[Jase88]

^^ It is necessary to upgrade the handheld OS to utilize the workaround.

[Mark Rejhon]

Originally Posted by Jase88

^^ It is necessary to upgrade the handheld OS to utilize the workaround.

Thanks for answering the question. It is good to know that we need to upgrade to OS Version 4.0.2 to be immune from any possible shutdown. Can you tell me what minimum BES version is necessary, to be immune from any possible shutdown?

There is an interesting question about older BlackBerries with less than 16MB of memory. What will happen to 950's, 957's, 5790's, 5810's, and older 6710-8MB units? Those would not be able to get Version 4.0.2 upgrades. I'd envision a revision upgrade to their older versions, but if possible, I'd suggest replacing these with newer BlackBerries if possible.

[Jase88]

I've probably said too much already! ;) BES 4.0 with a patch, I believe. I can confirm this later. The workaround involves the creation of a new transaction.

This does not affect devices outside of the U.S.

[Mark Rejhon]

For anyone who is wondering where to download upgrades, here they are.

Version 4.0.2 is actually already available on most newer models from most US carriers now. If you have a newer BlackBerry model, you can easily protect yourself today simply by upgrading to the latest. I'd expect that remaining models and remaining carriers will quickly get upgrades.

Please remember you have time to test before deploying. Version 4.0.2 is still being updated with fixes as time passes.

BlackBerryOS Upgrade Downloads
This article tells you where to download the BlackBerryOS upgrade for your particular BlackBerry handheld. Also where to download the latest BlackBerry Desktop as well. Includes Version 4.0!

[udontknowjack]

Originally Posted by Jase88

Nokia reached a licensing agreement with NTP a few years back when they decided to run Blackberry Connect on their devices. Assuming a worst-case scenario in which RIM must utilize the "workaround" or cease U.S. sales, Nokia would become the only vendor legally able to sell true Blackberry push email in the U.S.

Could this set the stage for a Nokia buyout of RIM? I think so...

Here is something else interesting I have not heard mention as well. Nokia is buying Intellisync. Intellisync has a wireless email solution as well for PPCs and Treos. Intellisync is also the product used to sync your BB via the desktop. I wonder what Nokia is up to.

[kclements]

I'm a bit simple minded so bear with me. An injunction would impact many customers from the individual to very large corporations so why can't a class action suit be brought against NTP on behalf of non-governmental and non-emergency users? Having thousands of people trying to get into their pockets may nip these "patent trolls" in the bud. Kev

[dpeters11]

I wouldn't think a class action would work, or even if it would be allowed. NTP sued and won in court. If Blackberry service did shut down (if every possible avenue RIM had was shot down), it would be by court order. I don't think you can sue a company for winning a court case.

[stonent]

Originally Posted by Jase88

4.0.2xx already has the workaround embedded (U.S. versions only).

A new release would be necessary for the 7750's.

I think Telus and Telstra both have 4.0.2 for the 7750. If it comes down to it, just load either of those using the vendor.xml trick.

It's worth it for the fixed calculator alone.

[dpeters11]

I'll keep it in mind to load other vendors versions. Verizon is just always behind. I had forgotten that even the 7250 isn't updated yet.

[Mark Rejhon]

There's already a 4.0.2 release for the BlackBerry 7250.
Did you know Verizon is ahead for a change?

Please see the Version 4.0.2 download link in:
How To Enable EVDO BroadbandAccess On Version BlackBerry 7250
(It is my understanding you don't even need to enable EVDO)

I don't think there's a hurry to upgrade to 4.0.2 yet, and Verizon will do a wider release soon, but at least you know it's already available.

[aviationwiz]

Originally Posted by Mark Rejhon

(It is my understanding you don't even need to enable EVDO)

No, there isn't, however, if you do a PRL update (*22899) in the future, it will download the EV-DO PRL and you'll be unable to connect with the added provisions.

[dpeters11]

My apologies. I had used the Verizon link from RIMs Software TSupport page, which only has 4.0.0. I didn't realize it was a different page.

Originally Posted by Mark Rejhon

There's already a 4.0.2 release for the BlackBerry 7250.
Did you know Verizon is ahead for a change?

[christian655321]

I need suggestions on a blackberry alternative just in case. what would you recommend for a large size company?

[eightthirty]

I'd like to think BB will make it through just fine. If they don't I have a backup phone (several lying around), but why on earth wouldn't the carriers advise their customers of the issue at hand. Maybe that's why I got the 7105t for $114 from T-Mobile. Do you think, in the unlikely event, that BB doesn't make it through as planned, i.e. service interruption, etc...the carriers would offer their customers some alternative at little or no cost. Or perhaps a buy-back program?

[NJBlackBerry]

Your phone will continue to work. The injunction is for wireless e-mail services, not voice or text messaging. The carriers will have no responsibility to you, since RIM is the one shutting off service, not the carriers.

[europamo]

I called Nextel Blackberry Support and asked what is their contigency plan for their customers if their was a shutdown. She says they have a memo from above that even if RIM loses and they are ordered to stop service , that Sprint customers will not be affected.

Im not worried too much, I just wanted to know if thye have a backup plan. Not sure if that means much.

[eightthirty]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

Your phone will continue to work. The injunction is for wireless e-mail services, not voice or text messaging. The carriers will have no responsibility to you, since RIM is the one shutting off service, not the carriers.

I got it mostly for the ws email, so I'll just keep my fingers crossed as I go on about my days.

edit. New article

Weary Judge wants RIM to write the cheque
Old settlement invalid, no more delays
By Andrew Orlowski in San Francisco
Published Thursday 1st December 2005 09:03 GMT
Get breaking Mobile news straight to your desktop - click here to find out how

US District Judge James Spencer indicated today that he wants Research In Motion to settle its patent dispute with NTP once and for all.

"I've spent enough of my life and time on NTP and RIM," said Judge Spencer earlier this month.
Click Here

With the Supreme Court turning down RIM's request to stay an injunction which might close down the Blackberry network, Spencer closed down two more legal options for the Canadian company, and instructed the lawyers to prepare arguments for suspending the service.

He declined RIM's request to delay the case until the US Patent and Trademarks Office, which has already reviewed and rejected a number of NTP patents, completed its review the remainder.

He also rejected RIM's request to enforce the $450m settlement agreed with NTP earlier this year, which NTP then said wasn't satisfactory. This effectively renders the old settlement dead. Spencer wants both sides to agree a new figure.

Two weeks ago, RIM said it has a software upgrade ready to roll free of NTP IP, which would allow it to continue operating the Blackberry network in case the injunction. ®

[christian655321]

What I was hoping for where comments on a "alternative" to blackberry just in case it does hit the fan. a large scale corperate solution using "push email", for example

this german based push email solution http://www.space2go.de/index.jsp?language=english

or microsofts upcomming mobile os "magneto" with new technology in Exchange 2003 Server Pack 2 that will push email out to mobile workers

or even possibly Nokia's IBM Websphere in conjunction with the Nokia 9300

smartphone and the Nokia 9500 Communicator.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

Your phone will continue to work. The injunction is for wireless e-mail services, not voice or text messaging. The carriers will have no responsibility to you, since RIM is the one shutting off service, not the carriers.

What about Deaf users? I signed a 1 year deal. What if the service gets cut off before 1 year is up? I'm using a 6230 and it appears that I'll be out in the cold when (if) it happens.

[Jase88]

Originally Posted by stonent

I think Telus and Telstra both have 4.0.2 for the 7750. If it comes down to it, just load either of those using the vendor.xml trick.

It's worth it for the fixed calculator alone.

The workaround code won't be in these versions, as they're both non-U.S. carriers.