Editorial Rating
Overview:
O2, a telecommunications business in the UK, declares itself the leader of non-voice services, including text, media messaging, games, music and video. They also pride themselves on their myriad of data connections, including WLAN and 3G.Pros: The company offers BES, BlackBerry Internet Solutions, and business prices, so that you can get BlackBerry access, no matter what kind of mobile user you are. O2 provides everything you need, including end user licenses and unlimited data. You can also choose to go with a prepaid plan or a monthly unlimited plan.
Cons: There are no voice BlackBerry plans – you will need to purchase a compatible voice plan to use your BlackBerry as a phone.
Detailed Provider Information:
Voice Plan Options: You can choose to purchase a BlackBerry Enterprise Server line, if you have a business; or if you’re an individual user, you can choose to go with the BlackBerry Internet Services. The plans for the BIS include one for customers who find themselves using a lot of data, and one that allows you to only pay for the data you use. This second plan is for people who don’t need access to the Internet and email every day. Compatible voice plans include monthly minutes from 50 to 1800, with 1500 off-peak minutes and 250 texts. The price range for these plans is £25 to £75 a month, depending on your contract.Data Options: The first plan, O2 unlimited, gives you the ability to send and receive as many emails as you want to, surf the Internet and have unlimited use of Yahoo Messenger. You do need a voice plan for the cost of £10 a month. If you don’t want a voice plan, you’ll pay £15 a month. This is the only plan that allows you to have BlackBerry without voice.
The second plan, O2 Pay As You Use, charges you per MB that you use. The charge is £2.70 per MB. This plan is available on all of the voice plans as an add-on, and works for individuals who don’t need constant access to the Web or to email. However, whenever your BlackBerry is on, it will be connected to the network to ensure that you get your emails quickly. This takes about 10 MB and you are charged for it.
The BES plan costs £28 per line, plus however many user licenses you need for your business. You will need BES software, as well. O2 does provide end-user licenses for £59.
Messaging Options: You can choose to text message, picture or video message, or IM. Each of these services costs extra, unless included in a voice plan.
Customer Service: You can choose to create an online account with O2 to manage and ask questions about your mobile service, or you can call, go into an O2 store, or email them for any help you need.
Contract: Most contracts are 18 months long. There is a charge to get out of it.
Messaging: A UK text is 12p; a picture or video message is 25p.
International Calling and Messaging: Like all providers, O2 has a site where you can find out the rates of the country you will be traveling to or calling.
Roaming Charges: There are international roaming charges for calling overseas.
Activation Fee: You may be asked to pay a deposit for use of the services. If you want to use international services, you may be asked about your billing history and/or be liable for a deposit.
Additional Features: You can choose to download ringtones, games, mobile video, chat and music. Downloading charges may apply. You can also add things to your service like insurance or international services.
Insurance: There are two insurance policies – one for Pay As You Go, and one for monthly services. You do need to buy it within 14 days of buying a new phone. It protects your phone against loss, theft and unauthorized calls. The monthly cost is either £7.50 or £6, depending on what sort of level of protection you get.
Phones: O2 offers the BlackBerry Bold 9000. The Bold is definitely an executive alternative to the BlackBerry Curve. Some Additional BlackBerry Models Available:
BlackBerry Curve 8900
BlackBerry Pearl 81xx
BlackBerry 8820
BlackBerry Curve 8310
Coverage Map: You can search for mobile coverage in your area here.
