vB Easy Archive - Best carrier for BB

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Best carrier for BB - ATT/Sprint/VZW
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Posted by: 911dispatcher

I am currently a Verizon subscriber. I am looking into get a new phone when i contact is up in the next few months. I think I have decided on a Blackberry. I am looking at both the pearl and 8830. In the area of indiana that I live in we have ATT / Sprint / Verizon. I was wondering if anyone in the central indiana area had any advice on which network. I have been looking at the unlimited voice and data plans. If I am reading things right sprint has theres for 99.99 and verizons for the blackberry is 139.99. Correct me if i am wrong. Just looking for the best deal and best network in my area.

Posted by: davistld01

AT&T has a longer and more extensive relationship with RIM, and BlackBerry devices than any other service provider. They also have the most comprehensive service coverage area in the country. Those facts, and the fact that AT&T offers a $99 unlimited plan that includes BlackBerry BIS service...out to make your decision simple.

Posted by: DubDub

You are probably the only one who can reasonably answer your question. You need to look at where you will be using the device - where you live, work, travel and play and pick the carrier that provides the best service. Price should be a secondary factor since if you don't have coverage, even the cheapest plan is too expensive.

Generally speaking, Verizon and ATT have the best coverage areas, but all carriers have gaps in coverage. If Verizon works for you, why switch? If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it.

Posted by: Red Setter

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

Those facts, and the fact that AT&T offers a $99 unlimited plan that includes BlackBerry BIS service...out to make your decision simple.

Might want to check that - I was told the $99 unlimited plan did not include the data or BIS coverage

A lot carrier selection is personal choice. I personally prefer the CDMA carriers. I'm in the NYC metro area so coverage isn't really an issue for me. They all work well enough. That said however, I'm not a big GSM fan. I don't like the noise in the connections and the RF interference in all my radio and audio equipment.

VZW and Sprint have EVD0 Blackberrys. AT&T is EDGE. Much slower.

AT&T has the 88xx, 8310 and Pearl. VZW and Sprint have the 8830 and 8130. (Both have the 87xx)

Sprint has the $99 simply Everything plan - which they claim includes the BIS as well as unlimited SMS/MMS. VZW has a $119 unlimited plan but the BIS is an additional $29. I was told that AT&T's unlimited plan was voice only: so $99 plus the $29 BIS and SMS/MMS were extra.

Best thing you can do is call each of the carriers and price out exactly what you want. Then go look at their phones and see which handset suits you best. If you want a Pearl or 88xx you can go with any of them. If you must have a Curve, and must have it now, your only choice will be AT&T (Or TMobile if it's available in your area)

Posted by: Mr. Bond

It would be up to what works the best in your area, and what BlackBerry you want at this time. If you want the 8100, 8310 or 8820, go with ATT. If you want the 8830 or the 8130, go with Sprint or VZW. Not to mention the EDGE vs. EVDO speeds; my Sprint BlackBerry is significantly faster than any of my AT&T BlackBerry's.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

AT&T has a longer and more extensive relationship with RIM, and BlackBerry devices than any other service provider. They also have the most comprehensive service coverage area in the country. Those facts, and the fact that AT&T offers a $99 unlimited plan that includes BlackBerry BIS service...out to make your decision simple.

Hmmm...I had been told that AT&T's $99 plan did include BIS, but perhaps I need to check on that myself to be totally accurate in my statement.

I might be wrong...

Posted by: Red Setter

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

Hmmm...I had been told that AT&T's $99 plan did include BIS, but perhaps I need to check on that myself to be totally accurate in my statement.

I might be wrong...

That was what I had thought as well, till I called AT&T to change to the unlimited plan. The agent I spoke to may have been incorrect but if she was, it cost them a phone line. Because rather than have to pay $99 for unltd voice +$29 for unltd family messages + $29 for BIS (Total of $159/month) I just took my phone back to VZW where I get the same package for $149.

Posted by: whsbuss

If you travel outside the US then only the 8830 world phone from VZ or Sprint will provide you coverage, and mostly in Europe. That may be a consideration. When my contract is up this year I will be switching to AT&T.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Setter

So...pardon me if I am misunderstanding...but, you didn't stay with AT&T because of only $10 a month more on their charges for the package that Verizon offers? I can't see changing providers over $10.

I do believe AT&T is expensive for their data/BIS services...but until someone can provide me with the same level of service & coverage (in my area at least) that they do, they are worth the extra $10-15 a month to me, at least.

Posted by: Red Setter

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

No. I was still in my 30 day remorse period so I went back to Verizon for my primary line mainly because, for $10 less per month, I get more: A one year committment instead of 2, EVD0, a clean clear connection, service wherever I go, better reception in my home area, fewer dropped calls and no GSM radio interference in all of my audio equipment

I'm in the NY metro area. My reception shouldn't be an issue but with 2 BB Pearl's side by side the VZW Pearl wins the reception wars hands down. Always showing 1 or more bars higher than the AT&T. The AT&T Pearl drops calls constantly. The VZW not so much.

As I said before: Carrier selection is a very subjective thing. What works for one person doesn't for another. I went to AT&T to be able to get an iPhone on one of my backup lines. I brought my primary over 3 weeks ago and regretted it almost immediately. I've another year left in my contract with AT&T. When it's done I'll be canceling that line as well and keeping all of my cells on VZW again.

Posted by: jrtmouse

I'm also curious to know if you HAVE to sign up for a data plan when buying a new Blackberry with either ATT or Verizon or if one can forgo the data plan. I'm interested in the Blackberry due to great sound quality, reception and just overall greatness. I don't want or need a data plan and I won't be going the Blackberry route if I have to pay an additional $30/ month.

Posted by: Mr. Bond

You'll read around on the forums that people have gotten by it, but technically, RIM has an agreement with all of the carriers that require that they add the data plan.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrtmouse

I'm also curious to know if you HAVE to sign up for a data plan when buying a new Blackberry with either ATT or Verizon or if one can forgo the data plan. I'm interested in the Blackberry due to great sound quality, reception and just overall greatness. I don't want or need a data plan and I won't be going the Blackberry route if I have to pay an additional $30/ month.

Why would you buy a BlackBerry w/o a BlackBerry Data plan? That's like having a PBJ w/o the jelly.

Posted by: jrtmouse

davistld01,
I know (about the data plans) but the Blackberry seems to be the only decent phone that I'm remotely interested in. Flip phones suck. I've never used one that has decent sound quality and that doesn't break when you drop it the first time. I've seen a few SEs out there that are kinda cool but after my last experience, I really just want a decent quality bar phone and this seems to fit the bill. Frankly, I think $30 is a little much for a frikkin plan that allows you to already do what you're already paying for at home! It's pretty much a $30 convenience charge exploited by the carriers. What I REALLY want is a new version of my SE T616!

Thanks for the response anyway. I'm gonna try and fight with the carriers to see if they'll waive the $30 plan. I wonder if I already owned the Blackberry if they'd still require me to buy the data plan.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrtmouse

davistld01,
Thanks for the response anyway. I'm gonna try and fight with the carriers to see if they'll waive the $30 plan. I wonder if I already owned the Blackberry if they'd still require me to buy the data plan.

Don't waste your time trying to get the plan fee dropped. The carriers make way too much on that to give you a free ride, current BB or not.

I love my BlackBerry...but I am also using an Asian-variant of the AT&T-branded Motorola V9 that I really like a lot. Frankly, if I didn't have a real need for the email and communication functions that the BB has...I would probably switch to the Moto and save myself $30 a month by just using the Media Max data plan that AT&T offers. I hate to admit it but for sheer reception and call quality...for pure "dumbphone" performance, the Moto beats the BlackBerry. So, if the money is the dealbreaker...you might look into it.

Posted by: Mr. Bond

I've found that the CDMA carriers are the ones that are reluctant to remove it - it was a bit easier to do on AT&T.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opacity

I've found that the CDMA carriers are the ones that are reluctant to remove it - it was a bit easier to do on AT&T.

You got AT&T to remove the BIS plan, and you still get full BIS service with your Pearl?

Posted by: Mr. Bond

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

You got AT&T to remove the BIS plan, and you still get full BIS service with your Pearl?

No, no, I'm sorry, I didn't read that part. I'm saying that I was able to get AT&T to remove the BIS plan without too much of a fuss.

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opacity

No, no, I'm sorry, I didn't read that part. I'm saying that I was able to get AT&T to remove the BIS plan without too much of a fuss.

So, do you still get email service...or is the email/messaging function of the phone kaput without the BIS plan?

I'm asking, only because I don't really need "push" email...so I would do without it if I could still have the messaging functions and save $30 too.

Oh yeah...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to both of us, Opacity!!

Posted by: Mr. Bond

I didn't when I had it removed, unfortunately. That would have been nice, though!

Posted by: 13iGP

I use Rogers here in Canada and it's amazing for the Blackberry 8700 and 8800

Posted by: briareus

Quote:

Originally Posted by whsbuss

If you travel outside the US then only the 8830 world phone from VZ or Sprint will provide you coverage, and mostly in Europe. That may be a consideration. When my contract is up this year I will be switching to AT&T.

That statement can easily be misinterpreted. To clarify: the 8830 is the only CDMA BB that will work outside the US. GSM models are already quad band.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrtmouse

Frankly, I think $30 is a little much for a frikkin plan that allows you to already do what you're already paying for at home!

How is that relevant? With your reasoning we shouldn't have to pay for wireless minutes at all since we can place phone calls from a land line at home...

I should be able to eat out for free too -- since I already pay for food at home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

Why would you buy a BlackBerry w/o a BlackBerry Data plan? That's like having a PBJ w/o the jelly.

People have their reasons. If you need a BB data plan, get it. If you don't then don't.

Posted by: Mr. Bond

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

That's the unfortunate thing, you lose the e-mail, web, and PIN messaging/BlackBerry messenger.

Happy anniversary to you as well! We've been here quite a while...

Posted by: davistld01

Quote:

Originally Posted by briareus

People have their reasons. If you need a BB data plan, get it. If you don't then don't.

But, without the BB plan...all you have is a phone. Why not just get a free dumbphone that simply makes and recieves calls...and has voicemail?

The BlackBerry is a messaging/communication device...and to not hook it up with a proper data plan is to not use it to anywhere near it's potential. I don't see why anyone would want to do that, personally. Yeah, $30 is $30...and in my tightening my financial belt currently, I am considering whether I really need the BlackBerry plan and all that it offers. But, instead of simply removing the plan...I will sell the BlackBerry and move to my Moto as my main rig. It's a great phone...but, it's just a phone...

Posted by: Mr. Bond

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

The BlackBerry is a messaging/communication device...and to not hook it up with a proper data plan is to not use it to anywhere near it's potential. I don't see why anyone would want to do that, personally. Yeah, $30 is $30...and in my tightening my financial belt currently, I am considering whether I really need the BlackBerry plan and all that it offers. But, instead of simply removing the plan...I will sell the BlackBerry and move to my Moto as my main rig. It's a great phone...but, it's just a phone...

I agree completely, however I know there are those people that enjoy the form factor of the BlackBerry enough to forego the pleasure of the data plan. I know I couldn't!

Posted by: M_Dee

Quote:

Originally Posted by davistld01

Many people buy it just for the QWERTY keyboard and the form factor, as opposed to regular flip phones. It's the same thing with the Blackjack, Treo, Q, etc. I think the Blackberry is better with a data plan, but it's still a good phone without one. They may not be using it to it's potential or for what it's "meant" for, but if they're willing to pay for the phone anyway and are happy with it, then good for them.

EDIT: Unless you buy a phone with a mail-in rebate or you order from a third party site or store, you shouldn't have a problem buying a Blackberry with no data plan, unless you use Verizon.

Posted by: Red Setter

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Dee

EDIT: Unless you buy a phone with a mail-in rebate or you order from a third party site or store, you shouldn't have a problem buying a Blackberry with no data plan, unless you use Verizon.

Most of the carriers have a contract with RIM (Much the same as AT&T has with Apple) that doesn't allow them to sell a RIM device without a data plan

Posted by: jrtmouse

I'd like to let everyone know that I was at Costco on Saturday and ATT offered me the BlackBerry for $29.99 with no requirement to add the data plan! I jumped on that faster than a fly on kaka! I am now the owner of a red BB! Thanks everyone for their comments.

Posted by: gambit57

..............

Posted by: TEEREX

Is there any better carrier than Alltel. Great coverage, great service, EVDO, and my circle.

Posted by: mick662

Quote:

Originally Posted by briareus

That statement can easily be misinterpreted. To clarify: the 8830 is the only CDMA BB that will work outside the US. GSM models are already quad band.

But VZW and Sprint are CDMA carriers, thus the 8830 is the only phone from them that uses a SIM card.