Unlocked Blackberrys

So I'm thinking about buying a blackberry but I don't want to have to buy one through Bell and pay a ridiculous ammount for it. So I've decided to look into getting one online. Before I buy one however theres a few things I'd like to know.

My current phone only has a basic plan. Pretty much just calling and texting. If I picked up a blackberry and plugged my SIM card into it would I need to pay extra for anything specific? Obviously I'm aware that if I go on the internet/mobile browser or use the social network functions I'd be charged. I'm just wondering if for some stupid reason they'd be mandatory.

Another thing I'm curious about is if I buy a used unlocked phone, do I need to modify it at all? I read something about removing the old phones number from it before you can use it, but just putting in my SIM card should do the trick right?

Anyways sorry for the essay, but any information you guys could give me would be awesome. Thanks in advance!

I believe ATT will automatically add a data plan for you once it recognizes your IMEI.

I don't think you have to do anything special, unless its a storm or something. I've put various overseas sims in my unlocked curve and its worked fine.

Bell only has HSPA+ (3G, no EDGE) speeds for their GSM (SIM cards) network, so you'll need to be sure to get a compatible device. I don't know which, if any, non-branded Bell phones will work on their network, maybe Telus? If you want a Storm or 9650 Bold, you MUST get a Bell branded one. They use Bell's CDMA network (no SIM cards) and they will NOT activate a phone that isn't theirs.

I'm sure other users will come by and tell you what phones are actually compatible with Bell's HSPA network, but until then be careful buying just any phone because most non-Bell phones are incompatible.

Yeah I was worried about the compatibility issues and was planning on getting a bell branded one anyways just to be safe regardless.

That's good then, you'll have much less headaches with a Bell branded phone. Plus you'll be able to actually get support from Bell if you do have any issues.

As for the plan you'll need, I'm not really sure how Bell works. Here in the states the major carriers require a BlackBerry data plan on your BlackBerry, so you might not be able to keep your cheap current plan. I'm sure some Bell users will be able to elaborate, or maybe just try giving Bell a call. But I think you're going to need a new, more expensive, plan.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

All you need is a HSPA compatible blackberry.

Would that also take care of the plan issues? I'm just worried I'm going to get a phone and then have an unexpected data plan pop up on the next bill.

The only thing to keep in mind going sans data plan is that you will not have access to wifi. Silly, I know, but it blocks it. My sister's hubby got my old 9700 and does not have a data plan (Telus) but it locks out the wifi so he cannot even connect to any wifi networks.