Quote:
Originally Posted by loshun
Hi, I just got a BB9700 from a friend and it's NOT unlocked. It's for AT&T.
I do not have a data plan, and do not want one. Please save me the spiels on WHY I would use a BB without a data plan. Just don't bother replying!
So basically - I want to make sure ATT doesn't tack a data plan onto my monthly bill for using a blackberry. How can I ensure this doesnt happen? I heard they can TELL if you're using a smartphone...
I already called them up and made them block internet...to ensure that my sim card can't connect to the internet... is there anything else I can do?
I'd like it if WiFi would work on this BB - but if it doesnt, fine.
I just want to make sure AT&T can't tell that I am using a smartphone to justify adding another $30 onto my bill.
Thanks in advanced.
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I use a T-Mobile Blackberry 8900 on AT&T with no data charges. I'm registered to use a Palm 680 with MMS and am "grandfathered" to use smart phone with no data plan. Unfortunately, I can't just switch phones under my grandfather clause to another smart phone with WiFi (the Palm doesn't have it) since AT&T are being the usual jerks they are. So, I put a SIM in a unlocked T-Mobile BB 8900 and it has worked fine for over a year with my records still saying I use a Palm 680. The only catch is I can't use MMS on the BB so I can't send photos or videos anymore. BB uses their own data server and you have to have a data plan to send MMS (photos). On the Palm 680 AT&T allowed me to use data for free just for MMS photos. I paid if I wanted to use network services, which like you, I don't use. The BB 8900 does have WiFi so I'm happy and can even search for an open network in town or use it at a coffee shop, both of which I seldom do.
So far it's been over a year and I continue to use the phone without AT&T imposing a data plan. I keep the edge network off so as to not accidentally raise a flag when I'm using the Wifi mode.
The only downside is I can't send MMS since either the T-Mobile is not capable and uses a different system, or from what I've read, you have to have a BB data plan to send MMS since BB uses their own server system that one is not a part of with no data plan...no pushed email, photos or video. I still use the camera, but must transfer the photos on my computer and send through email.
The USA system of forced data plan is a rip-off. In Thailand I can get unlimited calls, pushed emails, and data on either the BB 2G Edge or 3G systems for $20 a month. Corporate power controls everything in the USA .
Why I don't get caught by AT&T's robots might just because my time has not come, or as an AT&T guy told me, just don't trigger network services, or it's 2G, or maybe it's because it's an unlocked T-Mobile device which they can't recognize.
I'm happy because I can effortlessly sync it with my Mac (finally..thank you BB for SW) and use Wifi whenever I want, plus use it for pushed email when I travel outside USA using any countries cheap SIM cards. I lose photos and video transmission here in USA, but I can live with that for saving $30 a month.
This was long but hope it helps.