Using a Blackberry without the Blackberry features - Possible?

[Synncere]

I use an ex-tmobile 7230 and 7290 in Singapore with a pre-paid Singtel card (phone, sms, pda all work fine). I needed to have t-mobile unlock the phones in order to accept 3rd party SIM cards; otherwise they didn't work. So, yes, you can use the blackberry without a data plan, but you might need to have it unlocked first depending upon the network.

BlackBerry will obviously work for voice and sms w/out data plan... it's when you want to send/recieve email, p2p, use web browser, etc... that'll you need a BlackBerry data pack from your service provider. I know some people who use GSM BlackBerries w/out data plans in Canada and the U.S. Having said that I have heard of some CDMA providers that won't let someone use a BlackBerry unless they have a data pack on their account.

[toozerosickz]

I didn't see a direct answer so I'll ask away. Can I use AIM on a 8700G with no data plan? Can I change a setting on Ramble IM to make it so I can?

[Synncere]

^

You need a data pack to use an instant messaging client as it works off of data.

[wmf1489]

You DO NOT need a blackberry data plan.
i bought a 7100t off ebay, stuck my prepaid sim card in, and im using it as a phone.

[Synncere]

^

Yes it will work as a phone but not for data usage.

[Whobutdee]

The data plan is worth the money trust me. I likes a lot

[Andy_q]

Just a quick question in regards to using a bb with out the bb data plan, I too want to get one a 7100i to use as phone dc and pda, would i be able to use a wap program such as tekin or others out there i already have a data plan on my 860 so i'm hoping my 860 sim works on the 7100i.

[hillstrubl]

Just a quick question in regards to using a bb with out the bb data plan, I too want to get one a 7100i to use as phone dc and pda, would i be able to use a wap program such as tekin or others out there i already have a data plan on my 860 so i'm hoping my 860 sim works on the 7100i.

no blackberry will work with any provider without a BLACKBERRY data plan. its different than any other plan as it allows access to RIM's servers which is needed for ANY blackberry to access data.

[candygogo]

no blackberry will work with any provider without a BLACKBERRY data plan. its different than any other plan as it allows access to RIM's servers which is needed for ANY blackberry to access data.

If you're talking about using BB push email and such, then you do need a BB plan. However, if you're using a Nextel BB (at least the 7520, I don't know about the 7100i) you can have access to nearly all data (not push email or sms) with a Boost Mobile sim card. For email, you'd have to purchase an email client but text is out the window.

So basically, if you depend on push email, text and 100% data, then there's no going around getting a plan. Depending on carrier, you can use the BB as a phone/pda only (with T-Mobile). Nextel will automatically add the plan to your BB. Boost Mobile is mainly like Nextel prepaid, and using their sim (must renew every 3 months for at least $20) in a BB works, just a bit limited. Don't know how Cingular or Verizon's policies are.

[smclean23]

i have a 7100i and i am not able to receive or send sms text messages...how will i be able to do that w/o the data plan?

[mousehunt]

Can you get a Blackberry or Treo without cellular phone service? I have a supervisor who wants a Blackberry or Treo to check email, surf the web, and text message but doesn't need to use it as a phone. If not, what would you recommend using? I've looked a little at the Tungsten and Axim, but heard that Axim was going to be discontinued.

[candygogo]

i have a 7100i and i am not able to receive or send sms text messages...how will i be able to do that w/o the data plan?

You can't without a data plan. Like I mentioned before, if sending sms and receiving push email is important, then (on Nextel anyway-with T-Mobile sms can be sent and received at the 5cents/msg) you need the data plan. If all you want is email, using a Nextel BB with a Boost sim and getting an email client isn't a problem.

[candygogo]

Can you get a Blackberry or Treo without cellular phone service? I have a supervisor who wants a Blackberry or Treo to check email, surf the web, and text message but doesn't need to use it as a phone. If not, what would you recommend using? I've looked a little at the Tungsten and Axim, but heard that Axim was going to be discontinued.

I believe Nextel has a plan that's just for data on their BB. It's something like $45/mo.

[CaptainScarlet]

I have my BB 7100g with Cingular.I have no plan with BB ,i only use the phone for calls and sms.

[BenMarvin]

I didn't see a direct answer so I'll ask away. Can I use AIM on a 8700G with no data plan? Can I change a setting on Ramble IM to make it so I can?

On T-Mobile...it's actually a catch 22. You would need a data plan to download their IM client. But you wouldn't need a data plan to use it, just a text messaging plan. The client uses SMS to send messages. I recommend the unlimited plan.