Blackberry in Europe

[imcarthur]

Does a Blackberry 8830 (8800 Series) work in Europe? I have 2 x 5 day trips to France in May & June for a speaker launch & I would like to be reachable. Company pays the cell bill so the $1.99/minute is OK but has anybody used one? Phone & text.

I do have a GSM cheapo that we bought in Hungary last year that I can buy SIM cards for but I would prefer to use my own number.

Ian

[Porsche_monkey]

My friends Rogers phone worked in Italy. But it was expensive. A local sim card would be cheaper.

[jriera]

Yes it works, get ready for a LARGE data bill when you come back unless you disconnect the data part.

[steve911]

You may be able to arrange for a temporary international data plan (i.e. sign up now and then change back in July) so you don't get hit with really large charges.
I did this with ATT for my Treo last year when I had to go to London for a week.

[imcarthur]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll have to shutoff email & not get all of those PP post notifications.

Ian

[johndglynn]

Over here you can buy data bundles before you leave, which makes surfing etc cheaper. I agree with the switching it off advice though, have had some mega phone bills whilst on hols in France. I use a touring SIM now but it is calls and texts only, no data.

[Porsche_monkey]

It isn't the end of the world to 'disconnect' for a week.

[Rick Lee]

My Cingular Blackberry is GSM and I can just buy SIM cards when outside the US. It will change my phone number, but I'd rather my friends in whichever country I'm visiting not have to pay for a call to a US number anyway.

[red-beard]

http://www.rim.com/news/press/2007/pr-25_04_2007-01.shtml

Press Release

April 25, 2007

Verizon Wireless Announces the Next Evolution in Global Connectivity: The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone and Global BlackBerry Service

First CDMA/GSM BlackBerry Smartphone, Coupled with Always-On Global E-Mail and 24/7 Help Desk, Keeps Travelers Connected In More Than 60 Countries

Basking Ridge, NJ and Waterloo, ON - Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, today introduced the first Global CDMA/GSM BlackBerry®. The BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available on May 14 through Verizon Wireless’ business sales channels and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on May 28.
In addition, Verizon Wireless announced the May 14 availability of its new Global BlackBerry service, an “always-on, always connected” wireless e-mail solution that provides quick, easy access to e-mail, contacts, calendar, organizer and the Web while on-the-go. With the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless, customers get wireless e-mail and the convenience of one local number for domestic and international use in Australia, Europe, parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.
Verizon Wireless’ new Global BlackBerry service allows customers to place and receive voice calls from more than 150 countries and send and receive e-mails in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide. With Global BlackBerry service, Verizon Wireless customers receive the Global Support Pack, which includes a SIM card, a user reference guide and details on accessing the Global Help Desk for 24-hour customer support, seven days a week. Customers also receive a calling card for free support calls while traveling outside of the U.S. from any landline phone to technical support if the BlackBerry 8830 is lost, broken or stolen.
“The BlackBerry 8830 with Verizon Wireless’ Global BlackBerry service will set a new standard for global wireless service,” said Mike Lanman, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. “Customers leave the U.S. with the ultimate productivity tool enhanced by a service and support package they won’t find anywhere else in the industry. This is the gold standard for the international enterprise, and with its unique blend of form, function and value, we expect this device to quickly become our top selling BlackBerry for domestic use as well.”
“The BlackBerry 8830 is built on an exciting new device platform that combines CDMA and GSM/GPRS roaming support with the latest in industrial design and functional innovations,” said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-chief executive officer at Research In Motion. “This innovative and stylish smartphone includes all the benefits that users have come to love about the BlackBerry solution along with a compelling new global service from Verizon Wireless.”
The BlackBerry 8830 provides an international option for enterprise customers of all Verizon Business groups. The Verizon branded companies offer customers a portfolio of wired and wireless solutions inclusive of the recently announced BroadbandAccess Router Service.
Features and Pricing for the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone and Global BlackBerry Service
The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone packs the latest features into a stylish global device and offers the following capabilities and features:
• EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 60 countries
• GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and e-mail while traveling internationally
• Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
• Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
• New Trackball navigation system
• Media player
• Expandable memory option with microSD™ card (sold separately)
• Speakerphone
• Bluetooth® capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
• Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
• Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication
The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available in May for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.
Customers signing up for Global BlackBerry service will get unlimited e-mail in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide for $64.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan, or for $69.99 monthly access without a voice plan. Customers can also add a “Pay As You Go” data feature to any qualifying voice plan for an additional $20 per Megabyte. Customers wanting to use the BlackBerry 8830 for e-mail solely in the U.S. may opt for an unlimited e-mail plan beginning at $49.99 monthly access.
Customers may request more information on the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless at www.verizonwireless.com/global. For more information on BlackBerry devices from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com/blackberry. Business customers should contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative directly at 1-800-VZW-4-BIZ.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including e-mail, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.

[BlueSideUp]

How does this buying SIM cards thing work? My wife and I are traveling next month in Italy, Spain, and France. I checked with AT&T and they pointed me towards an international roaming plan, still not cheap by any means but it is better. We both have Motorola Q9s but really only need one phone to stay in contact with our business.

And yes it is a semi-hijacking post.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by BlueSideUp

How does this buying SIM cards thing work? My wife and I are traveling next month in Italy, Spain, and France. I checked with AT&T and they pointed me towards an international roaming plan, still not cheap by any means but it is better. We both have Motorola Q9s but really only need one phone to stay in contact with our business.

And yes it is a semi-hijacking post.

SIM cards are vastly cheaper than any int'l. plan you can get in the US. Just buy one at the first gas station you come across once in country and ask someone to show you how to program it for you. It will change your phone number and in some places every new SIM card you buy changes your phone number. But it's still dirt cheap. In China they have phone book-sized lists of available phone numbers becaiuse they're so superstitious about lucky and unlucky numbers. The US is soooo behind the rest of the world when it comes to cell phones. But that's because it was always so cheap here for landlines, whereas it was not in Europe and in China they got cell phones before land lines were common. So we've lagged behind a bit there.

[red-beard]

You go to one of the local phone stores, and buy a sim card. It is a prepaid SIM. They give you a local phone number and you're good to go. If you run out of minutes, you go to a store and buy more time. The calls are far cheaper than the $1.99 that AT&T will charge you.

OTOH, T-Mobile only charges $0.99/minute. I have 2 phone when I'm in Europe. I keep my regular phone on, but I have a GSM phone with a Romanian SIM card with a local phone number. It costs a lot less to use. Text message people who call you your "local" Europe phone number. You will be only charged your air time rate, not an international call rate. They will pay for an International call, but they are pretty cheap these days.

I travel quite a bit and we have Vonage at home. I signed up for a vonage IP phone and programmed a LINKSYS Wifi phone. I use this and it is really cheap (like $0.05/min).

Just to Throw this out there, if you were willing to switch to T-Mobile, they offer a Blackberry Curve which is Wifi. When in a Wifi hot spot, the call route VOIP and do not count towards your plan and even in Europe, Wifi calls are not roaming. I set up 3 of my field people with this. Works great and they went from $3000/mth on AT&T to $700/mth on T-Mobile. I doubt you will use your phone as much as they do. Oh, the blackberry will rack up a lot of Data charges. The T-Mobile plan offers a flat $20/mth charge for International data.

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by red-beard

OTOH, T-Mobile only charges $0.99/minute. I have 2 phone when I'm in Europe. I keep my regular phone on, but I have a GSM phone with a Romanian SIM card with a local phone number. It costs a lot less to use. Text message people who call you your "local" Europe phone number. You will be only charged your air time rate, not an international call rate. They will pay for an International call, but they are pretty cheap these days.

In my case, it's more to give a number for any people that veer off & panic. So my BB would be best. With email off.

We are taking dealers etc so they always need emergency numbers etc. And of course, ditto for my wife.

I still will probably take the cheapo & get a card. It's T-mobile. We bought it in Budapest. From what we found, you have to use T-mobile cards. A post office turned us away in Eger & sent us to a T-mobile shop. And you need a new one in every country.

Ian

[Hugh R]

Red

What you posted about the 8830 from Verizon is only partially true. The 8830 comes with a native GPS, which they disable to sell you their $10.95/month VZ Navigator which only works in the US, and it's supposed to be a "World" Phone. Also you have to call Verizon and get on their international plan before you leave the US on a daily fee rate, even to Canada. It doesn't have a camera either. With AT&T you can get the same phone with GPS and Camera, and you don't have to switch while you're in another country. I found most of this out after my 30 day love it or leave it promise expired. Nice phone otherwise.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by jriera

Yes it works, get ready for a LARGE data bill when you come back unless you disconnect the data part.

My first month when I left the data portion on was $380. Now I turn it on and off when I believe something important is coming in, otherwise leave it on "phone" only.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

My first month when I left the data portion on was $380. Now I turn it on and off when I believe something important is coming in, otherwise leave it on "phone" only.

Joe, see my post, if you switch to T-Mobile, the all you can eat data plan is $20/mth for international.

[Joeaksa]

James,

Thanks and one of the other pilots over here has that and likes it. That said, T-Mobile hung me out to dry 2 years ago and I will never use them again.

Just hope that ATT someday picks up this feature that T-Mobile has... its a good idea.

Joe

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Red

What you posted about the 8830 from Verizon is only partially true. The 8830 comes with a native GPS, which they disable to sell you their $10.95/month VZ Navigator which only works in the US,

It's wierd. My 8830 is Canada-based with Bell Mobility - partnered with Verizon. The GPS works fine for finding current location & finding an address but not point to point directions. In both Canada & the US without an extra charge. It is slow but it does work.

Thanks for the tips guys. $380 per month? Yikes. Data will be off.

Ian

[johndglynn]

Ian, you could have your blackberry unlocked from t-mobile and use any sim card, it will still work with T-mobile but with any other network also. You shouldn't need to change SIMs in different countries, definitely not when locked.

I use SIM4Travel which is really cheap: 15p a minute to ring anyone anywhere, 15p to text, free to receive. My UK provider charges 38p a minute for calls made, 19p a minute to receive and 35p per text sent when in Europe! I just checked the SIM4Travel rates from France to USA and it's free to receive, 29p a minute to call any phone and 39p per text sent.

[imcarthur]

John

We had to change cards when we left Hungary to Austria. My wife NEEDS a phone & she panics when she can't connect. We had to get a new SIM in Vienna & change it back when we went back to Hungary.

I know I can change SIMs in the BB but I need a number I can circulate before the trip. Many of the dealers we are taking (25 or so) have never been to Europe & they like a contact phone number for the spouse. We'll be moving quickly around various towns - Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Bourbon-Lancy, Vienne etc - so landbased is not practical. One bonus is we get to see Diana Krall at the Jazz à Vienne festival - held in the Roman amphitheater in Vienne. Trés cool.

Ian