[restlessnic]

Hello all, I've just gotten my BlackBerry Bold and have learned quite a bit about how to use and configure this machine from reading the posts in this forum - thanks to all who have gone before!

The deal is, I live outside the US but spend two to three months a year in the States. I currently have a pre-paid voice plan with AT&T for the US and USVI, but would like to have data without having to pay an annual subscription.

So far I've looked on the AT&T and Verizon websites and have found no pre-paid data plans. Hopefully, they exist somewhere and somebody on the forums will have information (and experience) to point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

[JSanders]

Wirelessly posted (8310; RammerJammer!)

I am not aware of a prepaid data plan on any of the big four US carriers (Art, tmo, Verizon or sprint).

[Damaged7]

I don't think any of them would offer this kind of plan. My understanding is that they want you on a plan so you have a chance of going over your limit and shelling out the $$$ for overusage.

[crisambo]

Welcome to BBF!!!

I am not aware of pre-paid data plan for BlackBerry devices within the US service areas, but certainly, AT&T offers MEdia data service for regular cellphones as a feature for pre-paid accounts. Alternatively, T-mobile has pre-paid SideKick data plan available as well. . .

[UptownGirl]

I had the exact same question as you but in reverse - I was travelling in Asia for 3 weeks and wanted to get a pre-paid data plan to support the Blackberry. Could not find anything and that prompted me to do a little research. No major US or overseas carriers appear to offer the pre-paid data service - all offer pre-paid voice. Very frustrating if you spend chunks of time overseas and want to use your BB without paying international data charges of your carrier. There are some guys like Telestial that offer pre-paid data but they are so expensive you might as well just stick with your carrier and pay the international data charges! I did read somewhere (may have been Boy Genius Report) that RIM is actively considering pushing carriers in various countries to offer pre-paid data options. So it may happen sometime in the future. I really hope so!

[JW021979]

Here in the UK Orange are going to be offering Blackberry on their pay as you go system.

[dsarfati]

I've always thought about this... since the bold has WIFI AND 3G, could you bring your phone into the destination country, get a prepaid SIM plug it in (assuming you have an unlocked bold) find a hotspot (like at the hotel or something) and then get your e-mails? I know it's not the ideal situation, but it's a heck of a lot better having to locate a PC in the destination to check your e-mails!!

[rachamphetamine]

You won't get the emails set up through BIS/BES without a data plan unless you have a way of logging in through a website to check your mail. The push function requires the data plan.

[JW021979]

You should be able to use the WIFI on the Bold at an access point to receive your emails as long as you have a SIM inserted in the phone that has BB dataplan activated on it. You can turn off the phone part so it doesnt connect via the mobile network. I havent done this in another country but have done this in the UK.

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by JW021979

You should be able to use the WIFI on the Bold at an access point to receive your emails as long as you have a SIM inserted in the phone that has BB dataplan activated on it. You can turn off the phone part so it doesnt connect via the mobile network. I havent done this in another country but have done this in the UK.

This doesn't help the OP unfortunately.