[BenjaminNYC]

When the 9650 comes out for Verizon, I'm considering the switch from T-Mobile, largely because Verizon actually works in my home. The one feature I will miss from T-Mobile is UMA. I enjoy this service (1) when outside the USA to save on roaming, and (2) on planes with wi-fi, because I can BBM/e-mail/text while on the plane. I know I will clearly lose (1) in the switch.

However, regarding (2), when I'm on wi-fi ONLY (i.e. on a plane):

I am aware that the 9650 for Verizon will have wi-fi, so I know that I will be able to surf the web while on a plane, but this is not particularly useful as I don't really like the BB browser.

My main question is: Does anyone know if BBM/e-mail will work if I'm on a plane on the 9650? I ask because sometimes, I will be connected to wi-fi on my T-Mobile 8900 (Curve), and even thought I am *not* on UMA, if the wi-fi network shows on the screen, I *do* still get BBM and e-mail (not texts, of course, since I'm not connected to T-Mobile's network.)

So it seems that BBM and e-mail (being as they're data) work, regardless if I'm on UMA or not, so long as I'm on a wi-fi network. I'm not sure how, though.

Does anyone know (or guess) if this will work on the Verizon 9650, while on wi-fi (only)?

Thanks,
Benjamin

[akosnitzky]

For BBM, you need a data plan. Wifi wont be enough

http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.p...ta_Plan_for%3F

[MidnightDraven]

Verizon require the data plan; when on wi-fi, it connects to BIS also, so yes, it will work via wi-fi.

[BenjaminNYC]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

For BBM, you need a data plan. Wifi wont be enough

To confirm, I know I will need a data plan. I have a data plan with my T-Mobile 8900. What I find interesting is that BBM and e-mail will work when I am connected to wi-fi but do not have a UMA connection.

I am asking if the same would happen with the Tour2: On wi-fi, but not on UMA (since VZ doesn't have UMA) - will I still get data (e-mail/BBM)?

[BenjaminNYC]

Originally Posted by MidnightDraven

Verizon require the data plan; when on wi-fi, it connects to BIS also, so yes, it will work via wi-fi.

Got it on the data plan. Will have one.

So, if I'm on wi-fi, but not on a cell network (as in on a plane), I will get data (e-mail/BBM)?

[SteveO86]

When you are on WIfi, you BlackBerry will Connect to the BlackBerry Infrastructure (just like if it was on the mobile network)

So unless you have a Data plan you will not be able to connect to the BBI (BlackBerry Infrastructure).

Being connected to BlackBerry means you can surf the web (using the Internet Browser), Send/Receive email, perform BBM, basically anything related to BIS. However you will not be able to make phone calls. (UMA is the exception to this rule)


When you are connected to a Wi-Fi network you will see the Wi-Fi icon on your BlackBerry, when it lights up and is clearly white/black you are connected to Wifi and the BlackBerry network. If the Wi-Fi icon is faded you are just connected to Wifi (At which point you can surf the web using a hot spot browser and etc, but no BBM/Email because that relies on the BlackBerry Network)