Hi ! and newbie help pls !

[captainslow]

Hi guys !

Just got my blackberry bold today ! Absolutely loved it !

Have a problem with data services though and see if anyone could shed some light on:
1. I'm going overseas for a while in a few weeks time so I don't want to sign up to the blackberry data plan until I'm overseas using their local network. Optus said I can't have any data services (MMS, HSPDA...etc) unless I subscribe to the blackberry bolt on plan. Do I have any work around here ??

2. I tried to setup my wifi connection and it has a good connection show on the phone, after setting the default browser to Hotspot, I still can't connect to the internet...what should I do ??

3. Can I update my firmware and other updates without the Optus blackberry subscription at the moment ??

Thanks !!

Jason

[exzibit3]

Originally Posted by captainslow

Hi guys !

Just got my blackberry bold today ! Absolutely loved it !

Have a problem with data services though and see if anyone could shed some light on:
1. I'm going overseas for a while in a few weeks time so I don't want to sign up to the blackberry data plan until I'm overseas using their local network. Optus said I can't have any data services (MMS, HSPDA...etc) unless I subscribe to the blackberry bolt on plan. Do I have any work around here ??

2. I tried to setup my wifi connection and it has a good connection show on the phone, after setting the default browser to Hotspot, I still can't connect to the internet...what should I do ??

3. Can I update my firmware and other updates without the Optus blackberry subscription at the moment ??

Thanks !!

Jason

Hi Jason, refer to this link on the Wi-Fi and other tips for new users
Quick how-to-FAQ for new 8900 and Blackberry users :D

You can use data services to browse the internet using GPRS, e.g. if you're on a pre-paid SIM with data allowances. You can't access emails via your phone (obviously you can access them through your browser if web based eg yahoo.com) until a Blackberry data plan is set up or use any other applications which use BIS.

Software updates are independent of the carrier, so yes, you can. You just need to search for the latest software. Crackberry.com is very up-to-date with software updates and are saved on the top of the thread as a sticky for example.

[captainslow]

Thanks exzibit3 ! Will have a try now !

[captainslow]

OK, I can setup the wifi to browse the net, but HSDPA/GPRS is still no good

The Blackberry desktop manager asked me to update the phone's software but it says i need to activate it via wireless network which I am not sure if i can do that without BIS ??

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by captainslow

Hi guys !

Just got my blackberry bold today ! Absolutely loved it !

Have a problem with data services though and see if anyone could shed some light on:
1. I'm going overseas for a while in a few weeks time so I don't want to sign up to the blackberry data plan until I'm overseas using their local network. Optus said I can't have any data services (MMS, HSPDA...etc) unless I subscribe to the blackberry bolt on plan. Do I have any work around here ??

2. I tried to setup my wifi connection and it has a good connection show on the phone, after setting the default browser to Hotspot, I still can't connect to the internet...what should I do ??

3. Can I update my firmware and other updates without the Optus blackberry subscription at the moment ??

Thanks !!

Jason

Hi,

If you sign up for a BlackBerry service overseas you will also have to use a local SIM. Before you head OS you need to confirm if local carriers offer Blackberry Services on pre-paid cards. If they don't offer this pre-paid service you will not be able to access to the BlackBerry network.

Once you have connected your device via Wi-Fi please ensure the Wi-Fi icon isn’t greyed out. Also please ensure you use the "Browser" or "Internet Browser" icon to surf the web.

The latest Optus firmware is version 4.6.0.266 and it can be downloaded HERE.

Thanks,

Gary

[captainslow]

Thanks Gary.

I've checked the local carrier there which I'll subscribe to their service plans and they said as long as I have the PIN release (which I'm not going to give to optus anyway) it should work.

If I download the Optus firmware, will I be able to use it when I am overseas with another carrier ??

Jason

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by captainslow

Thanks Gary.

I've checked the local carrier there which I'll subscribe to their service plans and they said as long as I have the PIN release (which I'm not going to give to optus anyway) it should work.

If I download the Optus firmware, will I be able to use it when I am overseas with another carrier ??

Jason

I can confirm that the Optus firmware will work with any carrier.

[exzibit3]

Originally Posted by GaryCutri

Hi,

If you sign up for a BlackBerry service overseas you will also have to use a local SIM. Before you head OS you need to confirm if local carriers offer Blackberry Services on pre-paid cards. If they don't offer this pre-paid service you will not be able to access to the BlackBerry network.

Once you have connected your device via Wi-Fi please ensure the Wi-Fi icon isn’t greyed out. Also please ensure you use the "Browser" or "Internet Browser" icon to surf the web.

The latest Optus firmware is version 4.6.0.266 and it can be downloaded HERE.

Thanks,

Gary

Gary is that an older version? I'm currently running 4.6.1.250, is this newer than 4.6.0.266?

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by exzibit3

Gary is that an older version? I'm currently running 4.6.1.250, is this newer than 4.6.0.266?

The firmware I have listed above is the latest Optus version for the BlackBerry Bold. The version you are running on your 8900 is the latest version available.

[exzibit3]

Originally Posted by GaryCutri

The firmware I have listed above is the latest Optus version for the BlackBerry Bold. The version you are running on your 8900 is the latest version available.

Thanks for that.