[pronerd]

I have a new BB 8703e (4.1) with Verizon. I do not have a data plan, a BIS account, or BES. The phone is not previsioned on Verizons network as a BB. I have also set the module access to deny everything, and have enabled the firewall. This leaves me with no internet browser options, email, or pic/media messaging features.

So effectively I should just have a phone with SMS. Yet some how I still have 5k - 20k of data usage per day. Does anyone know what would be causing this data usage, or how I could block it?

[shaqinsactown]

Your device might be trying to reach out to the RIM network. My understanding was that you could not activate a blackberry without some kind of data plan.

[LunkHead]

That's odd.... You should not be getting data charges... I'd call verizon and inquire because it must be something on their end...

[EvanDM]

I have done some contacting for Verizon Wireless and I was told by some their reps (who seemed pretty smart) that SMS messages on PDA phones uses data as well as text messages. I could be wrong, but thats what I've heard.

[LunkHead]

MMS will use data but SMS should not.........

[pronerd]

Originally Posted by LunkHead

I'd call verizon and inquire because it must be something on their end...

Been there. They do not know either. They removed the pay per use data service while they look into it so it has stopped for now, but they said they will have to re-add it at some point.

Originally Posted by EvanDM

I was told by some their reps (who seemed pretty smart) that SMS messages on PDA phones uses data as well as text messages.

One rep from Verizon told me that as well, but when I was escalated to some other level in their BB tech support dept they told me that SMS is part of the voice side, not data. That is why you can have a phone with no data service at all, and still have SMS.

[ladydi]

I thought the carriers made you have a BB data plan if you have a BB. They constantly talk with the RIM network whether you initiate it or not. That is the nature of the device. It is e-mail first, not phone first. I'm not surprised you are seeing data charges and I am also not surprised that the Verizon reps don't know what the problem is. If I were you, I would get a bb plan. Unless you don't mind the data charges.

[pronerd]

Originally Posted by ladydi

If I were you, I would get a bb plan. Unless you don't mind the data charges.

The BB plans with Verizon start at like $30.00 and worst case scenario at 20kb per day is only like $10

I only got the BB because it was only $50 more than the phone I was looking at and has a full key pad. I do a lot of SMS messages.

[Worm]

Originally Posted by EvanDM

I have done some contacting for Verizon Wireless and I was told by some their reps (who seemed pretty smart) that SMS messages on PDA phones uses data as well as text messages. I could be wrong, but thats what I've heard.

Options, SMS, Network To Send Over, GSM or GPRS.

see also

Options, Mobile Networks, Data Services, off or on (if the 8703 has the setting, can't check atm)

The Op was correct in that many PDA devices have this option though I'd imagine the majority of networks provide a gateway available via Circuit Switched also. Some networks will prohibit the use of SMS via GPRS and in these cases an error of "service not available" or similar will be seen against a red crossed SMS.

My opinion would be that you should not be getting charged for attempted connections to RIM if you don't have a BB account as the APN required for RIM access will not be provisioned to your Subscription. The request for a session will be rejected by the SGSN as "service not subscribed" and therefore should not be charged.

[pronerd]

Originally Posted by Worm

Options, SMS, Network To Send Over, GSM or GPRS.

see also

Options, Mobile Networks, Data Services, off or on (if the 8703 has the setting, can't check atm)

Verizon uses CDMA so its phones do not have any of those GSM/GPRS options.

[Worm]

Ah, SMS isn't native to CDMA anyway, they can implement it how they want. Would still expect to find a packet switched vs circuit switched setting perhaps?

[pronerd]

Originally Posted by Worm

Ah, SMS isn't native to CDMA anyway, they can implement it how they want. Would still expect to find a packet switched vs circuit switched setting perhaps?

Not that I am seeing. The only network changes I can make are the firewall, routing tables, and switching from automatic network selection to "Home only"