with the Treo 650 back when they first started selling it. For the first month or so they were selling it with the MediaNet plan.

Now that I'm 7 months into my 2 year contract, Cingular cannot suddenly tell me I am on the wrong plan and double the price of my data plan. It's not like some misinformed sales rep gave me bad information. Their own website offered that data plan with that phone. If they forced me to change my data plan, that would be breach of contract.

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of people in the same situation as I am in. And I do use lots of data each month on my 9300, so any "flags" which that may throw up have already been thrown up and will continue to be. It will not matter if I keep my 9300 or if I get a Blackjack, unless they are able to detect use of 3g which I doubt they can do. Can they detect if I use Cingular Video? I doubt they can detect anything other than how much data I am using. And as long as that is the case, then there is nothing they can do and it will be safe for me to get just about any PDA phone I want and continue using the same plan.

Posted by: mindflayer

As a side note, I contacted an exec-lvel corp wearing my corp hat. We CAN use existing Media plans.

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by holaDude

The "correct plan" according to whoever decided what CSP should be programed to offer. Not necessarily "Correct" as in Correct plan for the device. In other words CSP is wrong, despite the fact that it's the final word (the bible.)
Just shows how arbitrary the corporate marketing decision is at Cingular.
I'm not arguing (nor worth arguing.) Just making a point.

Also Eric is right. I know a lot of people who bought PDAs online through cingular.com and were sold (as the only option) media works plans for $20. Even amazon and palm.com had them for a while through their sites (not an error.)
It's virtually impossible to "crack down" since there's a mixed bag of people legit and non-legit unless they wanted to merely force people to upgrade to PDA plans regardless of what they were in the past. Which is entirely possible.

I have ideas on how they could enforce data plans if they found it to be cost effective (which it's not) but i doubt they'll do it. The best way is to make it worth a store sale's reps.'s time to sell higher priced data plans... which it is.

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by bidwalj

also if mediamax isnt the correct data plan, than why does the cingular video only work with that plan? if i they are forcing people to swtich then screw that, not going to pay 40 when i dont even get 3g here. 40 for edge is crazy, ill rather sign up for verizon data and get the Q, atleast it would be evdo.

This is the most baffling irony. You're not the first to scratch your head at this one.

Posted by: bdc10

This whole issue is silly and seems like the result of marketing gone bad. Data is data, and the SIM card is portable. Asking customers to know, or even care, what kind of device their SIM card is currently in, and then pay a different rate for the same data, is absurd.

Cingular could fix all of this by having a reasonable data rate, and then having something like two plans. For instance:

Pay as you go: $.001/KB (for instance, that would cover my average of 20MB a month for $20, but not ream me if I go over).

Unlimited: $40 or $50 /mo. (or whatever they think unlimited data is worth. Although, their definition of "unlimited" differs somewhat from the customary one, from what I hear.)

The rest of this is a mess of their making, and I have absolutely no sympathy for them.

But then again, maybe their marketing department isn't as stupid as we all think. I'll bet this is just a scheme to get whatever amount people will pay. If you whine and get a $20 Media Max plan, so be it. But if you sit back and take it like a man, they'll happily take your $40/mo. Me, I whined.

Posted by: BioHazard5

I got into (and lost) an argument with the store manager at my Cingular store. I argued for the smartphone plan because of the the OS that the BJ runs. His contention is (and it makes some sense) that the OS doesn't matter. Its the fact that the phone has a QWERTY keyboard.

He said that any phone - Palm, Windows, Blackberry that has a QWERTY keyboard has to have the $39.99 dataplan because they keyboard is what is going to allow you to use the internet more and draw more data down. 10 key phones like the 2125 and 3125 have the same internet access capabilities but their keypads limit users enough that they aren't pulling down the same amount of data or sending as much email.

Like I said, I didn't agree with it - but at least it was a better argument then I've heard so far. It also makes it (a) pretty black and white and (b) in line with what other carriers (Verizon) are charging.

Posted by: kuj

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioHazard5

I got into (and lost) an argument with the store manager at my Cingular store. I argued for the smartphone plan because of the the OS that the BJ runs. His contention is (and it makes some sense) that the OS doesn't matter. Its the fact that the phone has a QWERTY keyboard.

He said that any phone - Palm, Windows, Blackberry that has a QWERTY keyboard has to have the $39.99 dataplan because they keyboard is what is going to allow you to use the internet more and draw more data down. 10 key phones like the 2125 and 3125 have the same internet access capabilities but their keypads limit users enough that they aren't pulling down the same amount of data or sending as much email.

It kinda makes sense but look at the Data Add-ons section on Cingular.com and look at the Data Connect Unlimited w/Xpress Mail option. The Samsung SGH-ZX20 is listed. It is a 10-key clamshell. It doesn't even run Palm, Windows, Symbian, or Blackberry OS!

The LG should be listed if the ZX-20 is listed.

Posted by: foamman

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioHazard5

I got a similar response last night from the cingular rep I spoke with. She made 3 different calls to make sure and they all gave her the same response. Because of the QWERTY keyboard you must get the PDA Dataplan

Posted by: Jayden0606

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric5273

There is no way they can "crack down" on any of this.

Just remember those words. I do work for Cingular and I don't want to hear, "Cingular sucks" because we start billing you correctly. As a Team Manager, I can tell you know that I will not being giving any credits for such usage.

Posted by: bdc10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayden0606

If half the people in your company are saying one thing and the other half are saying something else, you're pointing the finger of blame in the wrong direction if you think it's the customer's fault. It's not like I gave the MediaMax plan to myself.

Posted by: DrBaker

Anybody else read post #36 by Jayden0606 and then read his signature line?

Posted by: Bigbmc26

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

Anybody else read post #36 by Jayden0606 and then read his signature line?

Posted by: DubDub

Well, I just talked to a CSR and was told that my 29.99 Smartphone package was the correct one to be on and the correct one to receive the rebate. Got name, number, date and time.

Posted by: mmm123456

I was told to get the SmartphoneMax when I bought the phone on the 16th and then told today that Smartphone plans "were not compatible" with the Blackjack. When I asked if that meant the techology wouldn't work or that Cingular thought it wasn't expensive enough, I was told that the technology behind the Smartphone plan wouldn't support the phone. I haven't decided what to do yet, return the phone or pay the additional $20 a month. I know they are BS'ing me and the cheaper plan would work fine. I just don't know if they will ever bend on it.

Posted by: holaDude

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioHazard5

I was going to make mention of this, and how it was the reason it had to have the data plan on it. Just because of the qwerty keyboard. I can see how people have the wrong impression on the data plan it should be on. The paper work we have, does state that it is a smartphone, but the qwerty makes all the difference.

Posted by: Armanius Maximu

Quote:

Originally Posted by holaDude

I purchased the Blackjack at the Cingular store in Houston for $299.99. The sales guy specifically put me in the Media Max plan, and I chose the Media Max 1000 unlimited data plan for $29.99. I originally thought I'd have to pay $39.99 for the Unlimited Data Connect plan (as noted in the Cingular website), but the sales guy said that this was not the case. He said I could even go with just plain unlimited data on the Media Max plan w/o text messages for just $19.99. Then he gave me the rebate application and said that I could get a $100 back. I am not going to argue with him. If Cingular decides to charge overrages for data use and refuse to honor the rebate, I have got two words -- "Class Action."

Posted by: Cowboyshootist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

Regardless of what the sales rep told you you need to read the rebate form and make sure that MediaMax is one of the plans on the rebate. I haven't seen the form so I cannot say for sure. The reps will tell you whatever you want to hear or they are misinformed. The company that does rebates is not the same as the company that sold you the phone and they will follow the rebate plan exactly as it is described on the form. No exceptions (even when there should be exceptions).

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowboyshootist

Well the rebate form has several options that are applicable based on the phone that you have. Here are some of the options:

"Requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a voice plan with a minimum monthly access rate of 39.99 or higher". (this is the one that applies to the Blackjack).

"Requires activation on a 39.99 or higher applicable unlimited data rate plan plus a 39.99 or higher voice plan. (this option applies to the Treo 750, Cingular 8100, Cingular 8125, Cingular 8525, Nokia N62, blackberry and some others)

"Requires activation on a unlimited smartphone connect plan plus a CIngular voice plan with a minumum monthly access rate of 39.99 or higher" (this option applies to Cingular 2125, 3125 etc.)

So what do you think?

Posted by: MarkK

I think you are good to go. See my post #22 above...

Posted by: forest007

Yeah I saw it. Thanks MarKK. I believe you were the first to mention it here.

It will be interesting to see how many of us get the rebate and how many of us don't. About how long does it take to get a rebate from Cingular? I know the rebate form says "10-12 weeks". Is that the average time or do they often come back sooner. I sent mine in right away on the 17th.

Posted by: MarkK

It seems like they take 10-12 weeks. I've never timed it, but I've always about given up on receiving mine when they arrive, to my surprise, in the mail.

I don't recall the data plan requirement on the 8125 rebate when it came out, but I know I received the rebate on my 8125. It may have been a generic "must be activated on an unlimited data plan" -- like the Blackjack!

I expect to receive the $100 rebate on the Blackjack, and I am on the $19.99 MediaMax plan (with 200 SMS). Interestingly, I changed to this plan (from the old $19.99 unlimited data without SMS) AFTER I got the 8125 by calling 611 from my phone. I don't know if they have started keeping track of which phones people have better now, but there seems to be a lot of people who CAN'T get the $19.99 data plan on the Blackjack or 8525 -- I've never had trouble when I just call 611... just thought I'd pass that along.

Posted by: Cowboyshootist

Quote:

Originally Posted by forest007

After I posted I went out and took a look at the rebate form. It sounds like you're OK but then again given the chance Cingular will attempt to hose you.

The question is does MediaMax qualify as an "unlimited data rate plan". That is where they will say the rebate is null and void, although I say that the form is sufficiently vague as to include MediaMax plans.

I also checked the Cingular web site and the Blackjack does not show up in the list of "compatible" phones for any of the MediaNet plans.

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

Class Action is something they are getting very familiar with......

I saw on the news this morning that there is a Class Action suit in California due to the $18 upgrade charge.

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by holaDude

I'm sorry, but how does a QWERTY keyboard make any differnence whatsoever.
How is it that between two phones that have identical software and capabilities one is a smartphone and one is a PDA because one has 10 buttons and the other has (about) 40.

Before anyone says the BJ is 3g and the 3125 is EDGE, 3G doesn't have any bearing on the classification of data plans.

I still think there's no logical explination. It's just consumer demographic and what Cingular thinks people will pay.

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

You won't get charged for overages. If you do it should be considered a billing error, you simply need to call cingular and have them fix the problem that's charging you for data (since you pay for unlimited data) and refund your account the data charges - $29.99.
The terms in conditions don't say anything about anything for using the wrong data plan. And the only pentalty for misusing a data plan (which is really a different thing) is having the data plan removed without notice. And that doesn't mean replace it with 'pay per use.' It should simply cut off your data.

Posted by: DrBaker

There are a few options that would reduce their mistakes...

Ex1. Make a flat rate for all phones ( I think T-Mobile might be doing this)

Ex2. Label each phone on their website with their classification as smart/pda/regular/etc

Posted by: DubDub

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

Class Action is something they are getting very familiar with......

I saw on the news this morning that there is a Class Action suit in California due to the $18 upgrade charge.

Isn't that with Verizon? I am a party to that one - by default as I keep getting their mail.

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubDub

Isn't that with Verizon? I am a party to that one - by default as I keep getting their mail.

On the news it said Cingular. Chances are that both of them are involved in seperate suits.

Posted by: mmm123456

Happy to report that Cingular today agreed to give me a $60 credit on data and another $100 on the price of the phone to get me to stop calling and complaining about initially telling me the $29 a month plan was ok. Depending on how you look at it, I either got the phone for $39, or am getting 4 months free data access. Either way, its better than I thought I would do. They also gave me the full credit today, so if I decide to return the phone in a week, I come out $160 ahead.

Posted by: DubDub

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

On the news it said Cingular. Chances are that both of them are involved in seperate suits.

Maybe we can double dip then! Thanks for the update.

Posted by: RF9

//BEGIN RANT//
As many of you know, I *KNOW* Cingular data plans. How they work, what plan is SUPPOSED to go with what phone, etc.
So my brother calls me complaining that he can't move his 2-line a family talk plan to GSM through the premiere site.
I tell him, that's too complicated. Print out all of the promos, rebates, discounts, etc that you see on premiere, then call NBO and insist on the same prices because Premiere won't let you. And he totally gets it, no problem.

It took 3, yes 3 hours to complete the purchase. But here's the kicker:
He calls me while he was on hold and say "They're insisting that in order to get $50 discounts on two 8525s ($409-50=360) that these both have to have the $80 data plan.
I tell him "That's absolutely incorrect. The $40 PDA connect plan (which he's also looking at on the web site) is the correct plan."
The sales person as well as her supervisor insisted that there is no way to get that. That because of the capabilities of this device, it requires the $80 data connect unlimited data plan.

***WFT***??? The Supervisor is saying this?
What kind of BS training does NBO go through? Are they trained to scam customers?

When he asked, "well then what's the $40 pda plan for" he was told "that's for smartphones, not pocket PCs."
Well he managed to talk the guy in to giving him a discount down to $55 data per line (laptop connect for $55, not bad!)

I rested him at ease regarding two things:
1) You don't really have that data plan until you call in and activate the SIM (moving over from TDMA.) So you can change the data plan then if they'll let you budge from the pre-negotiated thing he just went through.
2) Just get the data plan to get the $50 discount. Then we can go change it in OLAM. Or at the very least call CS and change it. Or call CS and remove it, then call back and add the proper plan on.

This is further evidence at how arbitrary and screwed up the data plan pricing is.
The silver lining is that because of this chaos, those who wish to can take advantage of the loophole that allows you to weasel your way on to a $20 data plan for a PDA if you like.
It's garbage like this that I have 0 guilt when explaining to people how the data plans work and how to get MediaMax on a PDA.
//END RANT//

Posted by: Cowboyshootist

Quote:

Originally Posted by RF9

//BEGIN RANT//
SNIP
It took 3, yes 3 hours to complete the purchase. But here's the kicker:
He calls me while he was on hold and say "They're insisting that in order to get $50 discounts on two 8525s ($409-50=360) that these both have to have the $80 data plan.
I tell him "That's absolutely incorrect. The $40 PDA connect plan (which he's also looking at on the web site) is the correct plan."
The sales person as well as her supervisor insisted that there is no way to get that. That because of the capabilities of this device, it requires the $80 data connect unlimited data plan.

***WFT***??? The Supervisor is saying this?
What kind of BS training does NBO go through? Are they trained to scam customers?

When he asked, "well then what's the $40 pda plan for" he was told "that's for smartphones, not pocket PCs."
Well he managed to talk the guy in to giving him a discount down to $55 data per line (laptop connect for $55, not bad!)

SNIP
//END RANT//

When the Stupid-visor made that statement (in bold above) he should have asked "What the hell was the Smartphone Connect Plan for?"

I envision the Supervisor's head exploding at just about that moment.

Posted by: gValdivia

so if i have the MediaMax with 1000 texts....is this good or bad with the BJ?? i really dont want to be charged per kb
can anyone help me out

Posted by: Cowboyshootist

Quote:

Originally Posted by gValdivia

so if i have the MediaMax with 1000 texts....is this good or bad with the BJ?? i really dont want to be charged per kb
can anyone help me out

I think that's the million dollar question. It would appear that this plan qualifies for the rebate but I don't know if anyone knows for sure (except the people that validate the rebates). If you don't care about the rebate and an authorized Cingular employee and/or agent signed you up for that plan I would say that you're good to go.

I am no lawyer but I think Cingular might be in trouble if all of a sudden they came out and said, No, this plan is not valid with the Bkackjack phone. Especially if their employees are the ones configuring your service plan. If they forced you to a higher priced plan I believe that they would have to give you the option to opt out of their service entirely otherwise they would probably be guilty of Bait and Switch which is illeagal in most states.

Posted by: dclin

Hate to beat a dead horse, but what the hell does a qwerty keyboard vs a numeric keypad keyboard have to do with surfing faster, and therefore requiring a PDA plan? I know people that are blazing fast typing on a 10 key keypad. Faster than me on the BJ's qwerty, that's for sure.

I bring this up, because, as an example, when I got a notification on my web mail regarding replies to this thread and opened it with the BJ via PIE, the link to this thread was not hyperlinked; meaning my ability to get around is limited. There is no touch screen like on a PDA to help things. With one, I could at least copy and past the 'non hyperlink' link into the address bar.

Cingular really needs to get its act together. I was setup with the Smartphone plan by a Cingular employee at a corporate store, who confirmed that it was the correct plan with the store manager. If Cingular comes back later telling me I'm on the wrong plan and I'm not getting my rebate, I'm going to be pissed.

Posted by: Gunner1

I have a somewhat different question. I just purchased the BJ through Premier and got $100 off of the price of the phone for adding a data plan, no rebate required. I opted for the $40 a month unlimited data plan in the event I want to use the phone as a modem once 3G service hits in my area.

Couple of questions;

1. Can I still submit for the rebate?
2. What's to stop me from changing the data plan or deleting it after I get the phone, as no rebate is involved? Is there a seperate contractual obligation for the data plan similar to the voice plan?

Thanks.

Posted by: mathewj

I bought my BJ this weekend and the rep (at a Cingular store, NOT an authorized dealer) told me to get the MediaMax 200 plan after asking me my needs. I am very frustrated that I might not now get the rebate because he is the one who signed me up for that plan, filled out the rebate form and gave it to me to send in. If Cingular can't properly train and inform their own employees I don't know how we are expected to purchase their product/services with confidence. If I don't get the rebate I will be very dissappointed and will likely switch back to Verizon. I love the phone and bought it because of the advice/price that their own rep gave me...they need to stand behind that.

Posted by: BTwannabe

last night i saw an ad on tv for the blackjack. they were playing up the cingular video and music stuff that comes on the phone. i believe you NEED a media max plan for that stuff. when i went to cingular video, i got a message that said i have the wrong data plan to view videos and that i should call 611 to get access.

i don't know for sure if you really need a media max plan or if its just an anomoly with my account, but if a media max plan is required, i don't see how they can advertise this stuff and then make you get a plan that is incompatible with all the stuff they're promoting!

edit - this is the message when i try to access cingular video:

Quote:

To watch video clips, you must sign up for a data package that includes Cingular Video. Click "Pick Your Package" [link to tel number 877-745-5572] between 9am-8pm EST. After these hours call 611. When your call is over, click "Previous" to watch your video clip. Enjoy the show!

Posted by: Gunner1

Well, the confusion doesn't stop folks.

I got my BJ today and it was supposed to have been activated with the PDA unlimited plan. I couldn't get Cingular Video service to work so I called up Cingy and asked them what the problem was.

They said I MUST have the Media Max plan, even though when I ordered the phone through premier it forced me to select a PDA plan for the phone.

A tech then told me it would work with PDA connect but only the expensive ones that support push email??

Noone knows what the hell to do to set this phone up properly.

Posted by: Remedy1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner1

Well, the confusion doesn't stop folks.

I got my BJ today and it was supposed to have been activated with the PDA unlimited plan. I couldn't get Cingular Video service to work so I called up Cingy and asked them what the problem was.

They said I MUST have the Media Max plan, even though when I ordered the phone through premier it forced me to select a PDA plan for the phone.

A tech then told me it would work with PDA connect but only the expensive ones that support push email??

Noone knows what the hell to do to set this phone up properly.

So let me get this straight.

You pay for the phone with UDP and you still need Media Max plan as an additional as well?

So, $39.99 data + a minimum of $19.99 for Media service + Voice service?

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner1

They said I MUST have the Media Max plan, even though when I ordered the phone through premier it forced me to select a PDA plan for the phone.

A tech then told me it would work with PDA connect but only the expensive ones that support push email??

Noone knows what the hell to do to set this phone up properly.

You wan't get cingular video on ANY pda connect plan. Only media max will allow you access to cingularvideo.cingular.com. That is unless they've changed something in the last few days. And they really should, but I doubt they have
The PDA push mail plans is identical to the normal PDA plan, it's just a (scam) to get you to pay more for the same thing.

Seriously.

Posted by: Gunner1

Quote:

Originally Posted by RF9

Then Cingular needs to pull their heads out.

They advertise the video feature of the phone both in the store and on commercials. Then when you go and buy the phone they force you to buy a PDA plan.

Then you can't use Video.

And what about those users who need push email, they are screwed on Video?

What a joke.

Posted by: tmuirheid

I'm getting Cingular video feeds now (Thursday night) and I only have the PDA Unlimited plan. Surely they can't expect me to pay even MORE just the use this tiny thing?

Posted by: UNOBizStudent

Ok i asked a local data manager a few days ago on this. All marketing material in the stores on the BlackJack is based on PDA Connect and PDA MAX. 39.99 and 49.99. I don't see why this question has grown to what it has. Cingular is riding the Q bandwagon with VZW. They charge the same but bundle it into a "Core" package. I know it is running Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone edition but they want the pda package on it. And You DO GET VIDEO.

Posted by: maevro

Wow. Cingular has spent so much money on their data network and they want to make a profit. Why do you think they take WiFi off most of their phones? The majority of people are going to take the plan that the Cingular rep tells them to take. I see it all the time where they buy the phone and they rep says, "You are going to need this plan for the phone to work...". The customer is fine with it (or isnt, but takes it anyway).

Then you have people like us who know that the MediaMax plans work and spend less money. When I bought this phone I was on a MediaMax 200 plan with my E62. Upon purchase they moved me to the PDA $40 connect so it would be on my receipt for the rebate. I used the phone all day, including video and the next morning I went on to Cingulars website and switched plans to the MediaMax 1000. I got an email confirmation telling me that the switch went through and that was over a week ago.

This is the same exact thing I did when I bought my 8125 and when I bought my e62. I got the rebate with no issues and my bill was figured to the MediaMax plan.

The rebate says that you have to have the $40 plan at time of purchase, it doesnt say that you have to keep and use that plan.

Get the damn 200/1000 MMax plan and be happy. All my emails work and all my media work too.

Posted by: awesome_sauce

okay. So sign up with the $40 data plan, then switch it back over to a cheaper one after you have it on paper that you originally had $40? Never would of thought we as customers would have to scheme so much to get good service.

Posted by: sirstankolot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayden0606

Hahahaha... that's great customer service right there. That's right - you might not give me credit, but I can hang up with you, call back and talk to the next person and get it done. And if that doesn't work, guess how the system works? I complain to the manager, spend some extra time on the phone, and Cingular pays for their mistake by crediting my account and offering me additional credit for the next month as well.

Lack of a standard is what's plaguing Cingular. When I was going through this whole BlackJack-data-plan-thing at my Cingular store, I mentioned that I had been using my medianet unlimited package with my phone "tethered" to my laptop (to prove that i was using "data") and the lady freaked out! She insisted that I should have had a data plan with my regular everyday cell phone. Erroneous.

So here's another scenario. Say I have the BlackJack and I turn around and buy another 3G phone such as the Samsung SYNC or LG CU500. They're both 3G phones... does the PDA connect plan then become incompatible with the SYNC or CU500? If i get the MediaMax 1000, it covers these 2 phones, and i can swap out my SIM back and forth from the BlackJack to another phone. So if the MediaMax plan won't work with the BlackJack, then does that mean i'm getting a lower quality 3G service by going with a normal smartphone (such as the SYNC or CU500, etc). Anyone see where I'm going with this? Not sure exactly how to word it.

If they don't get their act together quick, somebody said it best with "class action." 58 million people... that's a lot to piss off. Hey, the bigger they are the harder they fall, right? lol =)

+BrianJ

Posted by: markcobra

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong in my way of interputing the rebate form, but the form says for the blackjack that you have to have an unlimited data plan and voice plan with a minimum 39.99 a month charge.

What is a voice plan??

Isn't a voice plan the actual rate plan?

If so than if someone were to have say a 59.99 voice/rate plan & a 19.99 media maxx 200 unlimited data plan that would qualify? Correct?

Mark

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by markcobra

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong in my way of interputing the rebate form, but the form says for the blackjack that you have to have an unlimited data plan and voice plan with a minimum 39.99 a month charge.

What is a voice plan??

Isn't a voice plan the actual rate plan?

If so than if someone were to have say a 59.99 voice/rate plan & a 19.99 media maxx 200 unlimited data plan that would qualify? Correct?

Mark

Mark,

According to the rebate form that I have, the above post is 100% correct. Will somebody try to cheat you later---- nobody knows for sure yet.

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBaker

Mark,

According to the rebate form that I have, the above post is 100% correct. Will somebody try to cheat you later---- nobody knows for sure yet.

I decided to take a stab at it and call the number on the rebate form and ask them exactly what they will consider the correct plan(s) to be when they receive the forms. The person I talked to asked for the number in the bottom left corner of the rebate form so she could look at the form and read it herself. After reading it she said that "any unlimited data plan will qualify for the rebate for the Blackjack". However, I agree with you DrBaker, they will still do what ever they want to do. We just have to wait and see. I also agree that they may be setting themselves up for a "CLASS ACTION SUIT" if a large number of people who have "an unlimited data plan" get denied simply because it is not one of the more expensive plans that Cingular offers.

Posted by: Philmatic

Just to add fuel to the fire, I ordered my BlackJack through the premiere site and when it asked me for the voice/data plan, I chose the "Do not upgrade plan, keep existing" option. I got my phone, popped in my OLD sim and volia! Unlimited data, and I don't see any overages on the Cingular website. I see all the data I transferred and they all fall under the unlimited data tier.

I'm using the Smartphone Data Connect/MediaNet Unlimited plan for $19.99 ($16.20 after my discount), which I got when I had the 2125.

Posted by: UllSang

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philmatic

Just to add fuel to the fire, I ordered my BlackJack through the premiere site and when it asked me for the voice/data plan, I chose the "Do not upgrade plan, keep existing" option. I got my phone, popped in my OLD sim and volia! Unlimited data, and I don't see any overages on the Cingular website. I see all the data I transferred and they all fall under the unlimited data tier.

I'm using the Smartphone Data Connect/MediaNet Unlimited plan for $19.99 ($16.20 after my discount), which I got when I had the 2125.

so you get both of those plans for $20?
i thought they are 20 each. how did you get 2 for the price of 1?

On cingular's site it does say you need the data connect plan its the only thing eligbale for blackjack now.

Posted by: derekdru

I just picked up my blackjack and had zero problems with the data plan selection. My rep was willing to do whatever one I wanted.

Posted by: awesome_sauce

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekdru

I just picked up my blackjack and had zero problems with the data plan selection. My rep was willing to do whatever one I wanted.

Which would be....? PDA Connect? MediaMax?

The rep today told me PDA connect or nothing

Posted by: UllSang

same here. had to be the $40 plan or nothing.

Posted by: nakedbear

Just got my blackjack and the saleswoman said she would have to take off my mediamax 200 and add dataconnect. I told her that was fine, but I would eventually drop it. She told me I had to keep it for six months! I said I am just keeping it till after I get my rebate. She then made a strange request. She asked me if I would please contact her when I dropped the dataconnect. I wonder why... and I wonder if I should.

Posted by: DrBaker

I bought my Blackjacks from on-line. My buddy, however, went to a local corp store. They were out of Blackjacks, so he got an E62. They told him they couldn't sell an E62 without a $40 data plan. He said, "No thanks, I'll keep my $20 plan that works just as good." They told him that wasn't an option. He didn't fall for it. He just said no and got up to leave. Naturally they don't want to let even a little commission (aka customer) walk away. The rep spoke with the manager and then decided to sell the phone without a data upgrade, but repeatedly told him they could not guarantee that his old data plan would be functionable on the new phone. He advised them that he had already tested it and it worked just fine. Of course they continued to warn him that the only reliable way to buy something that gave them more commission. 2 months later his data plan still works without a hiccup.

If you don't like the deal they offer you, get up and walk out. Sure they want to max their profit, but if you buy nothing at all, they just wasted their time with you.

Posted by: derekdru

Quote:

Originally Posted by awesome_sauce

Which would be....? PDA Connect? MediaMax?

The rep today told me PDA connect or nothing

Media Max w/ 200 txt.

Posted by: maevro

One again. Take the upgrade for the rebate and then the next day go online to cingular and change plans.

Posted by: teppy1

I am thinking of getting the cingular 3125 for my husband who is due for an upgrade. I have the family plan in my name and pay $79.98 for my phone and $9.99 for each additional phone on my plan. I am so undecided if I can get the $200 rebate or not. Heres the deal. I went on and added the mediamax 200 to his line for $19.99. That with the $9.99 only totals to $29.98. It looks like I'm $10.01 short of the $39.99 that the fine print says that I need to qualify for the $200 rebate on this phone. I have called customer service twice and went in the local cingular store and was told by all of them that I would qualify because they would look at my family talk plan and use that to determine the monthly charge. All I needed to do was add the unlimited smartphone connect plan. I am still unsure. I then asked her why I couldn't add the media max 200 instead of the smartphone connect and she almost in an angry way informed me that media max cannot access the internet and it was the wrong plan. I kind of fired back at her and told her that I have unlimited media net on my phone(8125) and have had it since my first treo 600 and I can access the interenet. She told me that it would start giving me problems and that I might as well switch it now before it does. I just walked out. I need any advice on whether or not I should get the 3125 and hope to get a rebate, or if anyone has any other suggestions on another phone that I can get my husband to tether a laptop to occasionally that would work as good or better that I will not have to be concerned about getting a rebate or not.

Posted by: enki42

Was at the cingular store and they said I could only get the PDA plan with the Blackjack so ended up getting the 3125 (didn't want to pay that much for data)

Reading this thread leaves me confused on two seperate issues. Can I use the smartphone data plan? The rebate only works with the PDA plan?

(thinking of using the 30 day return policy if I can get the Blackjack with the $20 smartphone data plan)

Posted by: Ziploker

has anyone got a bill yet? using the media max 200 + BJ

Posted by: maevro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziploker

has anyone got a bill yet? using the media max 200 + BJ

My billing cycle ends in a few days (Nov 27th), so I will see. But I know that it will be the same as it has been with my previous phones (8125 & e62) because nothing has changed.

I'll post the info when I check cingular's website on the 28th.

Posted by: onepoint

is anyone able to check their account online to see how blackjack data usage is being tabulated under one of the media max plans?

i paid full retail in-store, with no data plan, and added the media max 3000 (i'm a HEAVY txt msg'er) the next day, by phone. i am unable to see my data usage until the next billing cycle, and am curious as to whether i will be in a war of words over data overages. apparently when i bought the phone in-store at full retail, the rep did not note on my account that i was now going to be using a blackjack. i assume cingular still believes i'm using a razr, and therefore had no problems adding a media max. the rebate issues do not apply to me. i will gladly drop the data plan if it's going to be an issue, as i'm still within my 30-day return period and could just take the blackjack back if i cannot utilize the phone as i would like.

Posted by: DubDub

Quote:

Originally Posted by onepoint

is anyone able to check their account online to see how blackjack data usage is being tabulated under one of the media max plans?

i paid full retail in-store, with no data plan, and added the media max 3000 (i'm a HEAVY txt msg'er) the next day, by phone. i am unable to see my data usage until the next billing cycle, and am curious as to whether i will be in a war of words over data overages. apparently when i bought the phone in-store at full retail, the rep did not note on my account that i was now going to be using a blackjack. i assume cingular still believes i'm using a razr, and therefore had no problems adding a media max. the rebate issues do not apply to me. i will gladly drop the data plan if it's going to be an issue, as i'm still within my 30-day return period and could just take the blackjack back if i cannot utilize the phone as i would like.

I have SmartPhone Connect (I think) - SMRTUNL ALL4. I have used 19.5 MB so far and the bill says Unlimited. The total bill is about what I expected, so I guess all is well.

Posted by: onepoint

thanks, i really appreciate it. anyone else? specifically with one of the 'media max' plans?

Posted by: MarkK

i'm on MediaMax 200, and it shows i've used about 120MB of data with no overages...

Posted by: pdagal

Unless you're tethering like crazy, data usage shouldn't matter. I mean the Media Max plan is meant to be used with Cingular Video, and boy does that use a lot of data. It's quite possible for someone with an LG CU500 feature phone to use more data via Cingular Video than a smartphone user does surfing and checking email.

Posted by: onepoint

very much appreciated, thanks guys.

edit: and girls!

Posted by: DalavarWA

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkK

i'm on MediaMax 200, and it shows i've used about 120MB of data with no overages...

Same here, bought it day before release because they were offering it for 149 before rebate.

I asked for smartphone unlim data. She said the system wouldn't let her. I said it should, so she checked with manager, it wouldn't. So I said mediam max 200. She said that probably won't work but would try. The system took it no problem. I checked cingulars my account the next day to make sure, took it fine. Just got notice about first bill and it still shows the correct plan.

I sent in the rebate form because it's vague enough about what dataplan that it should work....and the chance to get this sweet phone for 50 bucks after rebate was too good to pass up.

And I agree. Talk about a public relations/class action nightmare if they just switch all of us overnight to the 40 buck plan or start charging for overages on a unlimited data plan.

Posted by: VerizonGuy1

the sales guy i got mine from today said that i had to have the pda connect plan because of the hsdpa data. i emailed the other sales guy that i originally talked to (the night before at my workplace

) to see if i just got screwed or what. i'm going to call the rebate dept tomorrow to find out what the deal is. if i got lied to, i'm going to go to the store and have them change it and try to get a credit.

Posted by: flipnf3rno

hey guys this is what happened to me. So i get the blackjack and i get the 39.99 plan that they say you must get. I try to use Cingular Video and it doesnt work so I go back to the store and they try to figure out what is wrong. The store rep is talking to the rep on phone and they can't figure out what is wrong and they finally try taking out the 39.99 plan and put media max in and it finally works. The rep on the phone puts tells them to keep me on the media max. I got the mediamax with the 1000 text for 29.99.

Posted by: madizms

I too had problems trying to access some of the media enhancements. I just received my phone yesterday. I was already entitled to a free month of media access because I made a slight upgrade to my media basic plan. When I found out that I was not able to access video even with my account showing 1 month of unlimited access I call CS and they said I needed a pda plan. I said "no thanks, I'll probably ship the phone back to you." Just for grins I went online and added media max 200 around 11:30 this morning I got an email that said I could now use the service and everything was working just fine. When I checked my account it looks like I'm still getting one month of media access for free.

Posted by: enki42

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdagal

Unless you're tethering like crazy, data usage shouldn't matter. I mean the Media Max plan is meant to be used with Cingular Video, and boy does that use a lot of data. It's quite possible for someone with an LG CU500 feature phone to use more data via Cingular Video than a smartphone user does surfing and checking email.

They may be using more bandwidth but not more bandwidth to the outside world (i.e. cingular's internet connection) But then that may not matter

Posted by: RF9

Quote:

Originally Posted by enki42

They may be using more bandwidth but not more bandwidth to the outside world (i.e. cingular's internet connection) But then that may not matter

Yes they are. Cingular video is not hosted by cingular. You download a .ram file which is just a URL to the actual video out on the interent. You can access those videos on any internet connection (like home cable modem) once you have the URL inside the .RAM file (I've done it.) However the URL in that .RAM file is only good for a short time.
So Cingular video is pulling video over the outside internet.
Same thing with MobiTV. If you get a subscription to MobiTV from Cingular you're streaming video over the internet at about 45kbps.

Posted by: ichiban658

ive had the mediaworks plan for a few years now (19.99 1500text, 250mms, unlimited data) and i haven't had any problem with overages.

Posted by: jaydub

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichiban658

ive had the mediaworks plan for a few years now (19.99 1500text, 250mms, unlimited data) and i haven't had any problem with overages.

Lucky! I haven't had any problems with my MediaMax 1000 plan, and I even called to ask about some charges. They said I was fine.

Posted by: RF9

There won't/shouldn't be any overages. If you read the Media services Terms and conditions, they only state that they can remove the feature if they find it's being misused, not charge you overages. Overages won't ever happen unless it's a billing error.
"MEdia Net packages are not available on PDAs, RIM devices, or Laptop Modem Cards. MEdia Net packages are not intended for tethering. Cingular reserves the right to remove customers from MEdia Net packages for the use of a wireless device as an interface to other devices or networks, as determined by Cingular, including but not limited to device tethering."
http://www.cingular.com/learn/en_US...gal-notices.jsp

Posted by: gthing

I originally signed up for the $39.99 plan like the sales rep told me I had to. I just canceled it online, but did not see an option to add media max. I called and asked them to add mediamax 200 to my plan and they did it with no questions.

We'll see how the rebate goes.

Posted by: gthing

Checked my plan online and apparently the rep added some BB Voice thing that gives me voicedialing. It showed up on my plan as $23 while the media max was $0. I wonder if she did some bundle or something.

Anyway, I called up and had them drop the voice thing which is apparently for voice dialing. Now my plan shows mediamax for $0. Let's hope it stays there!

Posted by: crazymac

Guess know one really has the final word on the blackjack data thing.

Posted by: ventivent

I just logged into my account on Cingular.com. When I signed up online, the only choice I was given was the $39.99 unlimited PDA plan. I went into "Rate Plan and Features," then "Manage Features." I removed the $39.99 PDA plan, and added the "Media Max 200" plan for $19.99. The website confirmed this change, no problem.

Posted by: Remedy1

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventivent

I just logged into my account on Cingular.com. When I signed up online, the only choice I was given was the $39.99 unlimited PDA plan. I went into "Rate Plan and Features," then "Manage Features." I removed the $39.99 PDA plan, and added the "Media Max 200" plan for $19.99. The website confirmed this change, no problem.

Wouldn't you have to wait until the end of the billing cycle to actually confirm this? Because, IIRC, Cingular can manually switch you back or charge you without your acknowledgement, right?

Posted by: RF9

When you do this feature change on cingular.com in your account it's immediate. I removed PDA, checked, and I had no internet connectivity. Then added Media Max and I had my internet connectivity restored.
I checked isp.cingular before and after. isp.cingular worked when I had PDA connect, and it didn't when I added MediaMax. So the change is immediate.
This is by logging in to your account (to see your bill and such) and then clicking on "add features." This is not by using the little web form to order a medianet package that's on the media fetures section of the site. This web form is NOT immediate.

Posted by: Aqxea

I just called Cingular Customer Service and told them I am interested in upgrading from my Samsung e316 (old at&t phone) to a Blackjack. I told the girl I wanted the 900 minute calling plan for $60/mo and was interested in an unlimited data solution. She mentioned some $45/mo plan which didn't include text messaging. I told her I wanted to try and keep my monthly cellular bill under $100/mo. and then asked her about the Media Max 200 plan I read about for $20/mo. which said it included unlimited data (including 3G) and 200 text messages. She took a second and looked it up and said that it was an available option and I could get it with the Blackjack. I thanked her for the info and she told me that she would notate my account with the prices she quoted me. I told her I would go to my local Cingular Wireless retail store after work today and buy a Blackjack. If everything goes as planned, I figure I'll be dropping $300 plus tax for the phone today and my monthly charge for the next 24 months will be just under $100/mo after taxes and additional fees or whatever. Does this sound right to you guys?

Posted by: brabe79

It is hard to say-I was told I needed the PDA Max plan which was 49.99 bucks a month. I quickly realized the Sales Rep had duped me and changed to the PDA Unlimited to $39.99. They flat out told me I could not use the Media Max plans with this phone but I think it is all a bunch of bs. Like other folks have said it all depends on who you talk to and they all seem to work the same for the most part. After I get my first bill and make sure it all looks ok I am going to fight to switch to the Media Max 200 plan.

Posted by: Loriolus

Cingular employees are encouraged to milk as much money as they can of course. When I got my BlackJack the sales rep also told me that I needed the $39.99 plan. Well I got that at first but after some research I called the customer service. After going through three representatives I finally got the smartphone unlimited data plan for $19.99. The first two representatives couldn't even find the $19.99 plan in their system for some strange reason.

Posted by: ChromeBro

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventivent

I couldn't make that change online because I have a business account but I used their chat feature to do it without a problem. When I refreshed my feature list, MediaMax 200 was there and PDADataConnect was gone. But the price next to MediaMax 200 was now $0.00. Not sure if that's just until the next billing cycle or permanent, since next to the MediaMax 200 label was "(Eff01/18/07)". So I asked the online rep about that note and I was told it's because the first month is free.

I have yet to verify whether I can still tether or not. Is there a consensus as to which is better to use? wap.cingular or isp.cingular?

Posted by: Chorazin

I have Smartphone Connect for my BJ, but when ever I try to view something at Cingular Video, it says I need to select a plan with Cingular Video included.

I'm a little confused!

Posted by: wickcity

Here is info I received from my local business rep(cut and pasted)

Here is what I found out from our Data Solutions Consultant. You would have to go on the $39.99 PDA connect plan, the $19.99 Media Net plan is not allowed, nor will not work in the long term with the BlackJack. Initially it would work but Cingular is changing the APN's so problems would occur in the future

Posted by: dday64

I still have my Media Works, and it does it all!

Woohoo!

Posted by: brabe79

Does anyone know what the difference between the PDA Max and PDA Unlimited are? Customer Service Reps couldn't explain it to me. One is $39.99 and one is $49.99. Thanks in advance!

Posted by: Aqxea

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickcity

Here is info I received from my local business rep(cut and pasted)

Here is what I found out from our Data Solutions Consultant. You would have to go on the $39.99 PDA connect plan, the $19.99 Media Net plan is not allowed, nor will not work in the long term with the BlackJack. Initially it would work but Cingular is changing the APN's so problems would occur in the future

If the rep says I can have the $19.99 Media Max 200 Plan and I buy a BJ and sign another 2 year contract and then they make us change to the PDA connect plan in the near future, they better only charge me $19.99.

Posted by: jdec141

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chorazin

I have Smartphone Connect for my BJ, but when ever I try to view something at Cingular Video, it says I need to select a plan with Cingular Video included.

I'm a little confused!

i was in the same boat. The Smartphone plan for 19.99/29.99 does not include cingular video. The Mediamax 19.99/29.99 does and for the most part is identical to the Smartphone plan with that exception. I was told by Cing Tech support and higher ups that this phone had to be on the media max if i wanted cingular video. Its been working great since i switched.

Posted by: BTwannabe

i switched from smartphone connect to mediamax 200. i told the rep on the phone that i wanted the text messages. no problems. everything works just like before (push email, etc) but now i have CV and 200 free text messages.

Posted by: DrBaker

I have 2 blackjacks. One has media max 200 and the other has the old school original MediaNet $20 plan. Only the Media Max phone will display cingular videos. I've considered swapping my old school plan for the Media Max 200 since it's the same price, but I'd hate to lose 1500 text messages per month.

Posted by: Michael95GT

Quote:

I have 2 blackjacks. One has media max 200 and the other has the old school original MediaNet $20 plan. Only the Media Max phone will display cingular videos. I've considered swapping my old school plan for the Media Max 200 since it's the same price, but I'd hate to lose 1500 text messages per month.

Don't do that (give up you MediaWorks plan) or at least not yet. I've got the same plan on my main line and I'm using a Blackjack, everything including CV works fine. Some other people have had problems with CV on the Blackjack. A soft reset(remove battery with phone on) fixed it on more than one occasion.

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael95GT

I only use about 100 text msgs per month so I doubt I would miss it much. I keep reading about people saying they are grandfathered in to this plan. I've had it for a few years now and I'm not sure what makes it great unless you just do a lot of texting???? My wife and I have somewhat similar usage patterns and either of us could get away with the other's plan.

Posted by: Michael95GT

Nothing really makes it special anymore, except for the messages; but just a few months ago there was nothing similar offerd. Oh, and yeah I average at least 300 to 500 sms per month.

Posted by: ventivent

Could someone please PM me their GPRS and Proxy settings which work with Cingular Video and Medianet? I haven't touched the settings since I got the phone, and can't get the Cingular video page to load. Thanks.

Posted by: dgelfuso

make sure you connect via "Wap Network" and not "Internet", that is what worked for me.

Posted by: joejoe111

is there going to be any difference between the internet in the $40 plan and the $20 media max 200 plan??? i'm still a little confused...

Posted by: jdec141

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventivent

Could someone please PM me their GPRS and Proxy settings which work with Cingular Video and Medianet? I haven't touched the settings since I got the phone, and can't get the Cingular video page to load. Thanks.

are you on the pda or smartphone plan? I'm not sure about the pda but I know the smartphone plan does not include cingular video

Posted by: Slavik?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdec141

are you on the pda or smartphone plan? I'm not sure about the pda but I know the smartphone plan does not include cingular video

PDA UNL doesnt either......which is BS, that the most expensive data plan doesnt include all of the advertised extras, no wonder people are playing the system

Posted by: JockItch

Hello All,

I'm eligible for discounts on Cingular Premiers website. I want to go with the 450 minute nationwide and media max 200 package. Fortunately, the website does let me deselect the PDA connect plan and select the media max 200 plan.

However, the phone price changes when I do this. With the PDA connect plan, the phone is $175. With the PDA connect plan, the phone is $275. These prices are without rebates.

My question is, can I just order the phone for $175 with the 39.99 PDA connect plan and then change the service on the Premier website to the 19.99 media max 200 service for the next billing cycle? Like I mentioned before, the Premier website does let me deselect the PDA connect plan and add the media max 200 plan while I'm creating a new account, I'm just not so sure it would let me do it after the fact. I'd like the phone at the discount, but not if it means being tied down to the 39.99 PDA connect plan for 24 months.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by: dgelfuso

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slavik?

PDA UNL doesnt either......which is BS, that the most expensive data plan doesnt include all of the advertised extras, no wonder people are playing the system

PDA Unlimited includes everything for me? Make sure your Internet Explorer connection is set to WAP NETWORK, not The Internet to get those MediaNet features.

Posted by: Slavik?

...not for me....I just checked my connection, and it's WAP NETWORKS

Is your auto detection checked?

Posted by: jdec141

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slavik?

...not for me....I just checked my connection, and it's WAP NETWORKS

Is your auto detection checked?

auto detection should be unchecked

Posted by: JockItch

Quote:

Originally Posted by JockItch

Hello All,

I'm eligible for discounts on Cingular Premiers website. I want to go with the 450 minute nationwide and media max 200 package. Fortunately, the website does let me deselect the PDA connect plan and select the media max 200 plan.

However, the phone price changes when I do this. With the PDA connect plan, the phone is $175. With the PDA connect plan, the phone is $275. These prices are without rebates.

My question is, can I just order the phone for $175 with the 39.99 PDA connect plan and then change the service on the Premier website to the 19.99 media max 200 service for the next billing cycle? Like I mentioned before, the Premier website does let me deselect the PDA connect plan and add the media max 200 plan while I'm creating a new account, I'm just not so sure it would let me do it after the fact. I'd like the phone at the discount, but not if it means being tied down to the 39.99 PDA connect plan for 24 months.

Thanks in advance!

Any knowledge or thoughts in regards to this? Thanks.

Posted by: Slavik?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdec141

auto detection should be unchecked

..it is on mine. I tried hard reset, thinking may be the store employee set up something wrong, but it didn't effect much (and wap seems to be my default setting for all connections, I don't even have a mention of isp anywhere)

I started another thread on CV with PDA connect issue, if some one with this plan has that working, please let me know your settings.

I'll also give Customer Service a call, being that the this is the only data plan that they force you into for BJ, it's a matter of principle now

Posted by: brabe79

They need to include some complimentary text messages like 200 or 500 with PDA Unlimited since they force you into it. Otherwise you are looking at upwards of $50 to get this phone to do all of it's features.

Posted by: jdec141

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slavik?

if you goto cingular.com support pick your phone the instructions for connect to the internet it shows you how everything should be set up.

Posted by: Slavik?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdec141

if you goto cingular.com support pick your phone the instructions for connect to the internet it shows you how everything should be set up.

Did that, it seems like my password was off in medianet connection setting (too many characters for cingular1)
for the problems with CV it pretty much tells you to contact customer service

Posted by: jdec141

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slavik?

Did that, it seems like my password was off in medianet connection setting (too many characters for cingular1)
for the problems with CV it pretty much tells you to contact customer service

my password does the same thing but it is CINGULAR1. it looks like twice that with *****************. Sorry we couldn't get it working for you.

Posted by: jd226

Man, all this fuss over which plan is the appropriate one to use. I renewed my contract and got the Cingular 3125, along with unlimited smartphone connect, a little over a month ago and recently bought the Blackjack through premier. I have not changed anything to my plan and just swapped my sim to the Blackjack. Works perfect and I love the 3G speeds. I hit 1012kbit/sec just the other night

So yes, the plan does work with the Blackjack. So as long as Cingular doesn't know that I swapped my sim to from the 3125 to the Blackjack, then I shouldn't have a problem because my account still list the 3125 as my phone

This might be a venue that some of you are able to explore.

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechosenway

Well the Mediamax 1000 data plan appears to have qualified me for the $100 rebate on the Blackjack. I just checked the status online and it's at the final stage "check mailed". It says "your rebate has been processed. A check for $100 was mailed to you". I won't be absolutely sure of course until I receive the check but according to the site it went thru.

Posted by: jerryk

Quote:

Originally Posted by forest007

Please post when you get the check (gift card). My fingers are poised above the cancel button!!!

Posted by: forest007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryk

Please post when you get the check (gift card). My fingers are poised above the cancel button!!!

Yeah.... I thought it was supposed to be a gift card although the site specifically says "check". Ok I sure will. I'm hoping I get it before Christmas.

Posted by: Dpopkin