[codeworks]

My voice plan is with Cingular and since their data plan is about $50 for unlimited data (not including SMS), and I was not willing to pay that rate, I went to T-Mobile for their $30 unlimited BB plan. If you are wondering, I would have done voice through T-Mobile as well but their coverage is pretty spotty in the Milwaukee area and my voice coverage needs to be pretty reliable, especially within buildings.

Anyway, just curious if anyone else is using this type of setup where they only have a data plan on their BB? Or maybe if they dont even have a data plan at all and just use the BB as a normal mobile phone? How is everything working out? Any issues? Suggestions?

The only issue so far is that when I SMS, my phone number comes across as my voice number.

Thanks.

[cohiba smoker]

Dont think you can have a bb without a data plan. I think your carrier will automatically include the data package. I know nextel does this.

[terrencehicks@gmail.com]

I bought mine and did not have to add the data plan. I'm on Cingular. In fact I did not add the data plan until a couple of days later

[NJBlackBerry]

Nextel will automatically add the data plan, but I am not aware of any other carriers will automatically add it.

[prodigalson2004]

I use my 7290 with Cingular Go Phone prepaid (pick your plan) I used to have a basic nokia, but then my brother gave me his brand new 7290, so i just use that now. So not only do some people use it with no data, but some people use it for prepaid! I know it sounds silly, but I am one of the few people that like how blackberries feel and look

[cohiba smoker]

A question I would have is why? Why would you carry around a BB and not use the email/web/data???

[prodigalson2004]

Originally Posted by cohiba smoker

A question I would have is why? Why would you carry around a BB and not use the email/web/data???

I tend to agree, me carrying around a 7290 with a GoPhone SIM sounds silly, but I love the phone

[allenranger2]

T-Mobile offers unlimited data for $19.99. Data is optional, but as the others said...carry a 7100t for regular voice if you want Bberry and no data.

[Aroc]

Why would you put up with spotty data coverage then? I know $20 or $30 is a lot less than $50/mo, but still.

One of the nice things about the BB, I've noticed when traveling, is that you only need to be in range for about 20-30 seconds at a time in order for me to receive all of my emails. the device and service seems to be adept at "sipping" data like this. I'd never be able to do that will a scheduled pull or replication task like on a normal PDA. Kudos to RIM for giving us this great design that works in the real world. Now if they would only improve the device and PDA programs themselves, then we'd really have something.

So perhaps I've just answered my own question. Unless you have the money to burn (or employer pays for it, same thing), or you don't actively use BB data to make money, I can see why someone would balk at the $45-50/mo data rate.

I guess I didn't know one could split up services that way. Are you able to use the same SIM card (I imagine you must, or you'd have two phones).

[Swirl22]

I switched from Sprint to Nextel because I wanted a BB.

I figured it would cost about the same to just do the unlimted plan with nextel and the phone minutes also, becasue if i combined the plan from sprint and the cheaper unlimited data from nextel it came to be about the same cost.

So far I like having them both in one place.

Swirl22

[codeworks]

You hit it right on the head. The $20-$30 cost is much easier to swallow than $50+ with Cingular. The Data portion is not as much as a priority as my voice plan since as a field consultant, I am constantly receiving calls from the office, etc, but if I cannot get a data connection, I can simply walk to another location and it will be there.

Put another way, I am not as dependant on the data as I am the voice. I do carry a seperate phone (cingular) for voice, but my phones are unlocked, so I can switch between T-Mobile and Cingular SIMS.

If Cingular ever decided to compete dollar for dollar with other providers data plans, I would not even hesitate to switch, but the $20+ a month difference is too much right now.

[udontknowjack]

I know people who use the BB as a phone only and some who use it for data only. The data only option makes more sense as that is really what the device is intended for anyway.
I have a friend, however, that does SMS alot and has a BB with phone only, no data, to make it easier to type messages for sms. He also loves the PIM functionality of contacts and calendar. He just cradles it daily to get that info on the device.

[Dawg]

Swirl Did I read your post right you went with the cheaper 3mb plan from nextel? Man I hope you dont plan to use any of the IM programs IE rambler or verchat. ANd for the love of God please dont do any OTA downloads you will blow through that 3mb in the first day of service and the pay as you go from nextel for overages is a witch with a capitol B. I did the 3mb plan and got a 300.00 phone bill my second month

[CanEHdian]

Why anyone would want to use a BBY for just the phone is beyond me - especially when it's the worst feature the unit has.

I can see why someone would keep their cell phone and just use the BBY for data - it's not very good as a phone, loudest setting and still very difficult to hear anything unless using the ear plug... and even then.

my 0.02

[mflaherty]

Originally Posted by CanEHdian

Why anyone would want to use a BBY for just the phone is beyond me - especially when it's the worst feature the unit has.

I can see why someone would keep their cell phone and just use the BBY for data - it's not very good as a phone, loudest setting and still very difficult to hear anything unless using the ear plug... and even then.

my 0.02

While I use my 7250 as both phone and data device, I disagree about the 7250's telephone features being anywhere near poor. My 7250's speaker is the loudest of any cell phone I've ever owned - period. And the sound is crystal clear, too. Only 2 issues I have are that the answer button and disconnect button are too close together. Any number of times when I first got my unit, I inadvertently hung up my caller when trying to quickly answer the phone. And I also miss voice dialing capabilities. But, overall, my 7250 is the finest communications tool I've ever owned. I love it.

[kamoze357]

Originally Posted by Swirl22

I switched from Sprint to Nextel because I wanted a BB.

I figured it would cost about the same to just do the unlimted plan with nextel and the phone minutes also, becasue if i combined the plan from sprint and the cheaper unlimited data from nextel it came to be about the same cost.

So far I like having them both in one place.

Swirl22

Sprint carries BBs, the 7250 and 7750 to be specific. I'm picking up my 7250 today from them.

[Dawg]

sprint also carries the nextel line of 7520s

[kamoze357]

Originally Posted by Dawg

sprint also carries the nextel line of 7520s

But even though they are the same company (sort of) you have to leave sprint and become a new nextel customer in order to get the 7520. For all intent and purposes, its like leaving your carrier. Just wanted him to know he couldve stayed with sprint, nextel does not offer the same plans as sprint.... at least not as of today.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by mflaherty

While I use my 7250 as both phone and data device, I disagree about the 7250's telephone features being anywhere near poor... And I also miss voice dialing capabilities. But, overall, my 7250 is the finest communications tool I've ever owned. I love it.

I've felt the same way about my 7290. I have heard at least one person complain about the volume level on the 7290, but I've never personally had any problems. While it's hardly any better than the freebie Nokia 3390 I used to have I have really been happy with the phone portion of my Blackberry overall. I would like voice dialing and even better ringtone support but the latter definitely isn't a deal-breaker. Voice dialing would be a HUGE plus for all the Bluetooth-capable models.

[Daggerx]

i use BB7230 for phone but I will get the data plan...