Can no longer Use Wifi for Data?

[bloodbath]

I just spoke to a T-Mobile representative about using the Wi-Fi feature on my BB 8320 to understand how UMA works. Well, I found out that all calls will go against your minutes, but those to MyFaves are still unlimited. I also asked about data usage. Per the representative, you can no longer use the WI-Fi capability for data unless you already own the data plan. I asked why this was and was told it's due to security and that I would be using the use of T-Mobile data service for free. I asked how this was possible since I was using my broadband connection to get on the internet, not the T-Mobile/RIM BIS network. Basically, I bought and own the phone, and I'm using with my own broadband service to view the net - I could use Opera browser and effectively not be using their browser or software; how is this any different than buying a computer and connecting to the internet at my home? After I asked her this, she said it was due to RIM and agreements T-Mobile has with them. She said I would have to talk to RIM to find out why.

So am I wrong on how Wi-Fi works on the phone? If not, then has anyone encountered problems using Wi-Fi for data use only as of late? I haven't read of anyone having issues, but I don't want to be charged for it either. Thanks.

[NorrisCell]

While I don't know exactly why they're blocking it, you're correct in how it works. T-Mobile does not bill by usage for data like other carriers, so if you attempt to use wifi for internet, it will not manually connect to cellular data and charge you.

[bloodbath]

Thanks for the info. Wonder why they told me I couldn't use it then? By the way, will the data usage show up on my bill or can they tell if I'm using Wi-fi or not?

[Gawain]

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that all data (WiFi or Cellular) traffic from a BlackBerry handset goes through RIM, regardless of function.

Using browsers like Bolt or Opera still pass through RIM/BIS, the data is just better compressed for those browsers.

Apparently, RIM's BIS servers draw information off the SIM during WiFi sessions, so yes, they can track data usage at a minimum, and that is what channels that traffic through RIM as well.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[bloodbath]

Originally Posted by Gawain

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that all data (WiFi or Cellular) traffic from a BlackBerry handset goes through RIM, regardless of function.

Using browsers like Bolt or Opera still pass through RIM/BIS, the data is just better compressed for those browsers.

Apparently, RIM's BIS servers draw information off the SIM during WiFi sessions, so yes, they can track data usage at a minimum, and that is what channels that traffic through RIM as well.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

So that would explain why RIM would like to prohibit the use Wi-Fi; spares their resources and they can make money off of it if you're forced to have a data plan. I haven't heard of there being changes to this though. From what I've read, there is no need for the data plan. Has this changed and I missed the announcement or was the T-Mobile rep blowing smoke up my ***?

[Gawain]

Originally Posted by bloodbath

So that would explain why RIM would like to prohibit the use Wi-Fi; spares their resources and they can make money off of it if you're forced to have a data plan. I haven't heard of there being changes to this though. From what I've read, there is no need for the data plan. Has this changed and I missed the announcement or was the T-Mobile rep blowing smoke up my ***?

I don't think this issue is with RIM. They're producing more WiFi enabled devices than
ever, with 9700 and 9550 coming out, they're about see a bump on the order of millions.
RIM makes their money either way. I was in a TMo store two days ago, and was asking about
UMA. The way it was explained to me was that it was a $9.99/mo option on top of the
Web/email option ($25-ish) and that calls were unlimited, not drawn from plan minutes.

There's probably a miscommunication, but it does make sense that in order to use UMA
you would need a data plan.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[bloodbath]

Originally Posted by Gawain

I don't think this issue is with RIM. They're producing more WiFi enabled devices than
ever, with 9700 and 9550 coming out, they're about see a bump on the order of millions.
RIM makes their money either way. I was in a TMo store two days ago, and was asking about
UMA. The way it was explained to me was that it was a $9.99/mo option on top of the
Web/email option ($25-ish) and that calls were unlimited, not drawn from plan minutes.

There's probably a miscommunication, but it does make sense that in order to use UMA
you would need a data plan.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

I can understand using UMA might cost extra, but I also asked about data only (internet, email, etc). Per T-Mobile, I can't use Wi-Fi to just surf the net. I probably wasn't clear in my initial post. My apologies about that.

[tcamshafter]

i have a tmobile 8320 i mess around with i put the SIM from it in a 8900. anyways, i have the 8320 Default browser set to "hot spot"..NO SIM in it and surf the web through my wifi at home. i do use Opera as well with it...i also installed "WIFIX" app through this site with the 8320 and i was able to download yahoo go to check emails and can use google maps and BB maps...cool stuff

[McCracken]

Originally Posted by bloodbath

So that would explain why RIM would like to prohibit the use Wi-Fi; spares their resources and they can make money off of it if you're forced to have a data plan. I haven't heard of there being changes to this though. From what I've read, there is no need for the data plan. Has this changed and I missed the announcement or was the T-Mobile rep blowing smoke up my ***?

RIM isn't prohibiting the use of WIFI. Why would RIM put a feature on a phone only to prohibit it. That makes ZERO sense.

[bloodbath]

Originally Posted by McCracken

RIM isn't prohibiting the use of WIFI. Why would RIM put a feature on a phone only to prohibit it. That makes ZERO sense.

When it comes to making money, I wouldn't put it past any company to do something outlandish as that. For instance, some Verizon phones some equipped with a GPS receiver/radio. However, Verizon has locked down GPS (or at least they did before - will assume it hasn't changed since I'm not sure). If you want GPS functionality, you would need to get VZ Navigator; you can't use free programs such as Google Maps. So why does Verizon limit GPS functionality if the phone is capable to receive and use it? T-Mobile and Sprint do not lock down GPS in this fashion.

So if Gawain is correct, and "all data (WiFi or Cellular) traffic from a BlackBerry handset goes through RIM, regardless of function," it is possible they may have the capability and/or a desire to prohibit Wi-Fi use unless a data plan is purchased.

Never underestimate greed.

That being said, I do not believe the T-Mobile rep was correct, nor do I believe RIM is actually prohibiting the use of Wi-Fi. If anything (and I'm not saying it is), T-Mobile, rather than RIM, would be more inclined to have you purchase the BIS plan. Heck, you can't even buy some (all?) Blackberry/smartphone devices at a discount without being required to purchase a data plan and two year agreement.