You might as well bring your BB overseas and use it for data and just buy a cheap unlocked phone off ebay for like what $40?
Agreed. Dumb of me to want to have one phone instead of two.
Wanting to have ONE phone is not dumb. Its smart.
But the question around Using a pre-paid sim vs DATA COVERAGE needs to be answered/addressed...
Example... I admin/run the BES. Blackberries are used by the the top 500+ of the US branch of this world wide company.. they are Exec's and VIP's... not tech savy... If they go to the UK, pick up a pre-paid sim and it doesn't do data, they are SOL and will not be happy. Not to mention, using the pre-paid sim will mean a completely different phone number for them while over there.
Using the Verizon 8830, and Verizon's service (ok Vodaphone probably), if they travel overseas, they are sure to have some data coverage without having to go out of their way to find/purchase a pre-paid sim that has data.
Its kind of "on par" with how my T-Mobile and Cingular users work now... when they go to the UK, Sweden, etc... they just stick with their T-Mobile or Cingular service. They don't pickup a "cheap" pre-paid sim.
So does this mean this phone won't offer GPS and GSM roaming unless you pay for the service??? Verizon is killing my hopes of staying with them.
Well, considering their previous BB 8703e, GPS may/probably be disabled. GSM roaming by using a "local" SIM card will more than likely be disabled (unlockable/they won't unlock it). GSM roaming will work under their conditions only.
GSM roaming isn't a deal breaker for me since I rarely go overseas and if I do, I have a GSM handset that's unlocked and ready to go. But disabling GPS will be since that's the only real draw (for me) in regards to the 88xx series.
I think his point was that International Roaming with the iPhone will be just as expensive as the 8830 because Cingular / Apple will lock it Cingular preventing you from using a prepaid local SIM and forcing you to use their international roaming partners.
Unlikely. They'll probably unlock it to use pre-paid/local SIMs like all their other devices if you ask them within their set time period. It doesn't mean all the features will work since at&t/Cingular is creating a special back end just for the iPhone.
But the question around Using a pre-paid sim vs DATA COVERAGE needs to be answered/addressed...
Example... I admin/run the BES. Blackberries are used by the the top 500+ of the US branch of this world wide company.. they are Exec's and VIP's... not tech savy... If they go to the UK, pick up a pre-paid sim and it doesn't do data, they are SOL and will not be happy. Not to mention, using the pre-paid sim will mean a completely different phone number for them while over there.
Using the Verizon 8830, and Verizon's service (ok Vodaphone probably), if they travel overseas, they are sure to have some data coverage without having to go out of their way to find/purchase a pre-paid sim that has data.
Its kind of "on par" with how my T-Mobile and Cingular users work now... when they go to the UK, Sweden, etc... they just stick with their T-Mobile or Cingular service. They don't pickup a "cheap" pre-paid sim.
Yep. You do make a good point. More than likely, it'll come down to which will be a cost savings in the long run for the company in regards to data usage and roaming calls.
Kind of leaves out the personal user but I doubt it's really going to be marketed towards the "global" personal user.
Well folks, VZW did it to us again!! IT IS CRIPPLED FOR INTERNATIONAL USE. They locked down the GSM capabilities. Hopefully someone somewhere will hack it.
NEW YORK - Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. are introducing a BlackBerry e-mail phone that's compatible with the cellular technology more common in other countries in addition to the standard used on their own U.S. networks.
One key difference between the Verizon and Sprint versions of the new BlackBerry 8830 is that Sprint's will be "unlocked," enabling customers who take the device abroad to buy wireless service in other countries through other carriers. Verizon's 8830 is locked so that it can only be used overseas through Verizon's roaming service.
The new phone is a variant of the 8800 line introduced in February by BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd. through AT&T Inc.
The list price is $400, but Verizon will be offering it starting next month for as little as $200 for customers who sign up for both voice and data service with a two-year commitment. Sprint, which won't start selling its 8830 until July, didn't disclose pricing. A spokeswoman said it will be competitive with Verizon's device.
The BlackBerry is being rolled out by Verizon with an international data plan costing $20 per month for unlimited e-mail access in about 60 countries on top of the regular BlackBerry subscription fee of $45 to $50 a month. Occasional travelers can opt to pay as they go for their data usage. The device also can be used as a phone in more than 150 countries at a cost of $1.29 or $2.49 per minute, depending on the market. (FYI, Just to give you a frame-of-reference...using a local SIM card you can make calls to the US or locally for .01 to.02 in India and around .05 in China.)
RIM developed the dual-mode capability to suit Verizon's and Sprint's circumstances.
Both companies use what some experts consider a superior wireless technology known as CDMA. But the vast majority of the world's cellular networks run on a standard called GSM.
As a result, where GSM-based carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile USA can easily offer phones that work overseas, Verizon and Sprint haven't had many options for their customers who travel abroad.
Though a dual-mode phone is an obvious solution, the drawback is the cost of adding more complex components and the engineering challenge of jamming them into a handheld device without making it bulky.
RIM overcame the second hurdle, squeezing in the dual capabilities without increasing the 8800's size.
Verizon, meanwhile, appears to have addressed the cost problem by offering a steep discount — a point driven home by its decision to "lock" the device, preventing users from using it with a rival carrier's service abroad.
It's undisclosed how much RIM is charging Verizon for each device. But after the assorted discounts, Verizon's 8830 is being offered for $100 less than AT&T's GSM-only version. In fact, the 8830 from Verizon and Sprint is also equipped with a speedier technology for wireless Internet access than AT&T's version.
Verizon said it locked the new BlackBerry as part of its emphasis on ensuring network quality for customers, this time outside the United States.
But that policy disables one of the most popular attributes of GSM phones, all of which feature a slot for a removable, postage-stamp sized card that stores a user's account information.
The ability to remove that card, called a SIM, enables a user to buy multiple GSM phones and use whichever one suits the occasion.
More importantly in this case, GSM also enables a traveler to use a single phone, but buy wireless service from different providers in different countries. Then, by slipping the appropriate SIM into the phone in a given country, the user can cut back on the steep international roaming fees charged by carriers.
Vodafone Group PLC, which owns 45 percent of Verizon Wireless, will be providing much of the overseas roaming service for Verizon's 8830. So by locking the BlackBerry 8830 to only work with a Verizon SIM, those two companies will be sure to capture the revenue from any calls made with the device from another country.
Gotta tell 'ya, the iPhone and a switch to AT&T is looking better each day. I know VZW has a great network but it's always one thing after another with VZW
Man will you stop with this ridiculous post! Why would anyone who travels for business want to have to buy a local SIM for each country they are in? Let me list 20 different phone numbers on my business card just in case a customer needs to get in touch with me. Or I can use my same number around the globe, which is better for business?
Unlikely. They'll probably unlock it to use pre-paid/local SIMs like all their other devices if you ask them within their set time period. It doesn't mean all the features will work since at&t/Cingular is creating a special back end just for the iPhone.
Your scenario is very unlikely. Cingular is notorious for keeping their phones locked up and Apple is notorious for not opening up their products to anyone outside their sphere of control. Combined together the ATT/Apple lock will be a tough one to crack - if it's possible at all. However, it's nice to step outside the bounds of reality and dream occasionally.
All valid points. My point is that Sprint's version is "unlocked," giving people abroad the flexibility to use it with the service of a local wireless provider. It is a shame VZW didn't see fit to give its subscribers the same option.
All valid points. My point is that Sprint's version is "unlocked," giving people abroad the flexibility to use it with the service of a local wireless provider. It is a shame VZW didn't see fit to give its subscribers the same option.
True... Its nice for the CUSTOMER.. But not for Sprint's bottom line... its lost revenue for them...
T-Mobile, Cingular, etc... Lock their GSM hand sets, so you are forced to purchase their international services, i.e. PAY THEM, rather than loose that money... Verizon is doing the same. After all, businesses are in business to make money...
For the Techie, personal traveler, using a pre-paid SIM purchased in the country you are visiting, is a GREAT option... assuming you just want to MAKE calls... If you want to recieve them, you have to give people your "new number". If you are Non-Techie, then you might have a problem even knowing what a sim is, how to change it, etc... Not to mention keeping track of your original SIM so you have it when you get back to the states (yeah, I have some users who are forgetful, or can loose something that small).
I haven't yet seen Sprint's plan/offering for THEIR international service... I hope you're not forced to pick a "local provider" when you land... Unless that might be a short term solution, until they establish roaming agreements or partnerships with non-us carriers.
Again, I think unlocked so you can use any SIM is good for PERSONAL users... But I see the BB 8830 being targed at Business travelers, where using pre-paid sim/service is not a good solution.
All valid points. My point is that Sprint's version is "unlocked," giving people abroad the flexibility to use it with the service of a local wireless provider. It is a shame VZW didn't see fit to give its subscribers the same option.
Man, the Sprint version is _black_. That's what I really want.
People need to understand that this is being marketed to businesses and professionals who NEED to be connected, wherever they are. The extra $20 per month doesn't matter, if it means that enhanced connectivity.
This is true. VZW is aiming only at the Enterprise market with this one....
Both Verizon, Sprint To Offer Customers New, Global BlackBerry
by Emily Burg, Thursday, Apr 26, 2007 5:00 AM ET
WIRELESS CARRIERS VERIZON WIRELESS AND Sprint are both offering the new Research In Motion's BlackBerry 8830 CDMA/GSM phone to their customers, with Verizon Wireless the first to have the global edition of the ubiquitous business tool in its stores on May 14.
The BlackBerry 8830 is the fourth addition to its CDMA/GSM product line offering, which spokeswoman Brenda Raney tells Marketing Daily is a product line supported by customer demand, and will be marketed directly to the company's enterprise customers.
"This is a product that fits into the enterprise offering. Much of the marketing is built-in because customers want this device," Raney says. "We have a national sales team that will be calling on the customers. In addition, it will be advertised in standard business publications and on our Web site and in our stores."
Raney declined to disclose what percentage of Verizon Wireless customers are enterprise customers.
Verizon Wireless will offer the smartphone for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.
While Sprint customers won't be able to purchase the BlackBerry 8830 until July, beginning today customers can register at spring.com/8830 to be among the first to purchase the unit from Sprint.
However, when the smartphone does become available to Sprint customers, they will have a distinct advantage over Verizon Wireless customers: their phones will be unlocked, enabling them to purchase local--and often, less expensive--voice service when traveling overseas, rather than having to pay their home service provider's rates when overseas.
Sprint has not yet announced specifics on its advertising and marketing plans for the BlackBerry 8830, but media relations representative Amy Schiska-Lombard tells Marketing Daily it intends to target the smartphone to both enterprise and consumer customers.
Research In Motion had no further comment on overall marketing plans for the device, saying that the company does not discuss its marketing plans, but typically relies on the carriers to handle the marketing for its products.
No argument. Still, it would have been just about the perfect phone for me if it had GSM unlocked like the Sprint-version. YMMV.
Also, RIM is definitely looking beyond their core enterprise business with products like the Pearl. For Sprint, the 8830 is really both an enterprise and consumer offering - as it could have been with VZW.
Agreed, but they are not trying to that with this device, which is the reason it doesn't have a camera. Like you mentioned, the Pearl and some upcoming devices are aimed more at the consumer market.
For Sprint, the 8830 is really both an enterprise and consumer offering - as it could have been with VZW.
It still is for VZW, locked-down GSM side or no. My suspicion is very few will take a pass on the device based on this; the trade-off of SIM swapping is not having push email, which basically defeats the purpose of carrying a BlackBerry. Anybody who suffered through RIM's recent outage will tell you how painful it is to look down at the device's screen and not see new email.
RIM 8830 Global Phone (Cyclone) Launch 5-14-07
Originally Posted by kenstee
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(yeah, I have some users who are forgetful, or can loose something that small).
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