talk-to-frank in the UK...

**Marc-OG** · 04-29-2009, 09:53 AM

Frank, I need your advice.
I have the 9500 but lately I have been having camera problems. The camera used to work before but now it says "camera can not open, close other applications and try again". I have closed all apps but still get message. I also did a bat pull but same result. I downgraded the OS and it worked again for a while but when a bat pull was done, the message popped up again and now can't use the camera.
I went to service it and the guy said the camera is faulty and needs to be changed but I don't think it is a hardware issue since after downgrading the OS the camera worked. So no camera changes yet.
Any suggestions??

**Pete6** · 04-29-2009, 10:05 AM

I was with Virgin as a PAYG user and their CSRs were just great. The whole Virgin Mobile experience was nice BUT, they did not support BlackBerrys very well.

I now have a Simplicity 20 deal from O2 as my second dataplan and the O2 experience was not pleasant. Finding the right person was hard as O2 do not seem to want you to talk to them. The people with whom I spoke knew nothing about BlackBerrys and could not put me in touch with anyone who did.

I now have two phones on O2. Mine on Simplicity and Mrs. Pete6 on PAYG. We only use these phone whilst in the UK.

**talk-to-frank** · 04-29-2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Marc-OG

Frank, I need your advice.
I have the 9500 but lately I have been having camera problems. The camera used to work before but now it says "camera can not open, close other applications and try again". I have closed all apps but still get message. I also did a bat pull but same result. I downgraded the OS and it worked again for a while but when a bat pull was done, the message popped up again and now can't use the camera.
I went to service it and the guy said the camera is faulty and needs to be changed but I don't think it is a hardware issue since after downgrading the OS the camera worked. So no camera changes yet.
Any suggestions??

Hi Marc-OG

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this.

I can think of 3 good questions to answer - and one of those will probably solve your problem.

1. Are you using an official OS release or a leaked one? Go to the BB website and download the latest OS (official) for your handset/carrier - just to be on the safe side.

2. When up/downgrading - how are you doing this - eg, just through Desktop Manager? And is this also the latest official release from BB?

3. It may well be an actual hardware problem. Though Im with you on not trusting someone right off the bat... especially when its a costly service...
Was this person working for your carrier or an official repair centre for RIM?

Depending on how old your handset is, and providing you havent dropped the handset and done any 'visible' damage to it, it is probably still under warranty and therefore if there is a fault, and it is down to the manufacturer (in most cases, when you havent damaged your phone, it is covered by this)
If you tick these boxes, I would refer to your carrier, Vodafone?
I've never dealt with Voda and returns/repairs but im pretty sure a 14 day turn around is across the board for most networks.

You'd be without that handset for a few weeks potentially, but it should come back in perfect working order...

Hope this helps... I'll keep my eye out (not literally, its fixed in there) for any other info I can find on any known issues like this...

Frank

**talk-to-frank** · 04-29-2009, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Pete6

I was with Virgin as a PAYG user and their CSRs were just great. The whole Virgin Mobile experience was nice BUT, they did not support BlackBerrys very well.

I now have a Simplicity 20 deal from O2 as my second dataplan and the O2 experience was not pleasant. Finding the right person was hard as O2 do not seem to want you to talk to them. The people with whom I spoke knew nothing about BlackBerrys and could not put me in touch with anyone who did.

I now have two phones on O2. Mine on Simplicity and Mrs. Pete6 on PAYG. We only use these phone whilst in the UK.

I agree with you on about 50% of that Pete6... customer service on O2 is pretty hit and miss - consumer side, SME and Corporate is impeccable.
You're also right, they dont seem to want to speak to you, this becomes apparent when theyre always redirecting you to the O2 website for support, that then coupled with charging customers for theyre calls to CS makes for a lot of people searching for a lot of issues online etc... not good...

Although - I do have to say. They are pretty well set up now, I worked for O2 and I know the systems they have in place, previously it was attrocious and in one office teams were working on about 4/5 different billing platforms, each with its own issues etc... then they decided to 'make' their own, sort of... lol...

that said... Ive been an employee... a PAYM customer, a PAYG customer and I think their tariffs are some of the best in the UK, especially the PAYG one currently offered, with unlimited calls / txts etc.. or set amount cross network... pretty tough to beat...

All in all I cant grumble with most of the UK networks, except 3. They didnt do too well for me when I was a client of theirs...

Orange got some points from me this evening when I called and spoke to a nice young lady named Joanne who got to the bottom of UMA charges and how it works with voice plan etc... then emailed me it so I have it in black & white...

**Marc-OG** · 04-30-2009, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by talk-to-frank

Hi Marc-OG

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this.

I can think of 3 good questions to answer - and one of those will probably solve your problem.

1. Are you using an official OS release or a leaked one? Go to the BB website and download the latest OS (official) for your handset/carrier - just to be on the safe side.

2. When up/downgrading - how are you doing this - eg, just through Desktop Manager? And is this also the latest official release from BB?

3. It may well be an actual hardware problem. Though Im with you on not trusting someone right off the bat... especially when its a costly service...
Was this person working for your carrier or an official repair centre for RIM?

Depending on how old your handset is, and providing you havent dropped the handset and done any 'visible' damage to it, it is probably still under warranty and therefore if there is a fault, and it is down to the manufacturer (in most cases, when you havent damaged your phone, it is covered by this)
If you tick these boxes, I would refer to your carrier, Vodafone?
I've never dealt with Voda and returns/repairs but im pretty sure a 14 day turn around is across the board for most networks.

You'd be without that handset for a few weeks potentially, but it should come back in perfect working order...

Hope this helps... I'll keep my eye out (not literally, its fixed in there) for any other info I can find on any known issues like this...

Frank

Hi Frank,

Thanks.
Answers to 1 & 2, yes I use the official OS (122) and latest DM 4.7.
The handset is still under warranty but just the thought of not having it for a week or so is a bit concerning because I use this extensively for work.
I would appreciate if you find other fixes besides servicing it.

**talk-to-frank** · 04-30-2009, 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by Marc-OG

Hi Frank,

Thanks.
Answers to 1 & 2, yes I use the official OS (122) and latest DM 4.7.
The handset is still under warranty but just the thought of not having it for a week or so is a bit concerning because I use this extensively for work.
I would appreciate if you find other fixes besides servicing it.

Hi again Marc-OG

I would say that whilst its under warranty, utilise the feature while you can, but then as a fellow 'addict' I know how difficult it'll be to not have it for that mount of time...

I'll do a bit more digging for you and let you know if I find anything...

Frank

**Marc-OG** · 05-01-2009, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by talk-to-frank

Hi again Marc-OG

I would say that whilst its under warranty, utilise the feature while you can, but then as a fellow 'addict' I know how difficult it'll be to not have it for that mount of time...

I'll do a bit more digging for you and let you know if I find anything...

Frank

Hi Frank,

I fixed it. CrackberryNooB gave me the following solution:

"I suppose the difference in what you are describing and what I was trying to convey is doing a sync, rather than a backup. The difference being the sync will store simple data such as Contacts, Calendar, etc... whereas a backup stores an image of your device as is...including any possible errors that reside on the device.

If you used the Synchronize function on the DM to backup and restore your data, then I would say get your phone replaced. But it sounds to me like you are using Backup and Restore instead. Try using Synchronize to sync to Outlook and then retrieve the information from Outlook...not a backup file... after the handheld wipe.

You will have to go in and setup your email(or just send service books) and device settings when you are done, but it should clear the glitch.

To clear up any further confusion, here is a helpful link from Verizon Wireless' website.

Configuring synchronization settings - BlackBerry Desktop Manager

Follow that exactly and then wipe your device. After that, restore your information by following the above instructions again. This will keep all of your personal information safe (assuming all of your media - songs, pictures, videos... is stored on a memory card)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by crackberryn00b : Yesterday at 08:52 PM. Reason: Added a helpful link

Thanks for the help, Frank.

**talk-to-frank** · 05-01-2009, 04:02 AM

Originally Posted by Marc-OG

Hi Frank,

I fixed it. CrackberryNooB gave me the following solution:

"I suppose the difference in what you are describing and what I was trying to convey is doing a sync, rather than a backup. The difference being the sync will store simple data such as Contacts, Calendar, etc... whereas a backup stores an image of your device as is...including any possible errors that reside on the device.

If you used the Synchronize function on the DM to backup and restore your data, then I would say get your phone replaced. But it sounds to me like you are using Backup and Restore instead. Try using Synchronize to sync to Outlook and then retrieve the information from Outlook...not a backup file... after the handheld wipe.

You will have to go in and setup your email(or just send service books) and device settings when you are done, but it should clear the glitch.

To clear up any further confusion, here is a helpful link from Verizon Wireless' website.

Configuring synchronization settings - BlackBerry Desktop Manager

Follow that exactly and then wipe your device. After that, restore your information by following the above instructions again. This will keep all of your personal information safe (assuming all of your media - songs, pictures, videos... is stored on a memory card)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by crackberryn00b : Yesterday at 08:52 PM. Reason: Added a helpful link

Thanks for the help, Frank.

No problem... great stuff that you got it sorted without having to send it away... might be worthing getting the posts moved to a more fitting area of the forum, more specific to this device etc?

Frank

**Marc-OG** · 05-01-2009, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by talk-to-frank

No problem... great stuff that you got it sorted without having to send it away... might be worthing getting the posts moved to a more fitting area of the forum, more specific to this device etc?

Frank

Hi Frank, the camera went away again (after a reboot) so I am back to square one. It can't be a hardware problem because when it was working it took sharp pictures instantly. I believe it is a bug in the OS. Any suggestions? Should I just go back to the original OS (78)?

**jakeytorres** · 05-05-2009, 04:58 PM

I was having severe battery depletion issues, with a full charge lasting about 3 hours. And it took about 10 hours to charge. Thought I had tried everything and was all ready to go into the store for a replacement.

Then I noticed an app I had installed, 'snap2twitter' was running all the time. What had happened was I had tried to upload a photo to twitter via the phones camera. It had failed and from that moment on the phone was constantly trying to upload the same picture to no avail. This was obviously sapping the battery. Once I stopped the upload and deleted it the battery power seems to have returned to normal usage.

**s0mojo** · 05-07-2009, 07:39 AM

O2 here i says

**talk-to-frank** · 05-08-2009, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by jakeytorres

I was having severe battery depletion issues, with a full charge lasting about 3 hours. And it took about 10 hours to charge. Thought I had tried everything and was all ready to go into the store for a replacement.

Then I noticed an app I had installed, 'snap2twitter' was running all the time. What had happened was I had tried to upload a photo to twitter via the phones camera. It had failed and from that moment on the phone was constantly trying to upload the same picture to no avail. This was obviously sapping the battery. Once I stopped the upload and deleted it the battery power seems to have returned to normal usage.

Just to add a little to this..

This also took Jake way over his FUP - 500mb, which Vodafone advised him he will be charged for - so if you are planning on using the app, be sure to check its working properly... it may be a known bug in the software - but my advice would be, keep your eye on it...

**talk-to-frank** · 05-08-2009, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by s0mojo

O2 here i says

Looks like O2 are in lead on the poll...

Personally I agree with that so far.. they have data centrics at O2 and I know some of those personally as I used to be one, lol... those guys really know their stuff and they get regular visits by RIM reps for updates and upskilling etc...

But surely there are more UK members on here with their own opinion on the poll?!?!

**CGSCOT** · 05-13-2009, 04:51 AM

I voted for O2 a while ago but just never posted anything. Been with 02 since they were BTCellent back in days of yore (diferent from BT Mobile)

Never really had any problems with O2, Couple of little things regarding my BB acount but they were sorted quicky when i was passed to their BB team....basically someone had switched it off after i spoke about another tariff.

I read & have heard people having problems with customer service on all carriers when it comes to Blackberrys but i think its just down to the fact that BB's are only now becoming consumer devices in a much bigger way...when i bought my original 8100 a few years ago O2 had to order one in as they didn't have any in the shop...or even on display..now BB's are everywhere but i think maybe the staff are still not being trained on BB's as maybe people still see them as business devices so leave it upto the "business team".....although to be fair on the customer service people there's no way they'll know everything about every single phone on the market....they should really have dedicated teams for BB's, Iphones, Nokia etc with people in those teams who actually use the devices & know them inside out so when you call about your phone it can be past to people who know them.

I also like O2 because of their signal, its the only carrier that i get perfect signal 99.999999% of the time everywhere. I have friends & family on other netwroks & they are not a patch on O2 for coverage.

**Fuzzywuzy** · 05-13-2009, 04:07 PM

Hi Frank and CGSCOT, on another thread you said that .199 was on the o2 site(not you Frank). I can't see it only .133 that I am running. Could you let me know where it is or you if you know Frank ?

many thanks

Fuzzy

**CGSCOT** · 05-14-2009, 04:17 AM

Sorry Fuzzy, wasn't me either. I dont have a Curve, i think there was a leaked .231 but if i remeMber rightly you wanted to stick with O2's offical OS.

**talk-to-frank** · 05-18-2009, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by Fuzzywuzy

Hi Frank and CGSCOT, on another thread you said that .199 was on the o2 site(not you Frank). I can't see it only .133 that I am running. Could you let me know where it is or you if you know Frank ?

many thanks

Fuzzy

Hi Fuzzy

There is a post here about .231 for EastAsia...
http://forums.crackberry.com/f100/ne...stasia-228798/

But it is not an official release for O2 UK. However you can install it, just remember to remove the vendor file...

If its official release only that you want to install - you have the latest one

T2F

**talk-to-frank** · 05-18-2009, 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by CGSCOT

I voted for O2 a while ago but just never posted anything. Been with 02 since they were BTCellent back in days of yore (diferent from BT Mobile)

.

I remember when I got my first BT Cellnet mobile with WAP, and I was chuffed that a little black and white screen could do browsing, I think its BTC that got me hooked on mobiles... lol...

Back to the poll.. Im shocked that Orange are in the lead here, with the exception of Jack (Apexes) I have had no real help on the BB side of things, they are right up there with the best of em when it comes to a simple tariff change or account stuff, but on DATA they are not yet my fav's...

I've read various posts about not everyone being able to know about every device etc which is true, but when you have a device such as BlackBerry which is sooooo popular and widely used these days, I think it's imperative that there should be a team that deals with every aspect of that device.

In my experience when working in the industry we had 'device specialists' (me being one) who you could turn to for any device info on the current portfolio of devices and they either knew right away or knew exactly where to look.

It seems as though these days its a shot in the dark when you dial the dredded CS number... I personally sit there thinking "I wonder whose day Im really gonna make tough" because one thing I cant handle is when I explain a problem and they really dont listen and start talking about something completely different to get you off the line...
Rant over

T2F

**bhoonchoi** · 05-18-2009, 04:36 AM

Hi guys,

When it comes to international data roaming, I just wonder which carrier offers the most competitive plan for Blackberry, such as unlimited BB international data. I am currently with O2 and willing to switch it to any other UK carrier with a better deal in terms of international data roaming. Any suggestions?

Many thanks in advance.

**skyrider007** · 05-18-2009, 05:31 AM

I'm a big fan of Vodafone. They've been very helpful to me and I've got a great upgrade deal.

**nvious** · 05-21-2009, 06:38 AM

Hmmm, I've got to admit that having used Vodafone, T-mobile, Orange & O2 (and the mrs uses 3 on her bold!

) I do prefer o2...

My experiences:
Orange - transfers to the data team led to several questions, not many answers & about an hour of my time wasted...!

Vodafone - fast data services BUT prone to the occasional network issue!

T-mobile - never going there again (too many problems - absolutely NO SUPPORT)

3 - The mrs says she's happy and I've got to admit that there is no branding on the phone hardware! Very little support, but not suprising for a network in their BB infancy!

O2 - I've had issues when switching my bb service from orange to o2 - couldn't log in to the BIS on my PC, had issues using the phone etc... 10 minute call to o2 and it was all sorted.

Frank, I think this is a brilliant thread for us UK users... A lot of sites are geared towards our North American Counterparts! I'd be willing to help out with this thread as well... I've worked for orange, o2, phones4u (all networks

) and vodafone so I've got some experience in the industry!!!

Guys feel free to pm me if you've got any issues and I'll do my best to help out! Also, I'll put my pin up in a few days!

Nirave

**FobBerry** · 05-21-2009, 07:06 AM

Orange are crap I am just gutted that I am still with them for another 15 months because I just jumped straight into another contract with them (because I was dieing to get the curve 8900!) Wish I had gone to o2 instead. I probably will consider moving the o2 once my contract runs out though.

**nvious** · 05-21-2009, 07:38 AM

@FobBerry, there are ways to get out of your contract!!! I got out of FOUR Orange UK contracts and I was only about 6 months maximum into them!!!

!!!

If you pm me with the following I might be able to give you some advice:

Did you buy from orange direct or third party (phones4u, cpw, etc.)?
How much your monthly bill is?
How long you've had it for?

Nirave

**hsr386** · 05-21-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm going to be in London for 2 months and have unlocked my bold so I can use it over there. I really like the sim-only options with PAYG and the 30-day commitment pay-monthly plans, but the whole reason for unlocking this phone is to bbm friends and family back in the states. Do I need a special blackberry data plan in the UK to be able to bbm and if so, which companies will let me tack that onto my sim-only no-contract-plan? (please tell me i can do that...or something not incredibly expensive in the alternative!!)

Thanks so much!
-Hillary

**nvious** · 05-22-2009, 09:00 AM

Hi Hilary,

You need either: Pay as you use BB services or an unlimited BB plan in order to use anything to do with data on the BB...

I would recommend a Sim-Only from o2

(if you're a heavy user, I would recommend either the £20-£25/m plan for 600m Unlimited Texts or £30/m plan for 1200m Unlimited Texts) - If you go for the sim-only on o2 and choose one of those 2 plans, you get 600/1200m, 500t and a "free" bolt-on - this is unlimited texts as standard but if you speak to customer services they should change it to Unlimited blackberry for you...

If they don't then it's £10/m on top of whatever plan for the unlimited blackberry services!

My preference is o2 because reception is good and they don't mind adding it to a sim-only plan whilst other networks won't let you... Bare in mind though, very few (if any) networks will let you use a "blackberry add-on" on pay as you go... I think orange and t-mobile do if you buy the BB from them but not sure if they do with existing pay as you go plans...

A bit confusing I know, but hope I've helped

Nirave