BlackBerry® Bold™

[mwo]

Hello, 

I have a question. I am from germany and I have a normal contract with Base with a normal internet flat. But the bbm and whats app and the internet is not working. The people in the shop told me that even if I book the blackberry option then it is not for sure that everything is working. Why is that and is that really true? Or is it easier then to buy another smartphone? 

Thank you

[sdgardne]

Hi and Welcome to the Community!

Unfortunately, since you did not reveal your model number (there are several BOLD BB models), we cannot see if indeed BASE supports your specific model number. But, you can check via their official download portal:

• http://us.blackberry.com/support/apps-and-software/desktop-and-device-download-sites.html
• KB23393 How to check the model number and version of installed BlackBerry device software on a BlackBerry smartphone

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Further, to use the proprietary BB services (including Push email capability, BBM, etc.), you must have an adequate data plan from your carrier. The carriers host BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) for their BB users. Typically, BIS is not available via generic data plans. Many carriers call what is necessary The Blackberry Data Plan. Whatever they call it, it is the carrier who delivers BIS to their BB users. Once you have a BIS-capable data plan on your BB (at whatever fees your carrier will charge, btw), your BB-proprietary services may well function (e.g., you will have Personal/Internet Email added to the email setup wizard, your BBM will function, etc).

• http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/What_do_I_need_a_Data_Plan_for%3F

With hundreds of carriers in the world, each with dozens of different data plans, it's impossible to tell you specifically what any service plan might actually provide. Only the carriers can answer that question. The best thing to do is to decide what services you desire, and then talk to your carrier about obtaining (from them) a data plan that enables what you desire.

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Then again, back to the original point...if your BB is not natively supported by BASE, then obtaining BIS services is much more tricky...

1) The carrier must say "yes" to the fact...they own their network and have every right to say what devices will be allowed to connect to it. If they say "no", then that's the end of it.

2) You must be sure that your BB is properly unlocked from it's originally manufactured-for carrier...see this helpful thread for details:

• http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/General-BlackBerry-Functions-and/Unlocking-your-BlackBerry-Gu...

3) You must get all of your voice level services functioning on the carrier, before you even try anything about data

4) You must subscribe, from the carrier, to an adequate data plan to enable the BB-proprietary services you desire

5a) If the carrier directly supports your specific model BB, then you can proceed with registering the BB onto their network, generating the proper Service Book delivery to your BB, and proceeding to function.

5b) But, if the carrier does not directly support your specific model number of BB, then the challenges are much greater as most carrier systems will not deliver, to the BB, the necessary service books to enable the BB-proprietary data services, even if you do subscribe to them.

So, depending on all of that, your BB may or may not ever fully function on that carrier network. It can be quite tricky to accomplish, especially if 5b applies. So take a look at all of that and decide how you wish to proceed. Most folks wind up just buying a new BB if 5b applies.

Good luck and let us know!

[BillJ]

I was going to say "call your carrier" but I guess sdgardne's answer isn't bad.