Koodo no longer supporting carrier billing in App World

[dj_matty_s]

Their isn't a Koodo sub forum, but since they run off the Telus network, I figured I'd post this here.

A few weeks ago I tried to download an app through app world, which I had done numerous times before. I was prompted with a pop-up stating that Koodo no longer supported carrier billing and I would have to use paypal.

I figured this was just a technical issue, as I had previously bought apps via app world without a problem, and assumed it would be fixed shortly.

Tried again to purchase an app yesterday, and was given the same prompt. Hmmmm.

I called in to see what the problem was and if this was in fact a technical error being worked out, or if Koodo was indeed not supporting app world any longer.

Customer service had no idea what was going on, and stated a manager would call me back with some answers. Fair enough.

A few hours later I got the call. Essentially, I was told that because RIM had a network outage a few weeks ago (which we all know about), they discontinued carrier support for app world. I find this quite shocking. So, because BBM and Emails were delayed for 18 hours or so, they've decided to stop all App World purchases indefinitely? I feel like this alienates their Blackberry clients, and I question the true motives behind this move. Was this "manager" simply trying to get me off the phone without actually looking into the situation? When I questioned the logic behind this move, he got quite agitated and essentially told me they wouldn't be reviewing this situation further and I should just stick with the free apps. Needless to say he was quite rude and unapologetic.

None of this makes sense to me. Siri was down a few days ago, I don't see Koodo banning Apple's App Store.

The part that I find most shocking about this, is that this is a Canadian carrier, actively not supporting a Canadian manufacturers app store. However, they continue to support both American manufacturers'. What's next? Are they going to one day cancel BIS and tell us to just access our email via the browser?

I find this quite appalling.

Anyone know what's actually happening here? If what I've been told is true, it would seem that Blackberry users (which are the largest smartphone demographic in Canada), are better off with any other carrier, as I believe Koodo are the only ones who actively choose not to support App World.

Yes, I know I can use paypal, but that's not the point. Part of the smartphone experience is the convenience in which everything is accessed, and carrier support for applications is very convenient. Having to pay for an app via an American holding company (which is essentially what Paypal is), is much less convenient.

Anyone else think this is alarming? Or, know what the real story is?

[dj_matty_s]

I posted this message on the Koodo community portal seeking clarification on this issue. Here is the reply from a Koodo employee:

" I'm sorry that you were misinformed but we have never had carrier billing, you've always only been able to purchase apps from Blackberry App world through Paypal. Hope this helps!"

Not sure why it's so hard to get a simple answer. Like I said in my original post. I've purchased numerous applications through App World over the past year or so, and every one showed up on my bill with proper carrier billing support. 2-3 weeks ago that changed and Koodo dropped carrier support. Seems like the employees don't know what's going on either.