help me understand data usage without a data plan

[PaulaBB]

I have an 8220 on t-mobile with BB services enabled, but no data plan. I have unlimited text/messages.

After BB services were enabled, my display changed to UMA/EDGE from uma/edge. I was able to set up email, download apps using Windows Live, download the BB App World, etc. while on UMA. After setting up and trying email, I removed the account, just wanted to know if it would work (I was afraid I would get charged for it).

When on EDGE, I am unable to use Windows Live or Opera, which is what I expected.

I also installed Google Latitude. I figured it would only work while I was on UMA but I was able to get my location while on EDGE yesterday. I checked data usage for my account on t-mobile.com and it shows "0" for yesterday; however I have several entries from previous days (prior to installing Google Latitude) showing amounts such as 0.0029, 0.0019, and 0.0009. They all add up to "0" total on my account. The dates/times listed were all times when I was at home and on UMA.

I was under the impression that nothing should function outside of wifi unless I had a data plan, but that isn't the case with Google Latitude so thanks in advance to anyone who can explain this. I'm afraid that I'm going to see a charge show up for "sharing" my location for the last few days.

[RPNOSU]

You are correct that nothing should work outside of wifi... I would definitely speak to a T-mobile CRM about your billing question, to make sure you are not being charged.... Also, if they verify you are not being charged, keep an eye on it, because be sure that T-mobile WILL close the loop hole (just so you don't get an unexpected bill)

[RWWackoStu]

Sorry for what might be a stupid question and it was most likely asked before, but how do you get the BB services added and what do they include. Also, can CSR do it or do I need retention. Thanks for answering.

[Artemis68]

Originally Posted by RWWackoStu

Sorry for what might be a stupid question and it was most likely asked before, but how do you get the BB services added and what do they include. Also, can CSR do it or do I need retention. Thanks for answering.

If you're talking about "BB services" without a data plan, I believe you mean the Blackberry Feature Enabler. It's a free add-on, call CS to get it.

It allows you to send MMS and use IM clients on your BB without a data plan. the IMs will count as text messages however.

[PaulaBB]

Originally Posted by RPNOSU

You are correct that nothing should work outside of wifi... I would definitely speak to a T-mobile CRM about your billing question, to make sure you are not being charged.... Also, if they verify you are not being charged, keep an eye on it, because be sure that T-mobile WILL close the loop hole (just so you don't get an unexpected bill)

Thanks! - I called and was assured that I wasn't using data (although they couldn't explain the 0.0029, etc. usage, except to say that it didn't amount to anything) and was told nothing should work when I am not using wifi. My phone is just enabled for BB services and will continue to show upper-case UMA/EDGE.

I spent some more time reading about Google Latitude to try to find out why it does work when I am on EDGE and it seems that maybe it is not using data at all, but rather cell tower triangulation through the E-911 service. I am clueless as to how that's possible. It seems to be a stalking program (lol), but might come in handy if I ever got lost and need someone to find me. I'd still like to know more about it if anyone else has info.

Originally Posted by RWWackoStu

Sorry for what might be a stupid question and it was most likely asked before, but how do you get the BB services added and what do they include. Also, can CSR do it or do I need retention. Thanks for answering.

The easiest way to get it without having to explain what you want is to call CS and say that you want to be able to sign into AIM.