Blackberry Internet Service (BIS) or the "Is it really free?" thread

[oronte]

If I read another 'what's really free?' thread I'm going to scream. So if you're new to BIS read this and hopefully all your questions will be answered (updated from the Bold Tips Thread):

To begin I think it's best to answer the usual question of just what the limitations of the Bold are on BIS (if you're on BES check with your IT people to determine what your limitations are):
Here's what you will be charged for:
1. Using your phone as a modem with your PC (there is NO way around this, don't even think about it).
2. Using the network browser - in your browser go to options - Browser Configuration - the first option is browser make sure 'Internet Browser' is selected and not 'MTN' or 'Vlive' as you will be charged for the network browser. Also under the general options - advanced options - browser ensure that 'internet browser' is selected.
3. Many 3rd party apps that did not come with your phone will be charged for (assume they're charged until you've tested them). For example Opera Mini and the Bolt Browser and charged applications (but there is a way to force them to use BIS). An easy way to tell you're on 3G is the B icon next to the '3G' icon disappears (or your edge will be in small letters) when you initiate an internet connection with these applications (first load a page and quickly hit the red button to go to the home screen to check).
4. Streaming video and audio, eg. Youtube - any time your phone asks you if it can connect to WAP you will be charged.
5. Absolutely everything else is free - e-mail and attachments, all browsing and downloading done with the default internet browser, instant messaging via BB Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and Google Talk, any application that makes (or can make) use of BIS eg. Viigo, Google sync, Facebook.

Of course there are limitations:
1. Attachment limits: On your e-mail application you can't download any attachment larger than 2.9mb. When downloading a large e-mail attachment your device may tell you to contact your carrier about possible charges, happily there are no charges for this on MTN and Vodacom.
2. Downloads via the browser: This limit changes over time and is in no way fixed or guaranteed. It is different depending on the type of file you're downloading. For most files it's 5mb. PDF's are 2.9mb, certain larger multimedia files have lower limits, eg. MP3's can be 15mb. These limits are subject to change.
3. BIS does not use HSDPA presently, but does use 3G, it's a little slower than normal 3G because of the way BIS works but the phone's fast enough that if you're downloading something it won't slow anything else down. For browsing 3G is only slightly faster than EDGE.
4. Download sizes and speeds are, however, unlimited if you use the MTN or Vlive browsers or Opera Mini but you will be charged full data rates for doing so. These browsers also make full use of HSDPA, I've experienced downloads of up to 1mb/per second at peak time.
5. Browser Limitations - The BB Browser cannot execute Ajax at all so you can't, for example, use the full version of Gmail or Gcal, while the full Facebook page partially works but takes forever to load. Some websites need to have Javascript set off to work correctly others need Java to work at all. Happily when you add a website as a bookmark you can set per website whether Java is enabled or disabled. You can also set whether your browser is identified as Blackberry, Firefox, or IE and whether you use column or page view. This is less of a problem on OS5 and by the end of the year when the new browser is launched this problem should completely disappear.

Personally I prefer column view because reading text is easier but some pages work better in page view. The ability to set your browser identification is quite nifty - you can set your browser to identify itself as Firefox for those websites that automatically redirect you to their mobile editions when you'd prefer the full version. For those wondering about downloads it handles these quite well. You can press the back button when a download starts and it continues in the background and it can handle multiple downloads quite well - on 3G it's quite fast.
Once you get used to it the BB browser isn't bad at all and is on par with Opera Mini and Opera Mobile.

Useful Applications
To download these make sure your browser is identifying itself as Blackberry and not Firefox or IE.
1. Viigo - my personal favourite. The RSS reader built into the browser sucks, but this free app more than makes up for it and its really quick too. Please make sure from options - network is set to Bis-B and none of the other options (not even auto) to ensure free service on BIS.
2. Go to m.google.com and download a number of great free applications (finally having an American, okay Canadian, phone has its advantages).
3. Google Talk - let's you use your Mxit contacts and all of your instant messages go straight to your inbox and get saved to your Gmail account. Mxit also now uses BIS.
4. Vlingo - voice recognition software (not perfect, but getting there)
5. Opera Mini and Bolt - to force them to use BIS change your APN settings (in Advanced settings) to 'blackberry.net' and confirm that they're using BIS by quickly exiting (press and hold red button) and checking you still have a blinking 'B' icon. You can't do downloads with these apps through BIS, but you can have the downloads open in the Blackberry browser.

Tips
Change your APN settings (in Advanced settings) to 'blackberry.net' this will force most applications to use BIS, if they don't work then they can't use BIS. Note that Garmap and some other applications are able to circumvent this setting and use the network APN.
By disabling home screen dialing (from the phone app) most of the keys become shortcuts to apps.
Gmail can be used with Imap and will work correctly, if anyone wants to know I'll post the details here.
Yahoo Mail - Even though you normally have to pay for Yahoo Mail pop it's free on the Blackberry.
Don't bother with the over-the-air software upgrade it doesn't work at this point (you have to do firmware upgrades on a Windows PC).
If you're on MTN you get Garmap for free and on Vodacom you get Satnav (assuming your berry has GPS).

[bwana]

Great post.

Sticky'ed

It would be nice to have some confirmation and clarification, where necessary, from VodacomData.

[Alexcon]

Wow! thank you for this information it really helps me understand what's going on with my current contract.. its honestly difficult to come by this sort of experienced knowledge and from me.. it comes highly appreciated! To moderator, even further confirmation and/or clarification would be hugely valuable. I will be in a better position to recommend blackberry and BIS to friends and family. Thank you.

[D@rk_4ngel]

Will the APN blackberry.net work for phones using BES aswell?

[genetic]

To set the APN settings in the Blackberry 8900, go to Options -> Advanced Options -> TCP/IP -> then enable APN Settings Enabled -> then under APN: enter blackberry.net as the APN. (leave "APN Authentication enabled" off)

[altaaf]

And for bb 9500 pls

[oronte]

It's the same for all berries, however I've noticed with OS5 many applications can circumvent this setting.

[Darkhaven]

Is there a way that you can force the applications not to bypass these settings as then if I am correct you will end up paying for that?

[oronte]

No, you should uninstall them. Check for the capitals or B symbol.

[SybRiN]

My data usage for feb month is already like R30 and seeing as i do not download anything from my phone i cant see how this is correct.

I am on vodacom and i have a bb 8520 curve.

I changed my apn now sooo lets hope that works, because i am tired of paying for something that i do not have to be paying for!

[ph4t3]

Could you please explain to me how to set up IMAP (Gmail) for use with my blackberry curve 8520. I can't seem to get it right. Thanks.

[bwana]

Could you please explain to me how to set up IMAP (Gmail) for use with my blackberry curve 8520. I can't seem to get it right. Thanks.Have you enabled imap on your gmail account?

[ph4t3]

Have you enabled imap on your gmail account?

I have indeed. :) My problem is not being enabled to browse the IMAP folders from my device. It that possible?

[oronte]

It will be in a few months time (with the next update of BIS) but presently no. You have to use the browser or the gmail application to see your folders. If there are specific emails that you're looking for use the remote search feature in the enhanced gmail plugin to add them to your inbox.

[krycor]

fyi, blackberry upgrade thingy is set for 28 march which will then support two way sync for gmail. (not sure about other services tho but its a start)

[Tamerlane]

I have a blackberry and its bull****. and vodacom customer care is useless , sigh, super useless.All i wanted to use is Mxit, i must pay 59 rand a month to use mxit ? rather break the phone and throw it away,.

[oronte]

Well no one's forcing you to use it. Why would you get a blackberry in the first place if all you want is mxit? You can get any cheap R500 phone to do that.

[phoneJunky]

And you can use gtalk to mxit. You will then have to add all your contacts again

[Gawain]

does the "free" browsing include say posting on myBB and other forums - since if it is I might upgrade my contract

[oronte]

Read the first post again. I don't think it's ambiguous in any way...

[Gawain]

Read the first post again. I don't think it's ambiguous in any way...

sorry man afrikaans so not sure sometimes if i read things correctly :(

[oronte]

Okay, then yes browsing anywhere is free anytime on Blackberry. I'm posting this from my Bold (in fact I always post on mybb from my Blackberry). Go and get one already!

[Lydon]

Great post! Very informative...thanks :)

I notice you said that many 3rd party applications will be billed. For clarification - will the use of the native Mxit client not bill me providing I use the Internet Browser APN? I haven't ever used a BlackBerry but getting one is looking very likely, so I'm not sure if selecting APN's works the same way as it does with Nokias :) Thanks!

[bex.cpt]

I use Mxit & no its not billed it uses BIS IM+ is charged seprately when I chat on Facebook. All my other 3rd party apps run on BIS.

[Lydon]

Thanks :)

[threegee]

What is the benefit of entering the apn name "blackberry.net"? All phones come standard with no apn name and apn turned off yet all connect fine to the network.

[LavenN]

Hi

I got my first Blackberry in January, the Blackberry Storm2. It is the best phone that I have ever used. However concerning email attachments, Vodacom advertises that I can receive email attachments up to 5mb and the email body is limited to 3mb ( http://www.vodacom.co.za/services/blackberry/blackberry_plans.jsp ) but my phone says that I am limited to 2.9mb as per your original post. I called Vodacom Data Support who say that there must be a problem with my phone because from their side I should be be able to open 5mb attachments. I am now on my 3rd phone since January and am getting my 4th one later this week and I will keep doing this until Vodacom can sort out the problem.

[oronte]

They can't sort it out because they lied to you. The 2.9mb attachment limit is a BIS limitation and everyone in the world has the same limitation. If it's a gmail or yahoo account you can log in via the browser and download the attachment (you might have to set your browser to Firefox so you don't get the mobile site).

[GTi]

Does the BIS include going on the facebook mobile site or are you charged on my Storm2?

[oronte]

All free.

[GTi]

So can you make Facebook mobile your home page against the F icon?
I'm not liking BB Facebook.

[oronte]

You can make anything your homepage, it's available in browser configuration. You could also use Bolt or Opera Mini to view the full Facebook page if you wanted.

[NielJoubert]

I just want to make 100% sure... Does YouTube work on BIS or not? When I stream from the site (m.youtube.com or from Vision for YouTube) EDGE is displayed the whole time.

[oronte]

All streaming is generally charged. If I go to m.youtube and try to stream a video, my phone goes on the MTN Apn. I normally use vuclip for viewing youtube videos.

[NielJoubert]

All streaming is generally charged. If I go to m.youtube and try to stream a video, my phone goes on the MTN Apn. I normally use vuclip for viewing youtube videos.

So so you still get billed if the APN is set to blackberry.net?

[GTi]

Doesn't APN blackberry.net block the sites not on BIS?

[RichardG]

Doesn't APN blackberry.net block the sites not on BIS?

Not it doesn't block any site - Just APN: blackberry.net forced applications to use BIS - if your applications does not work then you wont be able to use the application on BLACKBERRY.NET APN

[Style]

So guys is it not possible to use any streaming radio stations etc on BIS? I would love to stream 5fm somehow sometime?

[GTi]

So guys is it not possible to use any streaming radio stations etc on BIS? I would love to stream 5fm somehow sometime?

There are apps for streaming US radio station but I have not come across a apps for local stations which I too so much want.

[oronte]

Only one radio streaming app works with BIS: Mobiola X Player, however it is not a free app. All the other apps are free but none of them use BIS. Viigo allows you to listen to podcasts using BIS though.

[alternate]

Only one radio streaming app works with BIS: Mobiola X Player, however it is not a free app. All the other apps are free but none of them use BIS. Viigo allows you to listen to podcasts using BIS though.

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/1794 Anyone wanna try out the free version?

[Style]

Ive been using an app called Grooveshark, and at first it wouldnt work but then changed the AP to blackberry.net and it started using BIS! Which is awesome cause now I can download or listen to any song on the fly and I mean almost ANY song and its all legal! Not only that i can download them to use them offline within the application and the quality is actually very good. Best thing is since its all over BIS its free :) loving it.

[GTi]

Style what BB you have you got?

[oronte]

I've tried it out but it really won't work for me at all (Bold 9000). And now iit just gets stuck on the load screen.

[GTi]

It does not work on the BB storm2 either coz there is no platform for the Storm so I never downloaded it.

[Style]

I got the 9700. Go to m.grooveshark.com and try download it from there.

[OrrieVisser]

To throw a spanner in the works, this thread is awesome and makes me want to run out and get a BB but I'm worried about using it overseas and in other African countries.
Does anyone have any idea if the BIS would work in countries like Aus, India, USA and UK?
I want to use it when travelling instead of taking a laptop with me but I know Data rates from overseas on roaming are RIDICULOUS!

[oronte]

You will have to pay roaming rates overseas. Your BIS subscription only applies in SA.

[dougs03]

Hi Guys

I got my blackberry yesterday and my contract included MTN's BIS, When should i expect it to be activated? and is there any thing i need to do to activate it?
any help will be appreciated

thanx

[GTi]

I went to my nearest MTN Shop and I had them activate it for me, it takes 24 hours before it starts downloading onto your phone, so get kicking. There is also a no you can dail not sure what it is. but getting through is the big issue.

[dougs03]

yea thanx, i phone 808 and they said its in the process of being activated, should take about 24hs, so ill just have to wait and see if thats the case

[Molach]

What is the real size limit for mp3 downloads? I don't hav the link but I read elsewhere that mp3s are limited to 5MB whereas here it is 15MB. Can anyone confirm which one it is?

[oronte]

I'm not to sure but I've downloaded 13mb mp3's recently (legally thank you very much). However these limits can change over time. You'll always get a minimum of 5mb, the maximum is dependant on RIM and how overloaded their servers are.

[s erxson]

is there a "Best Thread on myBB" award... this thread should get close, at least for (wannbe) Blackberry Users...

I was worried about getting one due to some lacking features and conflicting info... but now I have answers and links to all the apps that make up the ncessary features...

ORONTE... you da man!

Thx!~

[oronte]

Always a pleasure:-)

[Xflint]

3. Many 3rd party apps that did not come with your phone will be charged for (assume they're charged until you've tested them). For example Opera Mini and the Bolt Browser and charged applications (but there is a way to force them to use BIS). An easy way to tell you're on 3G is the B icon next to the '3G' icon disappears (or your edge will be in small letters) when you initiate an internet connection with these applications (first load a page and quickly hit the red button to go to the home screen to check).


How do I know if I'm on BIS. It was activated today, getting my mails and browsing fine

Have activated APN as indicated.

What I do see is that 3G has the Blackberry icon next to it which is BIS but in non 3G areas I see GPRS and EDGE are in capitals now. Is that BIS?

[oronte]

Yes it is. 3G with B is BIS, so is EDGE and GPRS in caps, anything else is not BIS.

[rm501]

Hi

I have a question; I didnt know where else to post. I know that BIS is more for personal and BES is more for businesses. But I need help finding a solution for my requirements (preferably free or paid):
Is there a solution that allows one to have push imap email (eg like GMail), and also sync contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with my blackberry Bold 9700 as well as sync with my Outlook 2010 laptop AND access my info online?
These are all personal info and not to be shared. With this method there will be no need to sync between phone and PC and also means complete up-to-date backups.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks

[oronte]

Have a look at funambol (it works on blackberry but I'm not sure about Outlook).

[Claymore]

Hi

I have a question; I didnt know where else to post. I know that BIS is more for personal and BES is more for businesses. But I need help finding a solution for my requirements (preferably free or paid):
Is there a solution that allows one to have push imap email (eg like GMail), and also sync contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with my blackberry Bold 9700 as well as sync with my Outlook 2010 laptop AND access my info online?
These are all personal info and not to be shared. With this method there will be no need to sync between phone and PC and also means complete up-to-date backups.
If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks

MWeb Hosted Exchange. You have an Exchange mailbox at MWeb, they provide BlackBerry BES access, and your BlackBerry stays in sync with that (and since your laptop will connect to it too, it will also be in sync). Then just add Gmail as an additional email address on the BlackBerry.

[RH360]

Some might think I am asking questions that are already in the sticky posts, but I read through all of the posts and I still have some uncertainty on what is really free on BIS.

For starters I have a Blackberry 9700 with OS 5 on MTN contract with BIS included. As I understand it BIS is being used by applications when the 4 dots appear next to the 3G sign. I also made the changes under TCP/IP settings to use blackberry.net as APN as suggested.

My questions relate to the use of BIS with PodTrapper, Mobiola xPlayer and Opera Mini 5.

When I either download podcasts, stream radio or browse with opera mini, the 4 dots stay next to the 3G sign. Am I correct in assuming that as long as those dots next to the 3G sign stays there, I will not be billed additionally for data? Is there anyway that I can be billed for streaming or podcast downloads going through the blackberry APN? I have read some mixed reports on the forum that is making me unsure.

It just feels wrong when I can easily download 15-40mB podcasts and stream radio channels and it appears to be going through BIS.

So in short I would appreciate it if someone can 110% confirm that when the BIS dots are there, that all data is free and included in the BIS package.

[RH360]

I have read through the first 5 pages of threads in the blackberry section and in the process I got more and more unsure of my facts. I made a post on the sticky now. So maybe you can ease my concerns here bwana?

[oronte]

As long as you have the "B' next to your 3G you're using BIS. Most streaming apps don't use BIS, mobiola and Viigo do. I'm not sure about podtrapper. I've set the apn and it does not work on my 9000 which usually means it doesn't use bis, but maybe it doesn't work properly on my phone.

[farhaadS]

Do u get charged monthly for BIS or is it a once off activation fee? forgive me if this is a stupid question.

[xeslaro]

BIS is R59,00 per month on prepaid and contract, however, some contracts include this charge in their monthly contract fees..

Oronte don't know if you already know that Podtrapper has advanced settings whereby you can dictate which protocol it downloads from, set it to enable BIS and disable the rest (TCP, WAP2 etc) and it should be fine, my 9000 always downloads on BIS with these settings..ALWAYS, if you wanna know where these advanced settings are, give me a shout..

[oronte]

I can never get it to go past the opening screen, hardly matters I find Viigo a better all in one app (and I rarely listen to podcasts anyway).

[xeslaro]

E-mail the developer with your issue, he is very helpful and always responds...

[Dolby]

2. Using the network browser - in your browser go to options - Browser Configuration - the first option is browser make sure 'Internet Browser' is selected and not 'MTN' or 'Vlive' as you will be charged for the network browser. Also under the general options - advanced options - browser ensure that 'internet browser' is selected.

Haven't read everything - but this is a little worrying :

I got my BB9700 yesterday and out of the box, it browser configuration is Vlive! I'm not BIS as yet - but I'm sure BIS wouldn't set it itself - so basically out of the box it's charging people - is that right?

[oronte]

Correct. Your network should activate BIS immediately but why not make a little extra money from you, they couldn't possibly have enough?

[farhaadS]

Came across this in the MTN terms and conditions :erm:



5.3 The Customer agrees that the Blackberry.net APN is meant specifically for the purposes of PIM and not for the purposes of accessing and surfing the Internet. MTN SP reserves the right to bill the Customer for any non-PIM usages via the Blackberry.net APN at prevailing data tariffs.

[oronte]

I doubt that RIM would support such a statement. It's probably to cover them from people who try to tether using BIS.

[Dolby]

Oronte - you reckon when they activate BIS, my browser settings will change from vlive to internet browser automatically?

[oronte]

They should, when you go to your browser (the world icon) then it will say blackberry on it (no mention of vlive). You can double check by pressing s when in the browser and checking that you're on the 'internet browser'.

[bbvena]

I downloaded the garmap on my 9700 and it worked fine for a couple of weeks, now it says my subscription is not valid anymore. Im sure they said that its free for BIS users. Am i just stupid or whats going on?

[oronte]

Download it again. There's a new version of Gaprmap available now. It's a bit friendlier now.

[farhaadS]

Download it again. There's a new version of Gaprmap available now. It's a bit friendlier now.

Link please.

[oronte]

You have to call *123# choose setup and then blackberry nav.

[farhaadS]

You have to call *123# choose setup and then blackberry nav.

Thanks

[Malasius]

hey guys. Does Google Maps and specifically streetview use BIS or do you get charged standard data??

[Malasius]

hey guys. Does Google Maps and specifically streetview use BIS or do you get charged standard data??

Update: yes streetview on google maps in free of charge via BIS

[Pooky]

No way to watch youtube or listen to online radio?

[Malasius]

you can use vuclip to watch video for free

[driesd]

HI,

How do i make sure when browisng i am using bIS and not my normal page? There are the blackberry sign next to my #G, but when i open my browser i can not see these items anymore?

Thanks

[oronte]

Press U while in your browser.

[driesd]

Thanks,

So what ever site i brose and the blackberry dots show means i am using BIS?

I tried youtube and it gave me a warning that i might have to pay for this... Does the other sites do it too?

[oronte]

Streaming is not free, browsing is.

[driesd]

Thanks for the help.

Can you use vuclip for youtube videos? is it free?

Where else can you get BIS apps for the blackberry instead of apworld?

[oronte]

As long as you download then vuclip is fine (don't stream though). Try www.crackberry.com or blackberrycool.com

[PallBearer]

my wife recently upgraded her handheld to the BB 8520. She was on the R135p/m top-up contract. BIS is not for FREE on this, she is being charged additional R51p/m for the u of BIS. I can't see how sending BBM's is going to ammount to 25mb worth of data costs !

[Shake&Bake]

my wife recently upgraded her handheld to the BB 8520. She was on the R135p/m top-up contract. BIS is not for FREE on this, she is being charged additional R51p/m for the u of BIS. I can't see how sending BBM's is going to ammount to 25mb worth of data costs !

Well she was on a non-BB contract. So the added functionality of BIS is not going to be free.
Contract or pre-paid there is a cost that is associated with it.
So there really is no room for argument or dissapointment in this regard I'd reckon.
Also as she becomes more accustomed to her BB she's going to do just more than BBM ;)

What she should have rather done is take out a BB contract which has the all inclusive costs; Free minutes, BIS, etc.

Unless you feel that you've been "done in" by your service provider as they fed you/her the wrong information about how the contract would be affected with the inclusion of the new BB handset.
Then your recourse could be to bitch and moan, but I'd pay the R51 and enjoy the freedom of the web and the BB App World :)

[PallBearer]

she has no issue with paying for services rendered, but the fact that it was not explained and even when i asked the guy is the BB part free, we got a fat NOD saying yet. She signed for R142.50 a month and not R201p/m.
But she is going to continue with it anyways.

Thanks for the clarification :)

[Shake&Bake]

she has no issue with paying for services rendered, but the fact that it was not explained and even when i asked the guy is the BB part free, we got a fat NOD saying yet. She signed for R142.50 a month and not R201p/m.
But she is going to continue with it anyways.

Thanks for the clarification :)

So it was as I thought, as I came towards the end of typing up my earlier post.
Yip - most counter-jockeys at service providers are not to be considered as realiable sources of information.

Anyway, sure your wife will see the benefits which the handset provides.

But when you make mention of the costs - the R142.50, is that the end/gross amount that's stated on the contract?
If so, then you should be making a bit of noise.
But have a good read over what she signed for and if it makes any mention of any "ad-hoc" features like BIS which can be billed for seperately.

[PallBearer]

No she was on the R135p/m where you get 135 minutes and you can top-up when ever you want. She just took the BB handset and signed the normal contract. But she called them and they said they could remove the BIS portion, but she would have to pay R2 per MB (that's why my OP asked if BBMing could go as far as 25MB in a month)

Don't get me wrong, she love the fact that she has now got a BB and is trying to get all her friends to convert to a BB as they can BBM for 'free'. I think before the BB she self supported the vodacom SMS network costs with her sms'ing alone :)

[Shake&Bake]

Ok, cool then.

[oronte]

If she removes bis she will not have access to bbm or most of the applications, removing bis would make the phone a useless piece of junk so there is no choice here. She should have signed up to the Weekender offer as some places still have it with bis for R149 but too late now I guess.

[driesd]

hi there,

I just wanted to find out a few things regarding the usage of BIS....

Is the 4 dots next to the 3G sign always supposed to be on?
Can you chat with international people using BB messeger and it is still free?
can you only browse for 3000Kb per session on BIS, after that you get charged?

Thanks for the great threat.

Cheers

[oronte]

If you don't have the four dots then something on your phone is not using BIS and you're paying standard data rates, so yes it should always be on.
I believe you can chat with anyone with BBM in the world and it is free because BBM only works through BIS.
There is no browsing limit, you can browse for 3GB and you still won't get charged - just make sure you're using the Blacberry browser and not the MTN/Vodafone browser. If you try to download something on the BB Browers that's too big it will tell you so, so you can't go over.

[bwana]

Regarding the "four dots". . . I notice that when I'm running with my Bold on 2G (my preferred setting) there is no indicator - presumably because "EDGE" takes up that much more room than "3G"

[rezabz]

Yeah, the four dots is only shown when you have a 3G signal. When it shows 'GPRS' your BIS is active, if its 'gprs' BIS is not active. The same goes for 'EDGE' or 'edge'

[rezabz]

Bwana, why do you prefer 2G? Mtn or VC?

[phoneJunky]

I have a bold aswell and also run it on edge cause my battery can last that much longer. I put on 3G when I download youtube vids etc

[bwana]

Thanks for the clarification about the dots. I suspected it might be something along those lines.

Like phoneJunky I prefer edge because of battery life.

[rezabz]

How much of a difference does it make? I wouldn't mind swopping between the 2 if it makes a substantial difference. Problem is, EDGE is non-existent where I live and work and GPRS has the ability to frustrate me to the point where I get the urge to just throw my phone at the nearest wall. And I receive lots of emails with attachments and i do a fair amount of downlaoding as well. So, would it be worth the effort of switching between 2G and 3G?

[driesd]

thanks for the help every one

Is there any social network app for adults avaialble for the BB?

can you browse any website?

Thanks again :)

[driesd]

another question on browsing....

When you go into a site so sites shows the blackbeery background (white with blackberry in blue) while you entering and others dont... does this make a difference? the 4 dots are always on :)

[rezabz]

thanks for the help every one

Is there any social network app for adults avaialble for the BB?

can you browse any website?

Thanks again :)

Yes you can browse porn sites too. :p

[rezabz]

another question on browsing....

When you go into a site so sites shows the blackbeery background (white with blackberry in blue) while you entering and others dont... does this make a difference? the 4 dots are always on :)

Doesn't mnake any difference.

[Ecco]

Any apps available where you can make VOIP calls using BIS?

[riscbroker]

Can someone tell me what navigation app is available on BIS? Must be voice-aided or 'turn by turn' navigation, not just a map

[Don-EL]

You can use Garmap for mobile,thats what I'm using

[riscbroker]

You can use Garmap for mobile,thats what I'm using

Thanks Don-EL, does Garmap give you voice prompts? Pardon my ignorance, I'm just checking for a colleague who is considering a BB

[Ecco]

Any apps available where you can make VOIP calls using BIS?

Anybody?

Anything like Fring available which can use BIS?

[Don-EL]

No problem,yes it does have voice prompts,it has many features aswell,like weather and a trip report aswell,basically records you while driving giving you the whole report like speed and time travelled and distance aswell,have a look into it

[Don-EL]

Anybody?

Anything like Fring available which can use BIS?

Look up iskoot,its a skype application that uses BIS

[wise_guy]

@rezabz.LMAO.

[bwana]

Anybody?

Anything like Fring available which can use BIS?No, apps like iskoot are fine if you want to chat but they don't offer VOIP.

[Don-EL]

Ok try EQO mobile:http://www.eqo.com/

EQO Communications is a developer of mobile applications for VoIP, and it's new application for Skype, EQO Mobile can transform your BlackBerry into a cheap or free calling device. EQO is compatible with all major IM services: MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, QQ, ICQ and Jabber.

Try Truphone:http://www.truphone.com/

Truphone VoIP service for BlackBerry is very good in at least two ways: the local and international rates are among the cheapest, starting at 6 cents for common destinations (calls between Truphone users are free); and secondly even if you have no data plan or Wi-Fi connection, you can still make VoIP calls with the service.

[bwana]

Ok try EQO mobile:http://www.eqo.com/

EQO Communications is a developer of mobile applications for VoIP, and it's new application for Skype, EQO Mobile can transform your BlackBerry into a cheap or free calling device. EQO is compatible with all major IM services: MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, QQ, ICQ and Jabber.

Try Truphone:http://www.truphone.com/

Truphone VoIP service for BlackBerry is very good in at least two ways: the local and international rates are among the cheapest, starting at 6 cents for common destinations (calls between Truphone users are free); and secondly even if you have no data plan or Wi-Fi connection, you can still make VoIP calls with the service.Correct me if I'm wrong but neither are Skype compatible and both rely on making GSM calls (iow standard phone calls, not data) when outside of wifi range.

The interesting thing is there is an official skype client for blackberry but only on Verizon.

[Don-EL]

Correct me if I'm wrong but neither are Skype compatible and both rely on making GSM calls (iow standard phone calls, not data) when outside of wifi range.

The interesting thing is there is an official skype client for blackberry but only on Verizon.

I actually have no idea about those applications,havent tested them myself,I think ill give it a go and see what happens and then post again after doing some testing

[ryan411]

Got a data bill of R50 for August on my BB 9700. I think the Facebook App was the culprit though it could have been the Twitter app too. Will have to see... can anyone confirm?

[ryan411]

Got a data bill of R50 for August on my BB 9700. I think the Facebook App was the culprit though it could have been the Twitter app too. Will have to see... can anyone confirm?Vodacom advanced data services called me, and they are reversing the charges. They reckon some of the RIM apps have the Vlive settings hence the data charges! They are disabling my internet access so that i can only access the internet via BIS.

It was recommended that I uninstall all my apps and then reinstall them via BB Browser. Then if they persist in using Vlive settings then they won't work but at least i won't be billed for it.

[Ockie]

Got a data bill of R50 for August on my BB 9700. I think the Facebook App was the culprit though it could have been the Twitter app too. Will have to see... can anyone confirm?

If you are on Vodacom and you use the Vodafone LIVE browser to browse other websites other than the Vodafone Live portal, it will switch over to the "internet" APN and you will be billed standard data rates. STAY AWAY FROM THAT BROWSER! Only use the Blackberry Browser.

[ryan411]

If you are on Vodacom and you use the Vodafone LIVE browser to browse other websites other than the Vodafone Live portal, it will switch over to the "internet" APN and you will be billed standard data rates. STAY AWAY FROM THAT BROWSER! Only use the Blackberry Browser.damn!! Ok, I've hidden it so should hopefully never click on it by mistake. Though, my non-BIS internet should now be disabled so hopefully i am safe regardless.

[warwickw]

Set your APN to blackberry.net

Go to Options choose Advanced Options go to TCP/IP enable APN and set the APN to blackberry.net

This will force all your connections to use the BIS service

[moneysa]

Set your APN to blackberry.net

Go to Options choose Advanced Options go to TCP/IP enable APN and set the APN to blackberry.net

This will force all your connections to use the BIS service

Strange i dont have my apn entered in & on prepaid with no airtime just have Prepaid bis on Voda.I use everything besides some streaming radio app works all the time even my podcast i listen to work.Seems like it only happen on contract users & when you have airtime.So im neva gona buy airtime just buy it to load the bis bundle:)

[CyCliC]

Hi guys,

I just got my first BB (Torch) and I got the R59p/m package. What I want to know is whether the RSS feeds on the Social Networking are also free. Is everything that came with the phone included in the package? Thanks

[moneysa]

Hi guys,

I just got my first BB (Torch) and I got the R59p/m package. What I want to know is whether the RSS feeds on the Social Networking are also free. Is everything that came with the phone included in the package? Thanks

Nice bru!I hope you love it.I assume you have it on prepaid for R59/ month(Bis) then yes that's the way i use it on prepaid & neva get charge for my data.I eat rss feeds for breakfast,lunch & supper via a program called Viigo.Social rss feeds work on the same manner free free.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Thanks for the info, great post :)

[magnetowasright]

Hi. I set the APN to blackberry.net but I am still incurring data charges :( is there a way for me to see which applications are the ones not using BIS? The only apps that I think would be running data in the background are weatherbug, google sync and twitter.

[Tobi-5520]

I have indeed. :) My problem is not being enabled to browse the IMAP folders from my device. It that possible?

I can browse all through "filters", but am running OS6. Is the 8520 upgradeable?

[I34z1k]

Jeeez, racked up a R580 bill already this month with MTN. Using a Torch but not sure if BIS is working. I am subscribed to it and I can use the app store etc.. Is there a way to check this?

[Tjoker]

Hi. I set the APN to blackberry.net but I am still incurring data charges :( is there a way for me to see which applications are the ones not using BIS? The only apps that I think would be running data in the background are weatherbug, google sync and twitter.

i also experienced this. i unticked the APN and now its using BIS 99.99995% of the time. Still trying to find out, to force everything BIS and when BIS if off,internet should NOT work!! Anyone with info on this?!

[magnetowasright]

I've wiped all my apps and I've been installing one at a time hoping to find the culprit. So far I haven't incurred any data charges again.

[Bluray]

I've wiped all my apps and I've been installing one at a time hoping to find the culprit. So far I haven't incurred any data charges again.

That's cool, at least now you can surf all you want.

[CORY]

Yesterday I got a Curve 8520 when my HTC Touch2 died
I activated BES at request of IT, and it works a bomb
But I tried to load gMail, which I use for personal mail and MTN say I need to get BES as well, extra charge

Is this correct?

Cory

[Claymore]

Yesterday I got a Curve 8520 when my HTC Touch2 died
I activated BES at request of IT, and it works a bomb
But I tried to load gMail, which I use for personal mail and MTN say I need to get BES as well, extra charge

Is this correct?

Cory

No, it's not. Go to the Blackberry page somewhere on MTN's site, and you can add email accounts there, and they'll load on the phone.

[CORY]

No, it's not. Go to the Blackberry page somewhere on MTN's site, and you can add email accounts there, and they'll load on the phone.

tHANKS, i meant to say I need BIS, I have the BES loaded.
MTN tells me I need to sign up for both and that will cost me extra

Looked at the MTN Blacberry site, but can't see charges

Cory

[Claymore]

tHANKS, i meant to say I need BIS, I have the BES loaded.
MTN tells me I need to sign up for both and that will cost me extra

Looked at the MTN Blacberry site, but can't see charges

Cory

You don't need to sign up for both.

[Tobi-5520]

A question that's probably been asked a million times before - please forgive me.

How can one check how much data the BB actually uses, say on a monthly basis - just for interest sake. One always goes on about how its free, but if I only use say 50MB, then what's the diffs.

[Lord Anubis]

MTN Active (set your billing info)..or you could just go into your phone browser/options/Cahche operations/ content cache..and that will give you a rough idea

[bwana]

A question that's probably been asked a million times before - please forgive me.

How can one check how much data the BB actually uses, say on a monthly basis - just for interest sake. One always goes on about how its free, but if I only use say 50MB, then what's the diffs.Go to Options then Status and type in "buyr" - do math. :)

[Tobi-5520]

Many thanks

[rainynight65]

The following apps on my BB use data:

Socialscope
Berryweather
Trillian
WordRival
Amazon Kindle
Google Maps
Dictionary.com
Wallpaper Changer
FancyTran
Bezombied Free
Aces Jewel Hunt

I just checked my phone bills for the last few months and I have NO additional data charges. All these apps seem to be using BIS.

[uriel0424]

Hi,

Thank you for the informative thread! Really appreciate.

I just wanted to check if the Facebook for Blackberry application would definitely also use BIS?

I inserted the APN as you suggested and hoping it would force it to...

[uriel0424]

Sorry I meant Curve 8520...

[rezabz]

FB uses BIS regardless of APN.

[uriel0424]

FB uses BIS regardless of APN.
Cool - thanx Rezabz!

[spikry]

Why are people even putting in APN? Rather not take the risk of your Blackberry using it just remove it.

[uriel0424]

Why are people even putting in APN? Rather not take the risk of your Blackberry using it just remove it.

Because according to this thread you are then forcing the Blackberry to use its own APN. This will prevent unwanted Data charges.

[mot787m]

i've just got a blackberry 8520 on the R99 pm contract from vodacom which includes BIS and 120 off peak minutes, i just wanted to know, how do i know if my BB is downloading something using BIS or the vodacom network, I've read the first initial post but i dont quite get it, so how do i know whether im using my BIS or the network (by the way i already changed the browser to internet browser).
Also does vodacom charge for browsing because I had an MTN contract, yes with BIS, and it used to use up all my minutes.

As far as I know ,according to all of my friends who are on prepaid, if you are using BIS you can download unlimited amounts of data without any extra cost (provided you dont have any airtime loaded on)

[magnetowasright]

Your friends are talking nonsense, you don't need to have zero airtime to not incur data charges.

It's using BIS if the network coverage indicator says EDGE or GPRS in caps. Also, from your browser it shouldn't say Vlive. Browsing and data is free (within limits) for as long as your BlackBerry subscription is active.

[mot787m]

Thanks magnetowasright

So just one more thing, can I download if I am on a contract?

[magnetowasright]

Yip, makes no difference if you're on contract or prepaid, as long as the BB bundle is active. There are limits to downloading though and that limit is dependent on the file format. The only problem is not knowing if you're being charged for data incorrectly until the day you get your bill.

[rezabz]

I agree megnetowasright, u dnt need to have zero balance to not incur data charges. I always have airtime and I also always download stuff. But I've NEVER been charged. I got charged once, the 1st day I got my BB and checked if youtube charges. After that day I've NEVER been charged for any data (email, mp3, 3gp, mp4)

[mot787m]

are you on a contract or prepaid rezabz? And on what network are you on.
Thanks again guys

[rezabz]

Mot787m- I'm on VC prepaid. Jus remember to set apn to blackberry.net

[Howzit42]

I received my BB Bold in June 2010. The salesman at MTN explained that ALL browsing and downloads on the device is included in the BIS package. He also told me that all data consumned on a tethered BB would be for my account. He also intructed that my BIS be activated using their computer in the store. Subsequently I had a lot of hassles to get my BIS activated, but eventually, after many calls to MTN service and BB support I succeeded. Nobody at MTN support, BB support or the salesman ever told me to enter blackberry.net in the APN setting. As a result the Enable APN Setting was left UNCHECKED i.e. disabled.
I experimented with browsing Internet and downloading apps and videos, and aside from the data charges incurred from the time of getting the phone and BIS being activated, I was not charged for any data on my MTN bills.
In November I went kinda crazy downloading videos, and suddenly this month I have a Packet Switched Data Calls charge of R4 295.59 and Content Charge of R4.39
If the APN setting was disabled, how could I have accessed the MTN internet APN and run up these charges. One would also think that MTN would send you an SMS of some sort warning you that you are running up data charges.
This is ridiculous. If I was aware of these costs I would have used my IBurst connection which is only R49 per Gigabyte.
Any advice guys. Has anyone here successfully argued their bill and had these data charges dropped?
Any advice will be appreciated.

[AirWolf]

That's really crap.

I'm on Vodacom and when you view videos on Youtube, it comes up with a pop up message saying you may incur data charges (which you do because it isn't covered by BIS).

If you do manage to get through to someone higher up the food chain at the call centre, I'm sure they could sort something out for you.

[mot787m]

Hi guys...I just wanted to know something ....if as everyone says you know you are using BIS when the GPRS or 3G is in capitals right...so I was checking if YouTube would be free(I know it's not supposed to be free) but as I was streaming the clip the GPRS was in capitals at the top right hand corner of the screen...meaning i was using BIS!!....ok so say I was billed for this...would the amount that it costed be taken from my the minutes I have in my contract or will I be billed separately for this...something like data charges or something ...is it the same for downloads ..will I be billed separately?

[Khanya]

A question that's probably been asked a million times before - please forgive me.

How can one check how much data the BB actually uses, say on a monthly basis - just for interest sake. One always goes on about how its free, but if I only use say 50MB, then what's the diffs.

You don't have to worry about the data you use. You won't have headaches of data depletion.

[Khanya]

Err. How does one get billed if he doesn't have airtime and is on prepaid?

[AirWolf]

Hi guys...I just wanted to know something ....if as everyone says you know you are using BIS when the GPRS or 3G is in capitals right...so I was checking if YouTube would be free(I know it's not supposed to be free) but as I was streaming the clip the GPRS was in capitals at the top right hand corner of the screen...meaning i was using BIS!!....ok so say I was billed for this...would the amount that it costed be taken from my the minutes I have in my contract or will I be billed separately for this...something like data charges or something ...is it the same for downloads ..will I be billed separately?

GPRS and EDGE in capitals = BIS activated.
3G with the Blackberry logo (4 dots) = BIS activated.

I have only used Youtube on 3G and in this case the BB logo disappears. It also comes up with the message to the effect that it may not be included in your data plan depending on your service provider.

Data usage is separate from your free minutes ie. if you don't have a data bundle, then you will be billed at R2/MB for the usage that falls outside your BIS package. The same applies for any services that do not use the BIS service.

[AirWolf]

Err. How does one get billed if he doesn't have airtime and is on prepaid?

You'll need to have R59 of airtime to buy a prepaid BIS bundle before you can use it.

If you don't have any other airtime after purchasing the BIS bundle, you won't be able to use any data services outside of the BIS bundle (unless you also have a prepaid data bundle activated) eg. Youtube.

[Bighit]

Set your APN to blackberry.net

Go to Options choose Advanced Options go to TCP/IP enable APN and set the APN to blackberry.net

This will force all your connections to use the BIS service

If this forces all your connections to use BIS, then why when you open the Wap Browser, does it use the normal data service where you are billed?

[Arnulf]

You will have to pay roaming rates overseas. Your BIS subscription only applies in SA.

Hi,

I am spending lots of time out the country. Is it possible to get BIS subscriptions in other countries, or something like a "world subscription"

Regards,
Arnulf

[AirWolf]

Hi,

I am spending lots of time out the country. Is it possible to get BIS subscriptions in other countries, or something like a "world subscription"

Regards,
Arnulf

Not that I know of. Roaming fees for data are ~ R80 to R130 per MB. Fair amount of emails and browsing will cost ~ >R1k per day.

[Arnulf]

Thanks for the info. What a pity.

Regards,
Arnulf

[rainynight65]

I have checked with the two main SPs in Germany because I'll be traveling there next year. They have no way of taking out a data/BB option on a prepaid card. The idea alone is a foreign concept there, all you can do with prepaid cards is phone and text.

[mot787m]

Ok now I'm a bit scared...I've downloaded a fare amount of data like songs apps ,etc and all the time GPRS was in caps meaning BIS was activated and so I had nothing to worry about until I tried youtube ,just for the fun of checking what will happen, and to my amazement GPRS remained in caps! Meaning I was using BIS , and if youtube isn't free then my other downloads weren't free either...has anyone tried using youtube with BiS on the curve (8520)?

[bwana]

Ok now I'm a bit scared...I've downloaded a fare amount of data like songs apps ,etc and all the time GPRS was in caps meaning BIS was activated and so I had nothing to worry about until I tried youtube ,just for the fun of checking what will happen, and to my amazement GPRS remained in caps! Meaning I was using BIS , and if youtube isn't free then my other downloads weren't free either...has anyone tried using youtube with BiS on the curve (8520)?Yes, and chances are you'll be charged for that too. As for the other data you downloaded then you should probably check your online statement (if you're with vodacom).


I have checked with the two main SPs in Germany because I'll be traveling there next year. They have no way of taking out a data/BB option on a prepaid card. The idea alone is a foreign concept there, all you can do with prepaid cards is phone and text.
I used my blackberry quite extensively in Germany last year and iirc some mobile operators were far cheaper than others so choose your network wisely. My bill for a week was very reasonable. Blackberry's email and browsing are highly compressed so a little goes a long way. :)

[mot787m]

Thanks bwana...this might sound a little stupid and I apologise for it but how do I check my statement online with voda? Also does anyone know if I will be billed extra if I use my blackberry here in SA to chat to someone over in the Uk using bbm?
Thanks

[Bighit]

Yes, on the 8520, you tube edge still says in caps and there is no warning you will be charged. but i use vuclip to download youtube videos at no cost.

[bwana]

Thanks bwana...this might sound a little stupid and I apologise for it but how do I check my statement online with voda? Also does anyone know if I will be billed extra if I use my blackberry here in SA to chat to someone over in the Uk using bbm?
ThanksRegister at vodacom.co.za and you can check recent charges even if on PAYG.

There's no charge for using BBM regardless of where the person you're chatting to is - thank goodness. My missus used it exhaustively to chat with overseas friends and it saved me a fortune :D

[CranialBlaze]

For those like me who switched and preferred the OS5 ringtones, RIM was kind and released the OS5 ringtone pack for OS6.

Type this into your mobile browser http://tinyurl.com/os5rtos6

Source: http://tinyurl.com/238kkyp

[Brawler]

Great thread.

I just got my 1st BB Bold on Friday.

"Change your APN settings (in Advanced settings) to 'blackberry.net' this will force most applications to use BIS"

Where in the menu is this?

[Bighit]

Great thread.

I just got my 1st BB Bold on Friday.

"Change your APN settings (in Advanced settings) to 'blackberry.net' this will force most applications to use BIS"

Where in the menu is this?

Options > Advanced Settings > TCP/IP

It's not a fullproof method though coz I havae seen it use wap though.

[phoneJunky]

Great thread.

I just got my 1st BB Bold on Friday.

"Change your APN settings (in Advanced settings) to 'blackberry.net' this will force most applications to use BIS"


Where in the menu is this?

Press the meny button, go to settings -> Advanced Settings -> TCP/IP

but then again I have a Bold 9000 so it might be different to the new one

[rezabz]

Options > Advanced Settings > TCP/IP

It's not a fullproof method though coz I havae seen it use wap though.

Got my Bold for 8months now and never used wap since changing apn. Are you on VC or MTN?

[Bighit]

Got my Bold for 8months now and never used wap since changing apn. Are you on VC or MTN?

Cell C....lol

[rezabz]

Cell C....lol

Lol.. As I hit 'submit reply' I remembered Cell C also offers BIS these days.

[Brawler]

Options > Advanced Settings > TCP/IP

It's not a fullproof method though coz I havae seen it use wap though.


Press the meny button, go to settings -> Advanced Settings -> TCP/IP

but then again I have a Bold 9000 so it might be different to the new one

ok here I get:

[]APN Settings Enabled
APN:
[]APN Authentication Enabled
Username for APN:
Password for APN:

I take it I just put blackberry.net under APN with no password.

[rezabz]

Brawler: correct

[undesign]

Options > Advanced Settings > TCP/IP

It's not a fullproof method though coz I havae seen it use wap though.

Works for most apps. But as you say, not foolproof. I can still watch YouTube which is not BIS.

[rezabz]

There's no need for youtube. Try vuclip.com

[Howzit42]

MTN provided my Blackberry Bold 9700. MTN provided my BIS account. MTN provided me with very little information regarding locking the Blackberry down to only use the BIS data network. Surely MTN should support the phone and it's settings on their data network.

If I lock down the APN to blackberry.net, why does the MTN data network not honour these settings? Why is the phone allowed to break out from the BIS data network and use MTN data network when I have specifically configured it to use BIS?

Why is is there no warning from the browser or app that I am leaving the BIS data network and accessing the MTN data network for which I will be charged R2 per MB? I have only seen this warning once and that was from the IM application warning me about viewing an IM attachment.

Why if I configure the MTN browser does it allow me to select either Internet Browser or Hotspot Browser, allows me to save the configuration without any warning that the configuration is invalid, and then just resets to use MTN as the browser configuration? Why this deceptive false sense of security, allowing you to think the MTN browser has been configured to use Internet Browser (BIS) and not MTN (MyMTN) data services?

Why does the connection indicator remain on 3G(BB) or EDGE indicating BIS access and not change to 3g or edge when the connection changes from BIS to MyMTN?

If I have taken all reasonable precautions to configure my Blackberry to use only the BIS data network and MTN data network disregards these settings and allows my Blackberry access to their data network, why should I be held liable for these costs at MTN's absurd R2 per MB rates?

By the way, when speaking to MTN Blackberry support recently, they instructed me to disable APN and not to use APN enabled with blackberry.net as the setting.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

[phoneJunky]

MTN provided my Blackberry Bold 9700. MTN provided my BIS account. MTN provided me with very little information regarding locking the Blackberry down to only use the BIS data network. Surely MTN should support the phone and it's settings on their data network.

If I lock down the APN to blackberry.net, why does the MTN data network not honour these settings? Why is the phone allowed to break out from the BIS data network and use MTN data network when I have specifically configured it to use BIS?

Why is is there no warning from the browser or app that I am leaving the BIS data network and accessing the MTN data network for which I will be charged R2 per MB? I have only seen this warning once and that was from the IM application warning me about viewing an IM attachment.

Why if I configure the MTN browser does it allow me to select either Internet Browser or Hotspot Browser, allows me to save the configuration without any warning that the configuration is invalid, and then just resets to use MTN as the browser configuration? Why this deceptive false sense of security, allowing you to think the MTN browser has been configured to use Internet Browser (BIS) and not MTN (MyMTN) data services?

Why does the connection indicator remain on 3G(BB) or EDGE indicating BIS access and not change to 3g or edge when the connection changes from BIS to MyMTN?

If I have taken all reasonable precautions to configure my Blackberry to use only the BIS data network and MTN data network disregards these settings and allows my Blackberry access to their data network, why should I be held liable for these costs at MTN's absurd R2 per MB rates?

By the way, when speaking to MTN Blackberry support recently, they instructed me to disable APN and not to use APN enabled with blackberry.net as the setting.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

The BB flag disappears when you are doing something the BIS network can't handle. And the blackberry.net doesn't lock it down to the blackberry network, it just let the blackberry supported applications know what the default apn is. If you stream or something it is still going to switch to wap. Oronte's first post discusses all of this. I am with MTN and I have never been billed for data that I didn't know I was using.

The MTN browser never ran through the blackberry apn afaik, I just hide it and use the default blackberry browser. And AFAIK those settings on the phone has nothing to do with the MTN network, but everything to do with the applications you run (I might be wrong on this one). There are a few simple things to remember and you will never be charged. Just read through the OP and apply that.

[CranialBlaze]

The BB flag disappears when you are doing something the BIS network can't handle. And the blackberry.net doesn't lock it down to the blackberry network, it just let the blackberry supported applications know what the default apn is. If you stream or something it is still going to switch to wap. Oronte's first post discusses all of this. I am with MTN and I have never been billed for data that I didn't know I was using.

The MTN browser never ran through the blackberry apn afaik, I just hide it and use the default blackberry browser. And AFAIK those settings on the phone has nothing to do with the MTN network, but everything to do with the applications you run (I might be wrong on this one). There are a few simple things to remember and you will never be charged. Just read through the OP and apply that.

Its actually all in RIMS terms and conditions, anything not BIS capable will be diverted to the networks chargeable service. They are not legally required to inform you of this as they do not guarantee 100% BIS usage. They actually advertise it along the lines of free browsing, facebook, twitter and such applications. Watching videos on youtube is not browsing, its streaming.

Setting your handset to blackberry.net does sweet f all, its a false security net. The apn thats being used is determined by the applications service book. The difference between having blackbery.net and nothing is nothing. even setting the apn to internet wont cause you to incur extra charges, the apn settings on south african networks are meaningless. Its mostly overseas countries that use it as they have multiple BB packages so you need to set the apn to the server corresponding to your package.

As for the MTN Browser, its underhanded, but again they under no legal obligation to inform you of that, chances are its in the terms and conditions you never read anyway. As for the indicator, it indicates network coverage int eh BIS network, there is no separate indicator for BIS and non BIS usage. Uppercase means you have network, lowercase means you don't. The Flag is part of the 3G coverage indication, you will notice 3G will change to 3g and the flag will go away, the flag is their to help determine weather or not you have an actual connection as its easier to tell teh difference between EDGE and edge than 3G and 3g.

There is no visual way to determine weather or not you using BIS, its a simple fact that about 99.9%+ of your usage will be BIS unless u start installing applications that do nto support BIS, examples would be MyLookout, Mxit versions prior to 5.9.3.

[Grant49]

So I recently joined the BB clan on the 11th of this month. I signed up for the Everyday 120 contract (as that was what I was on) with the special of R149 with a Curve 3G.

Being slightly concerned about costs I've been checking my balance via 111 frequently. After checking it today I am very shocked. It has gone up from +-R215 to +-R447 in that period (R30+ just last night) with 1 phone call and 4 texts.

The apps I have are:
Mxit (latest)
Foursquare
FB
Twitter
Tapatalk Beta.

I also received a text a few minutes after receiving the phone that my BIS was activated.

What on earth is going on? Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be that my BIS is in fact not activated and I am being slammed with R2/MB with all my email etc?

The people at Vodacom are painfully useless at times and want to know if anyone here can help...

[CranialBlaze]

Well the first thing you need to knwo, no BIS no email, no browsing, no app world, no downloading and installing apps from the phone.

As for the charges, streaming media is not free, but I assmue you knew that. BIS does not however cover everything, mxit versions prior to 592 do not work with BIS and will use your internet but unless you live on it I'd be surprised if you break R2 using it.

Register on vodacom.co.za and see your itimized statement online, will show your last 10 transactions, has a time delay of 4-6 hours though. You can see there if you got hit with any odd data charges.

FB and Twitter are full covered, FS should be but I'm not certain.

Just remember, having a berry and BIS does not mean you won't pay for any internet usage, but R30 in 1 nights a bit of a stretch.

[Grant49]

I suspected that with the BIS.

Earlier the Vodacom Report services were down, but now I've finally got in.

It does have data costs...but they are insignificant (R2 since I got the phone). So it's not data related...could it be anything else or am I set to have a fight with vodacom tonight?

[CranialBlaze]

Well unless you know what it is there is no point, just remember that the balance check from your phone only updates max 4 times a day. There is no real point until you get your full itimized bill to make sure it was not just a delayed update.

[Grant49]

Alright, well I will give it another day, but if it goes up again I guess all I can do is call them. Glad that it isn't the data, but rather concerned that these charges are unknown as of yet. But thanks a lot for you help again.

[Grant49]

A BTW, got charged R245.22 for 'internet connection' yesterday. Taking it up with Vodacom now. Cannot help but think along the lines of a virus of sorts or Vodacom messing things up heavily. Quite keen to know if one can make the 'internet' connection prompt before usage.

[AirWolf]

A BTW, got charged R245.22 for 'internet connection' yesterday. Taking it up with Vodacom now. Cannot help but think along the lines of a virus of sorts or Vodacom messing things up heavily. Quite keen to know if one can make the 'internet' connection prompt before usage.

Are you just using applications on the phone or using your phone as a modem for your pc/laptop as well?

[Grant49]

No only the phone's apps...
Mxit (latest)
Foursquare
FB
Twitter
Tapatalk Beta.

However, as any of us do, we try out various apps before keeping or deleting, and I have a feeling one of the apps (via the appworld) let the door open for something virus like. As I did a reset of all data, incl. apps, contacts, everything, and since then the bill has remained the same. So maybe as a warning to everyone, if you need an app for something, use the big names, rather than then something you haven't heard of...

[CranialBlaze]

No only the phone's apps...
Mxit (latest)
Foursquare
FB
Twitter
Tapatalk Beta.

However, as any of us do, we try out various apps before keeping or deleting, and I have a feeling one of the apps (via the appworld) let the door open for something virus like. As I did a reset of all data, incl. apps, contacts, everything, and since then the bill has remained the same. So maybe as a warning to everyone, if you need an app for something, use the big names, rather than then something you haven't heard of...

Highly unlikey thats its a virus, there are only 40 reported viruses between BB, IOS and Android combined and none are related to data usage. Wait till you get your actual invoice before you declare it data usage as thats an extremely unlikey amount if you not connecting it to a computer. Thats over 122mb, in 1 day is impossible unless you were doing something like streaming or using it as a modem.

[Grant49]

I've logged it with Vodacom, they've sent it to their technical people to investigate possible fraud etc. Will know tomorrow hopefully. I am completely clueless now.

[Human]

Interesting situation Grant.
Normally viruses are not out to drain data, more cause havoc and mayhem in the actual system.
Have you checked your "sytem manager" to see if there is anything running, perhaps an app that you have not closed?

[Ockie]

So I recently joined the BB clan on the 11th of this month. I signed up for the Everyday 120 contract (as that was what I was on) with the special of R149 with a Curve 3G.

Being slightly concerned about costs I've been checking my balance via 111 frequently. After checking it today I am very shocked. It has gone up from +-R215 to +-R447 in that period (R30+ just last night) with 1 phone call and 4 texts.

The apps I have are:
Mxit (latest)
Foursquare
FB
Twitter
Tapatalk Beta.

I also received a text a few minutes after receiving the phone that my BIS was activated.

What on earth is going on? Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be that my BIS is in fact not activated and I am being slammed with R2/MB with all my email etc?

The people at Vodacom are painfully useless at times and want to know if anyone here can help...

PM me your number and I will check on your proposed invoice what the costs are for.

[Human]

Hi guys.
Is there an entry for AP at all for the torch? I can't seem to find a place to enter blackberry.net.

[CranialBlaze]

Hi guys.
Is there an entry for AP at all for the torch? I can't seem to find a place to enter blackberry.net.

Its worthless doing it anyway, it in no way prevents any form of additional charges. Each app that uses the internet works off the service books, the apn setting has no effect at all. If you want to prevent additional charges the 1 and only way that will work is to have vodacom remove the internet apn from your line itself on the server side.

blackberry.net and <blank> server the exact same function.

[Human]

My bad. Enabled AP and entered blackberry.net no "blackberry" logo next to my signal only gprs or edge when I'm browsing the net like this mobile site. I have removed the battery too but nothing yet.

[Human]

Thanks cranial.
But whe isn't the bb symbol on when I'm browsing the net?

[Grant49]

Maybe I am wrong, but this EDGE vs egde etc. doesn't seem to be right, nor the APN story...I was billed and not once did it go lower case, and vodacom told me APN must be unchecked to avoid charges...just saying, maybe I am wrong though.

[CranialBlaze]

Maybe I am wrong, but this EDGE vs egde etc. doesn't seem to be right, nor the APN story...I was billed and not once did it go lower case, and vodacom told me APN must be unchecked to avoid charges...just saying, maybe I am wrong though.

OK EDGE vs edge is simple, EDGE means you have BIS connection, edge means you have no connections. BIS is not 100% free and changing your apn to blackberry.net does not in anyway affect your being charged or not for non BIS usage, setting it to internet will however guarantee that you get charged. The difference between leaving it blank and setting it to blackberry.net is simply the time you waisted to type 14 characters.

If the application cannot work with BIS, it wont irrespective of your apn settings on the handset. If you do however set it to internet then everything except your email and various other rim services will be charged for, this includes appworld, facebook, twitter, and any other application thats allowed to auto select its connection, meaning it will auto select the internet apn as set and run through a charged data channel.

[Human]

Hahahaha
Thanks cranial.
You don't mince words or little animals.
It helps.

[FlyUAv]

Good day

I think the bigegst question everyone has, well at least me, is: Will using the internet, ie downloading documents, music etc through the blackberry service work out the cheapest compared to say just getting a 3g bundle with a dongle from vodacom, mtn etc ?

It seems like there is a misunderstanding of what is free and what is not on BIS not to mention the confusion of not knowing what you will be charged for what kind of usage or application, and it sounds like quite a fuss figuring out and configuring the device so you will not be charged unneccary fees.

I also heard about an application called tether ?

I need to know should i get a blackberry deal or just buy a vodacom prepaid dongle of 110mb and top it up to the amount i require. To me it seem a bit expensive, but with all the fuss mentioned regarding BIS ?

[phoneJunky]

Good day

I think the bigegst question everyone has, well at least me, is: Will using the internet, ie downloading documents, music etc through the blackberry service work out the cheapest compared to say just getting a 3g bundle with a dongle from vodacom, mtn etc ?

It seems like there is a misunderstanding of what is free and what is not on BIS not to mention the confusion of not knowing what you will be charged for what kind of usage or application, and it sounds like quite a fuss figuring out and configuring the device so you will not be charged unneccary fees.

I also heard about an application called tether ?

I need to know should i get a blackberry deal or just buy a vodacom prepaid dongle of 110mb and top it up to the amount i require. To me it seem a bit expensive, but with all the fuss mentioned regarding BIS ?

If you want to connect it to your computer you are going to pay extra. If you download the stuff through your phone it should be fine. Read the first post to sort out the more tricky stuff.

BIS works out much cheaper for me, but I only do stuff on my phone. I have an adsl line for stuff I want to download on my pc.

[FlyUAv]

"If you want to connect it to your computer you are going to pay extra"

However correct me if i am wrong (i might be)

If i buy the Tether application, i think it's R200 or something, Using that application on my pc after i purchased it, i won't be charged browsing the internet using that application with my blackberry on my pc ? Or is there something i'm missing ?

[FlyUAv]

here is the link, has no one tried it out yet ? www.tether.com

If i only have to pay R59 per month and for this app once off that should be a good internet deal right ?

[CranialBlaze]

The teather app was developed before BB Desktop Manager had the function built in, if you connect to your pc, no matter what you do you will pay, there is no way to dial up from your PC using BIS.

[Just_Ice]

What are the size limits on attatchments and downloads??

Yesterday I tried sending someone a song by attaching it to an email I got an error saying attachment to large (It is 5MB's) and later on I managed to download a 30 meg file with no charges incurred.

So what are the size limits on attachments and downloads?

Using a BB curve 9300 and OS 6.0.0.424

[AirWolf]

The teather app was developed before BB Desktop Manager had the function built in, if you connect to your pc, no matter what you do you will pay, there is no way to dial up from your PC using BIS.

This review from Crackberry seems to disagree - written in July last year.

http://crackberry.com/tether-blackberry-review

It does have a seven day trial period to test as well.

[CranialBlaze]

What are the size limits on attatchments and downloads??

Yesterday I tried sending someone a song by attaching it to an email I got an error saying attachment to large (It is 5MB's) and later on I managed to download a 30 meg file with no charges incurred.

So what are the size limits on attachments and downloads?

Using a BB curve 9300 and OS 6.0.0.424

Attachment limits differ from download limits, i know receiving max is 5mb, there is no indication as to what the sending max is.

[FlyUAv]

"This review from Crackberry seems to disagree - written in July last year.

http://crackberry.com/tether-blackberry-review

It does have a seven day trial period to test as well."

If allows free downloading then it could be a very good deal.

[CranialBlaze]

"This review from Crackberry seems to disagree - written in July last year.

http://crackberry.com/tether-blackberry-review

It does have a seven day trial period to test as well."

If allows free downloading then it could be a very good deal.

Myself and a friend tested this app last night, myself with a 9300 and him whit a 9105 both running .424 and it works to the extent that it sends packets, impossible to test until it actually is capable of downloading something, could be OS6 however unlikely, its more likely that its being blocked on the network side.

[Just_Ice]

Attachment limits differ from download limits, i know receiving max is 5mb, there is no indication as to what the sending max is.
I realise that its two different limits, I was just wondering what those limits are.

Because by the looks of things I can't send a 5 meg email so Im assuming the email limit (sending) is less than that. And I am not sure what the ordinary download limit is.

[CranialBlaze]

I tested now on my phone, 3276kb would not send either, the next size I had was 1652 and that was fine so its somewhere between 2mb and 3mb

Download beamexplorer from appworld, its free and has a built in zip function so you can compress files that won't send, probably won't work for mp3s as they already compressed but other files should be fine.

[FlyUAv]

So it sound like i'm better of using my speedstik from cell c for now, maybe next year the bb network will allow full internet access via the pc (hopefully at a good subscription rate of course) I reckon internet access prices will still go down, well at least it should.

[CranialBlaze]

RIM blocks that themselves, no country in the world allows you to use your blackberry as a free modem.

[oronte]

So it sound like i'm better of using my speedstik from cell c for now, maybe next year the bb network will allow full internet access via the pc (hopefully at a good subscription rate of course) I reckon internet access prices will still go down, well at least it should.

They are never going to do that...ever. In most countries bis is not unlimited on phones, so it won't happen for pc's.

[maumau]

hi, hope this is the right thread to ask how i'll know when my BIS is active on MTN PAYG bought yesterday? i received a message welcoming me to MTN and i've loaded R60 onto BIS. also, i had my phone on VC PAYG previously and my browser was set to "network browser" so as not to pay for data. what must the browser be set to for BB browsing on MTN? pleeeeeeze help if you can.

[adsl3g]

hi, hope this is the right thread to ask how i'll know when my BIS is active on MTN PAYG bought yesterday? i received a message welcoming me to MTN and i've loaded R60 onto BIS. also, i had my phone on VC PAYG previously and my browser was set to "network browser" so as not to pay for data. what must the browser be set to for BB browsing on MTN? pleeeeeeze help if you can.

When browsing the 'edge' icon is displayed in caps i.e. 'EDGE' or '3g' viz '3G' and the BB logo next to the 3G logo on the home screen.

[maumau]

tks adsl2g. i've got the 3G but no BB logo yet so i'll give it another day and see what happens. must the browser be set to MTN? i thought i'd be charged for data if i use the MTN browser.

[maumau]

GOT IT!!!! i registered and up the services came.

[Lord Anubis]

Does BIS work on roaming. I'm going to the UK soon and want to take my Torch with. Will things like my email, browsing, facebook apps still work freely as it does here on BIS or will it go through as normal data (wap) and I get charged roaming data fees?

Edit: ok so on the MTN website it says BIS does not work on roaming! The costs are between R2.70-R4.00 per 25KB! Rediculous. May as well just leave my phone at home! :(

[CranialBlaze]

Does BIS work on roaming. I'm going to the UK soon and want to take my Torch with. Will things like my email, browsing, facebook apps still work freely as it does here on BIS or will it go through as normal data (wap) and I get charged roaming data fees?

Edit: ok so on the MTN website it says BIS does not work on roaming! The costs are between R2.70-R4.00 per 25KB! Rediculous. May as well just leave my phone at home! :(

From what i know vodacom works with BIS on international Vodafone networks only, due to the agreement we currently have with them. As MTN has no international partners there is no way for them to structure a functioning BIS service outside South Africa.

[oronte]

I believe you are still charged for BIS roaming on Vodacom at normal data rates (I stand to be corrected). Basically turn off your data functionality on any phone when you leave SA unless you want a big bill when you get back. You could always get a prepaid sim when you get there.

[Awesum]

I've got some app that using mymtn apn.
How do I find what app it is? Its accessing it everyday at different times.

[oronte]

I've got some app that using mymtn apn.
How do I find what app it is? Its accessing it everyday at different times.

Open each of your apps in turn and use the process outlined in the first post.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using MyBroadband Android App

[wmongie]

I believe you are still charged for BIS roaming on Vodacom at normal data rates (I stand to be corrected). Basically turn off your data functionality on any phone when you leave SA unless you want a big bill when you get back. You could always get a prepaid sim when you get there.

I've heard the same thing from friends travelling and using their BBs abroad. Data charges come in at around R2.00/MB apparently. Not too bad if you're only checking your mail but don't leave your data services connected all the time. It'll soon add up...

[ryan411]

I've heard the same thing from friends travelling and using their BBs abroad. Data charges come in at around R2.00/MB apparently. Not too bad if you're only checking your mail but don't leave your data services connected all the time. It'll soon add up...Err no. That is the local rate, in SA. Abroad u will pay in the region of R128 (or more) per megabyte. U will possibly come back bankrupt if ur Blackberry is left to do its thing.

[AirWolf]

Answer to thread title question:

No it isn't because you pay R59/month for a limited selection of uses.

[bonni]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[bhavenparsotam]

Yep... And if you activate roaming, you'll end up with a bill of R2000 per 100MB

[oronte]

Yep... And if you activate roaming, you'll end up with a bill of R2000 per 100MB

Don't know what that has ot do with this thread, that the standard with any phone. You payed less than you would with an Android or iphone since Rim at least compresses data (assuming you had roaming BIS).

[viishrugged]

My problem with BIS is that most people assume it's free. My sister was quite shocked when she saw she had to pay another R60 on top of her contract after she got the phone.

[wmongie]

Err no. That is the local rate, in SA. Abroad u will pay in the region of R128 (or more) per megabyte. U will possibly come back bankrupt if ur Blackberry is left to do its thing.

That's quite right. I have asked around and have found that R2/MB is indeed quite optimistic for roaming.

[jasonbot]

For me its cheaper than paying for data on my iPhone.

[smileyblue]

no matter how loud and often they shout that something is free somewhere in the small print you will see a cost.

[oronte]

My problem with BIS is that most people assume it's free. My sister was quite shocked when she saw she had to pay another R60 on top of her contract after she got the phone.


no matter how loud and often they shout that something is free somewhere in the small print you will see a cost.

None of you seem to understand what this thread it about - please read my first post. You're obviously posting because you have nothing better to do. The purpose of this thread is to explain what is included in BIS pricing and what is not (as there are several situations under which you can be charged for services that you assume might be free). BIS is not free - it's an 'unlimited' service with a monthly fee.

[AirWolf]

None of you seem to understand what this thread it about - please read my first post. You're obviously posting because you have nothing better to do. The purpose of this thread is to explain what is included in BIS pricing and what is not (as there are several situations under which you can be charged for services that you assume might be free). BIS is not free - it's an 'unlimited' service with a monthly fee.

"Unlimited" for specific data usage excluding video streaming at a cost of R59 a month.

Personally after getting a Blackberry I don't think you're really getting your monies worth for the price.

On Vodacom for example 28MB is R28 and 110MB is R88 with nothing near the R50-R60 mark. On the BIS usage alone I don't think people would be doing more than 100MB on device. If you're with other brands you're basically given the middle finger by the service providers without a similar priced bundle.

[bwana]

"Unlimited" for specific data usage excluding video streaming at a cost of R59 a month.

Personally after getting a Blackberry I don't think you're really getting your monies worth for the price.

On Vodacom for example 28MB is R28 and 110MB is R88 with nothing near the R50-R60 mark. On the BIS usage alone I don't think people would be doing more than 100MB on device. If you're with other brands you're basically given the middle finger by the service providers without a similar priced bundle.I pull that down every few days.

[AirWolf]

I pull that down every few days.

How are you checking your usage and what exactly uses that much data on the phone? :wtf:

And was talking about the average users :D.

[bwana]

How are you checking your usage and what exactly uses that much data on the phone? :wtf:

And was talking about the average users :D.I know the size of the files I'm pulling down but it's easy enough to figure out how much data you're using over any given period.

[CranialBlaze]

I know the size of the files I'm pulling down but it's easy enough to figure out how much data you're using over any given period.

I personally have done far in excess of 1GB this month already on my BIS. With the removal of the size limit in OS6 i been downloading pretty large files, just last week i downloaded 3 nvidia drivers, an ati driver, 4 updates to skype an hirens boot cd, and that's just what i can remember.

The drivers for nvidia are about 130mb each and i first downloaded the wrong 1 then downloaded then the correct 1 which being a beta i thought it was the cause of the problem so i re-downloaded the official version, the ATi driver is just shy of 100mb and then Hiren's Boot CD is almost 400mb, with the skype updates @ 22mb each. This week alone i am closing in on 960mb give or take what i am not remembering.

EDIT: Just remembered the Official and Beta release of 1 of my design apps as well as an update to that beta i downloaded of just under 100mb each.

[Don-EL]

I have done 1.4 gigs on my blackberry torch since Friday, is there some sort of fair usage policy where it cuts you off BIS on MTN, or don't they cut you off and you land up racking up a huge bill.....

[CranialBlaze]

I have done 1.4 gigs on my blackberry torch since Friday, is there some sort of fair usage policy where it cuts you off BIS on MTN, or don't they cut you off and you land up racking up a huge bill.....

Till now they have never needed one, legally speaking they can charge you as its advertised as unlimited on handset browsing so downloads do not qualify, it remains to be seen what the providers will do now there there are no download limits, i suppose it really depends ont he % of people abusing it long term.

[Daniel1989]

Hi All

Had my Blackberry Bold for almost a year now and have been paying the usual R409 for my talk 120 contract. Usually about R20 over for some SMS costs. I use Vodacom through Nashua Mobile.

Last month I got charged an additional R460 on top of my contract cost. I was so confused, I never download anything, only browse ( hardly ever ) and use no paid apps.

I asked for my billing and on the Excel sheet they sent me I see that they charged in total just about R450 in a time of 40 minutes???

It was all in 37 second intervals, each one charged at R8.78 and using 5.121 megs of data each time. Almost as if it had been duplicated about 50 times.

It looked something like this:


01-Feb-11 11:32:05 37 8.78 8.78 395.97 internet GPRS R 0.00 1 5121
01-Feb-11 11:31:28 36 8.78 8.78 387.19 internet GPRS R 0.00 1 5122
01-Feb-11 11:30:52 37 8.78 8.78 378.41 internet GPRS R 0.00 1 5121
01-Feb-11 11:30:15 37 8.78 8.78 369.63 internet GPRS R 0.00 1 5121

About 50 rows of this :S

Is it even possible to use R460 in 30-40 minutes?

Can't get any help from Nashua Mobile and this money is a lot for me.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Daniel

[marine1]

Di you perhaps install a program that changed your APN? Possible the program, if you installed it is using something outside of BIS?