Geotip: BlackBerry FAQs on compatibility issues

Here are a quick review on some common questions that Australian mobile users shopping for a BlackBerry device may have.


What is BlackBerry data plan?

The BlackBerry data plan is an exclusive service provided by your main carrier. The four main carriers in Australia that provides this service are,

Optus/Vodafone/Telstra/Three

• The data plan includes access to internet, push email , pin to pin messaging and utilising any BlackBerry apps that require this service. Most carriers try to provide unlimited access for a monthly fee so that you need not worry about excess charges. It is the heart and soul of any BlackBerry device.
• The data plan comes in different monthly charges for different needs. Price ranges from $9.90 per month to $30 per month. A data plan subscription can easily be added or removed at ANY POINT of your current contract (if it did not come with one), or, anytime even after a contract expired.
• Customers on Prepaid SIMs usually cannot add a data plan subscription, this may change in time.
• The data plan DOES NOT REQUIRE 3G network access. A fine example is the BlackBerry Curve series which utilise only GSM networks but still able to access BlackBerry services.
• Almost every BlackBerry app featured on a BlackBerry device or from BlackBerry App World requires a BlackBerry data plan subscription for full access. Eg. Google Maps, Facebook, Live Messenger etc.

How do I select the right BlackBerry device?

Often when selecting a mobile device, you would like to ensure that your SIM will work and you could make calls and SMS.

With today's mobile network technology, we have a variety of networks running at different frequencies and speeds. The most up to date standard in Australia is currently the 3G network. 3G networks are meant for high speed data transfer in which internet access is provided efficiently.

Based on the info above about the BlackBerry data plan, a user can actually select any BlackBerry device with their own SIM as long as the phone is unlocked.

For the low end/basic BlackBerry models such as the Curve 8520 or 8900, you only need to make sure that the model supports GSM 900 band and that it is fully unlocked. All mobile networks in Australia provide GSM as basic coverage for voice and SMS.

For mid end/high end BlackBerry models such as the Storm 9530, Bold 9000 or 9700, it is highly recommended to pick one which will be fully compatible with your carrier's 3G frequency to access the 3G network, but it is not a necessity. All high end 3G models will always roam on 2G/GSM networks if the user is in an area not covered by 3G, or if the handset specifications is not compatible with the carrier's 3G frequency.

Brief look of the main 3G networks in Australia:

Optus/Vodafone/Three 3G runs on UMTS/HSDPA 2100
Telstra NextG runs on UMTS/HSDPA 850
Optus extended 3G in rural areas runs on UMTS/HSDPA 900


Should I get the best BlackBerry models for my 3G SIM?

3G usage is of far less importance for a BlackBerry device as compared to other popular 3G handsets, lets say for e.g iPhone. This is because even with 3G internet access, a BlackBerry device is still unable to access common apps like Facebook , Google Maps etc. unless the user has a BlackBerry data plan.

3G is also known for its notorious appetite on battery life. Most modern handsets running at full 3G fail in comparison to 2G handsets when it comes to longevity and stand by time. By switching off 3G access on your SIM, one can benefit from longer battery life. Another added benefit of using GSM coverage is that GSM still gives wider coverage than 3G.

But there are also various other reasons as to why a user would need 3G access on a BlackBerry device. Some argue that 3G voice calls are better than 2G/GSM. I have tested both GSM and 3G calls and noticed that 3G voice calls connect 2-3 seconds faster than 2G. The experience overall remains the same. Other users may argue with mixed experiences.

Another specific reason boils down to Telstra's fantastic 3G network (NextG), which runs on an exclusive wide band at 850MHz. NextG coverage exceeds even Telstra's own GSM 900 network.

Comparisons of NextG coverage as well as other 3G/GSM coverage can be found here.

This only affects those who are permanently stationed at remote areas and who need to have consistent mobile service coverage. These users will need to have a handset which is capable of roaming on UMTS/HSDPA 850.

The following carriers are known to provide the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and 9700 that is built with this specification,

Telstra, AT&T (U.S), ROGERS (Canada), Telus (Canada) and Bell (Canada)

The Curve 8900 provides basic functionality at an attractive price and form factor.
The Bold 9000 or the 9700 are also well designed with one of the best QWERTY keyboards for a mobile handset. The Bold 9700 has the best hardware currently that can meet the demands of a power user.

In conclusion, it is best that you weigh your options, budget, and needs.