Quote:
Originally Posted by devnull
All you need to understand is a Blackberry is not like any other smartphone and the Blackberry data plan is a requirement to make everything work properly.
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Indeed. It's not really a technical thing, but it's done my RIM so operators can distinguish BB data traffic and charge differently for it compared with other data services. This makes supporting RIM attractive to operators. BB traffic uses a special 'APN' - kind of like a subnet for those who know IP networks. Just as well (for RIM), as RIM at least used to charge operators for every BB connection. They can do this because all BB data traffic (on the BB APN) goes through RIM's network so devices in use are known (by RIM), RIM can charge the operator, and the operator can charge the user.
That doesn't ALWAYS work against the consumer. If I recall correctly, it has been advantageous to be on T-Mobile UK when roaming, compared to generic data services.