[wangta01]

Originally Posted by theBorg

It comes down to which radio standard you're on - CDMA or GSM... and then which frequencies they're implemented on (dual band, tri band, quad band) in each country. Your phone has to handle the local combination.

I'm surprised your 8800 doesn't work. It's either too US carrier specific or you haven't activated international service with your carrier.

Heh, I wish it were that easy. Not sure you know this, but NO GSM phones work here (regardless of the frequency) - they only have one technology, which is 3G. Most Verizon phones don't work either. Doesn't matter if you have international service or not - the phone has to be compatible with the technology, which is a form of CDMA (think its WCDMA which is 3G).

My 8800 is unlocked and I've used it in many countries in Europe and China without problems. Korea and Japan - different story altogether, the reason blackberry made the 8707.

[WonkotheSane]

Originally Posted by wangta01

Man, I would kill for a new UMTS blackberry that would work in Korea. I'm in Korea now..and my 8800 is basically a brick. A glorified black book with all my contacts - nothing else works. I would have to say i'm 50% as productive here than when in the states.

I have seen one 8707 around - was shocked to see someone using one. He is using it on roam from a singapore carrier...I think. How does that exactly work with data service etc?

The 8707 is quad-band GSM with 2100MHz UMTS. The only GSM-type network available in Korea and Japan is 2100MHz UMTS. The 8707 will work in the U.S., but no one sells it here. Also, it's GPRS only, no EDGE, so it would be rather slow in the U.S.

You could plop your SIM in an 8707 and it would work in Korea (after you registered it with your BES or BIS, of course). However, if you're on at&t, be sure to get the international blackberry service. That allows for unlimited data while roaming. Otherwise, you'll be paying $19.50 per meg of data outside of the U.S. and Canada. That can add up fast. I assume T-mo has a similar set up.

I am regularly in Japan, so I feel for you. There are rumors of a tri-band (850/1900/2100) UMTS Blackberry that will be out by the end of the year. I REEAALLY hope those rumors are true.

[RedSoxFan]

Originally Posted by Dawg

get off the freaking soap box already geez you sound like a broken record. every thread you say the same BS

Ya, I have to admit....this guy is on a mission to convert everyone to Sprint. It's funny how you compare the amount of Verizon customers to Sprint. Verizon's service, pricing, promotions, phones/devices and coverage must be spot on because the last time I checked Verizon has the most subscribers.

[Jagga]

Originally Posted by vakulm

I don't think it'll happen. I read somewhere that Rogers doesn't even wanna carry 8820. Prolly cuz of wifi. So, in past weeks rogers have denied two phones: iphone and 8820.

I am thinking same would happen to 8320 (if it gets released)

What bothers me the MOST about Rogers NOT allowing or bidding for a WiFi enabled BB unit is that the 4 providers (Rogers, Telus, Bell, Fido) all entered into a nationwide WiFi network (before Fido was bought by Rogers) for use at Starbucks coffee shops & other retailers. They charge hourly, daily, and monthly usuage fees but its STILL FEASABLE to be used!

Rogers Site under business, very limited information
Rogers.com - Hotspot

Rogers.com - What You Need

Link to actual site for nationwide-charged-WiFi.
Canadian Hotspots - Home


An example listing JUST for Toronto
Canadian Hotspots - Find Hotspots

So although the monies would be split between the providers its STILL feasable. If not then downtown Toronto (Yonge & College to University & College all the way down to Front street on Both Yonge & University is covered by Hydro 1).

So the 8320 would VERY much suit my needs. I really like the styling & media features that the dopod C730 can do, but I think the 8320 may fare me better. Will see. Can anyone in the US provide photos with PROOF when a retail store offers them pls?! Thanks.

In Canada, we as a general whole are STILL too complacent & not brave enough as a collective to challenge this limiting features that providers are giving us.

My next wireless contract I sign (I still have 18mths to go on this on - and ECF is now $400 which makes NO SENSE; up from $200 for years ago), I'll be ready to go ECF at a moments notice when bull is offered up. I suggest others be prepared for the same. The more ppl take control in the features being offered or limited and the ability to fight it take it to a board or whatever in a concious, logical, and executed with tact; maybe just maybe we can push for features that we want. However we must be the majority and until that happens its ill fated.

[theBorg]

Wirelessly posted (7100t: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0; Google Wireless Transcoder;))

That's great. A Grass-roots activist movement for pushing carriers to adopt new BBs. What a phenomenon.

Your frustration is understandable. I can't wait for wifi either. EDGE + WiFi is the killer combo for me.

[Blackberryer]

Originally Posted by ArgonNJ

I will agree that Sprint's CS is their weak point, but since I have very infrequent dealings with them, its not an issue. Other then that there is very little else wrong with Sprint. Their network is modern and fast and they have been cutting edge when it comes to 3G implementation. Their rates are cheaper and you get more for your money. Verizon it seems is always looking for more ways to squeeze you from your money, the 8830 GPS issue is just another example of it.

Their CS isn't just a weak point, it is a disaster. I gave up a SERO plan because the service was so bad.

Verizon's crippling of devices sucks, and they're a little more expensive but every single experience I've ever had with them has been overwhelmingly positive. Other than the GPS issue, Sprint doesn't have have significant advantages over Verizon. They're not that much cheaper by any means, and the difference between CS is night and day.

And before you throw around any "fanboy" crap, I've used multiple carriers and plan on switching to AT&T in a year or so when iPhone gets it's sh*t together.

[ArgonNJ]

Originally Posted by Blackberryer

and plan on switching to AT&T in a year or so when iPhone gets it's sh*t together.

If ATT had better service at my house, I would think about getting the iphone, or at least the 2nd gen iphone.

[wat718]

I really DO hope that VZW gets the Curve. I currently own the 8830 from VZW. I am unhappy with the keyboard. I just cannot stop hitting the wrong keys next to the one I want. The visability of the keys is equally awful. The keys are just too close together. I just cannot get used to it. I don't know how in the world they could have allowed that keyboard to be released on the 8830. Don't people Beta test these things? Furthermore the fact that it doesn't have a camera and the ringer set on high is still not loud enough (issue from other threads) also makes me want VZW to offer that Curve more than ever. I am crossing my fingers.

[Blackberryer]

Originally Posted by ArgonNJ

If ATT had better service at my house, I would think about getting the iphone, or at least the 2nd gen iphone.

I have great coverage from all the carriers in my home and the areas I use my phone. I tried out the Curve with AT&T when it was first released. Coverage was great, their CS was pretty good, but call quality unfortunately was just okay compared to VZW, so that's why ultimately I couldn't make the switch. A camera just isn't enough incentive for me to downgrade my voice service. I'll switch to the iPhone if it improves some of it's PIM functionality however because the rest of the features and the dataplan make it worth the downgrade.

Hear that, RIM? I love you but I'm f*cking tired of you doling out features one at a time with each new phone. Would it kill you to give us crackb addicts our own "Jesus phone"?

[Jagga]

^ lol! he said Jesus phone lol.

[JGBerry]

Originally Posted by ArgonNJ

If ATT had better service at my house, I would think about getting the iphone, or at least the 2nd gen iphone.

sorry to hear that...and that you live in jersey

[birddog]

Originally Posted by ArgonNJ

If ATT had better service at my house, I would think about getting the iphone, or at least the 2nd gen iphone.

I live in NJ, and being an X VZW customer, I was prepared to be somewhat disappointed with AT&T's service in NY/NJ. So far, no such experience. I have found AT&T's service to be just fine in NJ. Honestly, I have not discovered any more holes than I had with VZW. In fact, there are 2 places where my AT&T signal is better: my Home and my office.

[MarkF]

"Is your last name Funk by chance?"

That's my porn star alias

In other words, no.

[wangta01]

Originally Posted by WonkotheSane

The 8707 is quad-band GSM with 2100MHz UMTS. The only GSM-type network available in Korea and Japan is 2100MHz UMTS. The 8707 will work in the U.S., but no one sells it here. Also, it's GPRS only, no EDGE, so it would be rather slow in the U.S.

You could plop your SIM in an 8707 and it would work in Korea (after you registered it with your BES or BIS, of course). However, if you're on at&t, be sure to get the international blackberry service. That allows for unlimited data while roaming. Otherwise, you'll be paying $19.50 per meg of data outside of the U.S. and Canada. That can add up fast. I assume T-mo has a similar set up.

I am regularly in Japan, so I feel for you. There are rumors of a tri-band (850/1900/2100) UMTS Blackberry that will be out by the end of the year. I REEAALLY hope those rumors are true.

Yes, I heard about the 8707 and was interested, but bailed on the idea because the setup seemed way to complicated to me.

So you're saying that if I get an 8707 (unlocked) and use it with cingular, and get the blackberry international service, then I'll be able to get emails while in Korea? How about voice and will it cost extra (not covered by blackberry international service). What will be the total extra costs compared to my normal cingluar voice + data plan (roaming costs)?

Second question - would it be possible to register the 8707 with a korean carrier as my primary phone? I'm guessing if blackberry service works via roaming, that it would work if it was my "main" phone too? The benefit of this would be that people in Korea could call me without having to dial my US number (international call).

Thanks for your help on this - I can't believe its this difficult to get bb service in Korea!

[WonkotheSane]

Originally Posted by wangta01

Yes, I heard about the 8707 and was interested, but bailed on the idea because the setup seemed way to complicated to me.

So you're saying that if I get an 8707 (unlocked) and use it with cingular, and get the blackberry international service, then I'll be able to get emails while in Korea?

Yes

Originally Posted by wangta01

How about voice and will it cost extra (not covered by blackberry international service). What will be the total extra costs compared to my normal cingluar voice + data plan (roaming costs)?

Voice isn't covered on the blackberry international. Roaming is a rather stiff$2.29 a minute.

Originally Posted by wangta01

Second question - would it be possible to register the 8707 with a korean carrier as my primary phone? I'm guessing if blackberry service works via roaming, that it would work if it was my "main" phone too? The benefit of this would be that people in Korea could call me without having to dial my US number (international call).

Thanks for your help on this - I can't believe its this difficult to get bb service in Korea!

I think KT recently started offering blackberry service. You could put in a local SIM from them and it would work.

It would be good to have a local number for people to call. It would be even better not to have to pay those ridiculous roaming rates. How about getting an 8707 from KT. You can then unlock it and use your at&t SIM when you're in the U.S. OTOH, paying for service in two countries is no fun.

[pangelpip]

darn i just bought a new one

[wangta01]

Originally Posted by WonkotheSane

Yes
How about getting an 8707 from KT. You can then unlock it and use your at&t SIM when you're in the U.S. OTOH, paying for service in two countries is no fun.

Thats a good idea, but I thought they only offered the 7100i. Wasn't aware they offered the 8707 version - are you sure of this?

Also, I can't seem to find the KT telecom (or the one with the list of phones) webpage. Googled it and tried to find a list of thier phones + services.

Thanks for all your help - I have tried to research this but there doesn't seem to be that many people who use blackberries in Korea!

[WonkotheSane]

Originally Posted by wangta01

Thats a good idea, but I thought they only offered the 7100i. Wasn't aware they offered the 8707 version - are you sure of this?

Also, I can't seem to find the KT telecom (or the one with the list of phones) webpage. Googled it and tried to find a list of thier phones + services.

Thanks for all your help - I have tried to research this but there doesn't seem to be that many people who use blackberries in Korea!

I can't find it either. Maybe I confused it with NTT DoCoMo. Apparently you can get an 8707 in the U.S. from Docomo:
NTT DoCoMo USA Namikiteru Wi Fi & Namimail for BlackBerry

It might be easier to get a European version off of ebay.

[Kardall]

Out in Canada, we're in tough waters...

We got the 8830 on Telus finally, it's about friggin time!!!! :(

Simply amazing device. The 7130e has gone away, and incomes the new 8830 world edition. Though I don't travel, it's simply one of the most amazing devices i've ever owned.

The reception on it is astounding to say the least. It beats my LG Chocolate and Moto Razr in the ground for reception. I do want a camera and video functionality... They need to diversify :D

[hcheun]

Originally Posted by wangta01

Heh, I wish it were that easy. Not sure you know this, but NO GSM phones work here (regardless of the frequency) - they only have one technology, which is 3G. Most Verizon phones don't work either. Doesn't matter if you have international service or not - the phone has to be compatible with the technology, which is a form of CDMA (think its WCDMA which is 3G).

My 8800 is unlocked and I've used it in many countries in Europe and China without problems. Korea and Japan - different story altogether, the reason blackberry made the 8707.

Hey Wangta,

It's funny, My bestfriends girlfriend recently went to korea for a couple months, and she was able to get phone calls on her sprint blackberry , though she said that she wasn't able to txt out, that was the only issue. I Know korea is heavily cdma , and some gsm, and it only makes sense since SK and Sprint/earthlink/helio has some mutual international roaming agreements, because when i tried going to korea in 2003 , sprint flat out told me they weren't ready to support their phones internationally there "YET" so i guess they've now been able to support it. GSM, yeah, i don't think you'd get much coverage there anyways.