[zhial]

My friend has a blackberry curve and his contract allows him to have unlimited free texts and a certain amount of free minutes. However, he doesn't have any free internet usage, does this mean he'll be charged to use BBM?

[fourstringfuror]

BBM requires a BB data plan.

[zhial]

Yeah I don't understand what a BB data plan is. Can you explain it to me?

...and is that a yes?

[Motorcycle Mama]

Your friend will not be able to use BBM without a specific data plan service from the phone service provider that includes BlackBerry Data features.

[fourstringfuror]

How to use BlackBerry on Generic Data Plan - BlackBerryFAQ

That's a no.

[zhial]

This all sounds quite american to me... pretty confused.

[Motorcycle Mama]

Ok. Let's start over.

Data features such as BlackBerry Messenger require a specific plan/add on/bolt on/tariff to be added to your account and be active in order to function.

Without the specific and active data service, those features will not work.

A plan as outlined in your original post will not allow the user to use BlackBerry Messenger.

What phone carrier/service provider is your friend using?

[zhial]

I feel really really thick having just read your post. I literally don't understand about 85% of the words you've typed :s. I don't understand what you mean by:
data, plan, add on, bolt on, tarrif, what account?, carrier?
I assume by service provider you mean network...?
I literally don't have a clue what you're talking about. I'm not a phone whiz and I think we just use different words to you when it comes to phone contracts and stuff. Maybe I should just find a phone shop somewhere and talk to them about it there... :s

[Dubdub]

Maybe this additional link from our FAQ will help: What do I need a Data Plan for? - BlackBerryFAQ

A BB data plan is a data/Internet package specifically for the BB which links your device to RIM's server via your cell carrier. To use any BB service such as BBM, email, Facebook, maps, etc., you MUST have a BB data package.

[zhial]

Still confused but don't worry, i think I get the gist of it. Thanks for your help.

[Motorcycle Mama]

Phone Service Provider/Carrier/Network = The company which you pay each month for the service on your cell phone.

Data Plan/Bolt On/Tariff = The items added to or attached to your cell phone service (through your provider) in order to get the functions you want. For example, voice minutes, text messages, internet, data, etc. In order for BlackBerry Messenger to work, the account must have an added service that allows it to function on the network.

What network is your friend using the phone on? (Orange, TMobile, O2, 3, something else?)

[zhial]

Ah I'm not 100% sure what network he's on, I'll find out tonight and let you know.