[marvynw]

The following press release was just made by Lime in Barbados to its cell phone users and to me it seems a bit anti-blackberry. What do you think ?
I wasn't sure where to post this .....


History
Before this press release post paid customers paid approx. $35 bds a month for a blackberry plan which had a 4gb per month limit.



Press Release

Changes to Postpaid Mobiile Billing Effective July 1
Jun 01, 2012 : ALL Postpaid mobile customers offered a 100MB at NO CHARGE for JULY 2012.

Historically, the Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) gateway was used for providing access to websites which offered basic ringtones and other smaller data-based mobile content. As the technology emerged mobile users have been able to use these gateways to access the wider Internet and perform functions similar to what they would ordinarily do on fixed line broadband. These activities include, but are not limited to, data streaming of audio and video content, downloading of embedded documents and images, and interactive gaming.

With LIME's older GPRS network many of these services were either unavailable, or could not be delivered within a quality of service level that would have wished for customers to experience.

However, LIME's upgraded networks (from GPRS to EDGE, 3G and 4G in many of the business units) are now capable of delivering these services within industry standards and customers have taken full advantage of these new services. Customers are using their smartphones, and other mobile devices, to consume more data-intensive applications; such as watching videos, listening to music and playing interactive games online. This includes YouTube and apps like Ustream, which allow customers to broadcast live video; whether personal or of public events, such as a concert or a sporting event. A smartphone or a mobile Broadband device (USB modem or a Hotspot - MiFi) on LIME's data networks will progressively generate more traffic (using EDGE, 3G or 4G) than it would on the GPRS network.

Also, as LIME Postpaid customers may have noted that they were able to access many of these services without incurring any additional data charges. LIME therefore wishes to inform customers that effective July 1, 2012, all Postpaid mobile customers completing data streaming, browsing, tethering and downloading of documents, games and any other transactions which go via the WAP and/or Internet Gateways on the LIME data network will be billed. This applies to all customers, including those who have a BlackBerry plan.

Customers with a BlackBerry Plan are being reminded that depending on the BlackBerry plan which they have selected, only the following activities are included in that plan. Sending and receiving email, instant messaging (e.g. BBM), viewing social media sites and/or Internet browsing, providing these activities are delivered via the BlackBerry infrastructure. All other mobile data activities are charged separately.

Postpaid mobile customers, including BlackBerry users, who do not have a mobile Internet plan and use their devices for data streaming and such data-intensive offerings will be billed at the prevailing Mobile Internet Pay As You Use (PAYU) rate. For greater savings, customers are encouraged to subscribe to one of the LIME Mobile Internet plans, if they intend to use these types of data services frequently. Once on a Mobile Internet plan, the data consumed is deducted from the inclusive plan allocation and only usage which falls outside of that plan allocation, or international data roaming will be billed separately.

Customers should also be aware that access and browsing of the LIME World content portal will also be billed along with any content downloads (ringtones, wallpapers, games, images, videos etc.) which they make via that portal.

Data usage is captured on LIME's billing system using two Service Types:

Mobile Internet use
WAP usage
Mobile Internet Data Usage on Smartphones:
Most smartphones constantly have processes running in the background that silently consume data; secretly connecting to the Internet, and sending or receiving data. Push notifications, automatic syncing of calendars and contacts, location sharing, automatic app updating and other features can be actively in the background consuming data. Customers are being encouraged to consider installing an app that tracks this information, and ensure that their data plan adequately addresses their data needs.

If you have any questions on this change to mobile billing, review our Frequently Asked Questions below , call Customer Care at 1 800 804 2994 or visit your nearest LIME Retail Store to speak with a customer representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

I received a text message from LIME stating that I will be billed for All Data used on my mobile phone. What does this mean?

As of July 1, 2012 all Postpaid mobile data usage will be billed.

This means that BlackBerry and other mobile customers using their smartphones, and other mobile devices, to consume data-intensive applications; such as watching videos and movies online, listening to music and playing interactive games will be charged. This includes YouTube and apps like Ustream, which allow customers to broadcast live video at, say, a concert. LIME is ensuring the delivery of optimal service quality to customers, and preventing the degradation of the data network.

As a Postpaid Mobile customer, LIME is offering you 100MB of Data at no cost to you for July 2012. Please note that you will need to purchase a data plan which is suitable to your needs, otherwise you will be required to pay for any additional data used.

LIME currently offers cost effective mobile Internet plans. Customers who choose to access the Internet directly, without a data plan, will be billed at the prevailing Pay As You Use (PAYU) rate.

Why are customers being billed for their data sessions?

Data billing is currently in place, however, data streaming and LIME World access (via LIME's WAP gateway) were zero-rated.

As of July 1, 2012 ALL Postpaid mobile data usage will be billed.

LIME is ensuring the delivery of optimal service quality to all customers, and preventing the degradation of the data network. This means that BlackBerry and other mobile customers using their smartphones, and other mobile devices, to consume data-intensive applications will be billed, if they do not have a data plan suitable to their needs.

LIME currently offers cost effective mobile Internet plans. Customers who choose to access the Internet directly, without a data plan, will be billed at the prevailing Pay As You Use (PAYU) rate.

Is there an increase in the data traffic on the LIME mobile network?
Yes, there is an increase in traffic on the data network, and LIME continues to deliver quality service to our customers. Increased traffic that does not generate revenue can potentially impact the mobile data network; as more capacity is required to carry the increased data traffic.

Why are BlackBerry customers billed for data when they already have a BlackBerry Plan that allows them to access the Internet?
BlackBerry service is provided in association with the BlackBerry service provider, RIM. Data streaming, for YouTube and other digital media access (for video, music and games), goes through LIME's WAP gateway; a part of LIME's data network. Data streaming is not included in the BlackBerry Plan, and therefore is charged separately. BlackBerry customers will need to purchase a bolt-on data plan or a Talk-Text-Data plan, if they intend to stream, otherwise WAP billing will be at the PAYU rate.

LIME's BlackBerry Plans allow customers to use "BlackBerry data," for BBM, emails and browsing (accessing the Internet). The BB Plans do not include the streaming of data-intensive applications (such as watching video and movies online, and listening to music) and tethering.

This information is addressed in the Terms and Conditions for BlackBerry Data Services. These are the two main clauses in the BlackBerry Terms and Conditions.

2.16 Use of Your BlackBerry Handheld as a modem, or with third party applications, is not included with the Service. You will be billed separately, in keeping with Our then current rates, for any such use(s).

2.17 The Service does not include use of third party applications, video or audio streaming, using the Internet in a non-BlackBerry Handheld device or tethering the BlackBerry Handheld to a computer. In short, nothing other than BlackBerry APN traffic is included in the Plan.

What about BlackBerry apps created to stream video, would this also cause WAP usage/will the data be billed?
YES, the data consumed while using BlackBerry apps to stream data will be deducted from the customer's data plan; if there is no data plan then the billing will be at the PAYU rate.

How do I determine my Data use for the month?
LIME provides a Data Calculator on the LIME | LIME. For living. Everyday. website. You can determine your use of data (such as emailing, watching videos), and your total data volume for the month will be provided.

What do you mean by 'streaming'?
Customers who are using BlackBerry, or other mobile devices, and listening to online radio or watching videos (e.g. on YouTube) or a movie online, or playing games (some) without downloading to their device, are streaming data. The data consumed while streaming will be deducted from the customer's data plan. Customers without a data plan are accessing the Internet directly and will be billed at the Pay As You Use rate. LIME is building customer awareness as to data streaming, and the cost-effective benefits of the data plans.

What is Tethering, and how does it relate my BlackBerry data plan?
"Tethering" is the use of a mobile phone as a modem for another device, usually a notebook or PDA. The connection is made either with a cable (USB or serial) or wirelessly through Bluetooth. Tethering enables customers to connect to the Internet, via their mobile device, from their laptops or PDAs, in situations where there's no other means of Internet access. Many mobile phones are equipped with software to offer tethered Internet access.

Is Tethering part of my data plan?
Tethering can be used with a bolt-on data plan or a Talk-Text-Data plan, either alone or with a BlackBerry plan. Customers with a BlackBerry plan who would like to tether or stream, will need one of these data plans, as specified by LIME's mobile Terms & Conditions.

2.16 Use of Your BlackBerry Handheld as a modem, or with third party applications, is not included with the Service. You will be billed separately, in keeping with Our then current rates, for any such use(s).

2.17 The Service does not include use of third party applications, video or audio streaming, using the Internet in a non-Blackberry Handheld device or tethering the BlackBerry Handheld to a computer. In short, nothing other than Blackberry APN traffic is included in the Plan.

What are LIME's Terms and Conditions for mobile data 'streaming' and 'tethering'?
The two main clauses which address data streaming and tethering in the BlackBerry Terms and Conditions are:
2.16 Use of Your BlackBerry Handheld as a modem, or with third party applications, is not included with the Service. You will be billed separately, in keeping with Our then current rates, for any such use(s).

2.17 The Service does not include use of third party applications, video or audio streaming, using the Internet in a non-BlackBerry Handheld device or tethering the BlackBerry Handheld to a computer. In short, nothing other than BlackBerry APN traffic is included in the Plan.

What are the mobile Internet Plans?
The relevant rates, are provided in the "Data Plans" section for Postpaid Mobile.

What is the Pay As You Use rate?
The relevant rates, are provided in the "Data Plans" section for Prepaid Mobile.

Will the customer's bill provide information on the total data used?
Yes, the customer's monthly bill will indicate their total data usage. Streaming data can be identified as 'Web Access", "GPRS", "WAP or Internet." The total data usage will be provided on the bill.

[Please note that online bills currently do not provide data usage details.]
Streaming data refers to watching videos and movies online, listening to music and playing interactive games. This includes YouTube and apps/sites like Ustream, which allow customers to broadcast live video at, say, a concert or sporting event.

Will customers be able to check their data balance if they have a data plan?
Yes, Postpaid mobile customers can check the volume of data remaining on the plan purchased by:
Phone - dialing *129# and selecting the Mobile Internet option.
Text message - sending the command 'dbal' to 145 (using phone or modem)
For customers in Barbados and the Cayman Islands (with 4G) three notifications will be sent via text message to their mobile device (phone or modem), as the data from their mobile Internet data plan is consumed; at 75%, 95% and 100%. of the volume of the plan is consumed. This is relevant to customers who do not have a shared plan.

Will customers be provided with an alert before their data plan volume is consumed?
Customers in Barbados and the Cayman Islands (with 4G) will be sent three notifications, via text message, to the mobile device (phone or modem) being used. A SMS alert will be sent when the following data volume has been consumed: at 75%, 95% and 100%.

Customers are encouraged to check their data volume balance to guide their usage; as the PAYU rate becomes applicable when the volume of the data plan has been exceeded. Customers using a MiFi device will be able to see their usage on the LCD screen.

Will customers using Pay As You Use (PAYU) be provided with an alert?
Customers in Barbados and the Cayman Islands (with 4G) will be sent a text message to their mobile device (phone or modem) being used.

Why am I billed when accessing LIME World?
Accessing the LIME World portal is done via the same data gateway as streaming and other related activities. Mobile content can also be purchased via the LIME website (at LIME | LIME. For living. Everyday.) using any PC, without incurring access charges.
However, content charges at the prevailing rates would still apply.

As of July 1, 2012 all Postpaid mobile data usage will be billed.

Why is the data billing for Postpaid mobile customers, and not the Prepaid users?
Prepaid mobile customers are currently being billed for all data usage. Prepaid customers can subscribe to one of the data plans, or access the Internet directly at the PAYU rate.

[Prepaid customers can dial *129# or sending "data1", "data7" and "data30" to the SMS short code: "145" to provision the 1-Day, 7-Dday and 30-Ddays plans respectively).

What if I have a BlackBerry plan but do not want to have access to anything that is not already paid or included in my plan?
Customers who have a BlackBerry plan and have not also subscribed to a Talk-Text- Data Plan (TTD) or Mobile Internet Data Bolt-on Plan, will have access to the "BlackBerry APN data" only; unless they are using WiFi. Customers with a BlackBerry Data plan who would like to stream or tether, will need to go to a LIME retail store (or contact their account manager) and request a Mobile Internet Data Bolt-on, or TTD, plan.

How is BlackBerry Passport plan affected?
For Blackberry Passport only BlackBerry Mobile Internet data is included whilst roaming, as specified in the BlackBerry Passport Ts & Cs below:
I understand that BlackBerry Passport data roaming covers up to a maximum of 100MB of BlackBerry data usage per month when roaming. I understand and agree that Blackberry Passport data usage covers data used for emails, messaging and browsing the web through the BlackBerry APN (the normal BlackBerry device Internet browser, not the WAP browser. I am aware that tethering, WAP usage and some mobile applications, including (without limitation) - YouTube, satellite maps/GPS and those used to stream music, video or radio), will not use the BlackBerry APN and will therefore be charged at regular data roaming rates.

[Branta]

Looks pretty fair and reasonable. They seem to be closing the door on streaming data users making free use of services never designed for streaming. There's no unfairness to BB users, it simply sets out what is/is not included in the standard plan.

[marvynw]

Is this similar to blackberry plans where you live? Ive had bb plans in the USA and Canada but data was always included. I see it as unfair because if i had any other phone... iphone nokia, sony or android it would be cheaper . Because you would only have to pay for your data plan vs with a blackberry you would have to pay for the bbm plan (which previosly included data) and then a data plan. So everyone else pays say $40 data plan... while bbm users would have to pay data plan $40 + $35 bb plan . And to be honest bb cant dont stress a data network as other devices. The company has shown no intention to lower the cost of the bb plan.

[OniBerry]

That is why some opt for full smartphone plans but grab a few bolt on services from RIM (Social, BBM, e-mail only, etc...) to compliment what they are using.

[underway99]

This is similar to what I have seen here in the US. While I have a data plan, there are limits as to how I utilize that data. Some of the US carriers throttle data access when certain usage thresholds are exceeded. My T&C for Verizon specifically mentions that streaming and tethering services can incur additional charges, as will using my wireless data access to serve content.

BlackBerry users do not typically use as much data as compared to Android or iOS users, in part because the data simply transits through the carriers' internet servers as compressed and encrypted data on its way to and from RIM's NOC. It could be said that BIS users have effectively had access to more data for less money. I think that Branta's post was correct in that it looks like your carrier is merely leveling the playing field.

[Branta]

Very similar to the plans we see here in UK. The basic BB plan covers all data routed via the RIM NOC, including data through the device browser and "regular" applications. It does NOT cover data such as tethered modem and some streaming, which is routed direct to internet at the network provider's gateway.

[albee 1]

They have always made it more desirable to be under contract. If they didn't why would anyone want to be?

[kevinnugent]

This is the same here in Oz. If you use the default browser etc through RIM's NOC it's included in your plan. If you stray outside that by using another browser etc you get hammered.