Prepaid BlackBerry service, which will be available exclusively from Cable & Wireless bmobile, is an exciting development that will make the many benefits of the BlackBerry wireless solution accessible to a wide range of customers.  bmobile prepaid customers will now be able to enjoy the utility and convenience of BlackBerry service, including instant access to email, internet browsing and instant messaging while on the move, with the popular ‘pay as you go’ option.

C&WJ will be offering two BlackBerry prepaid service packages; the Unlimited Email plan for $999 monthly and the Unlimited Email and Internet plan priced at $1899 per month.  

The Unlimited Email plan is an entry-level solution designed for people who primarily need mobile email service.  The Unlimited Email and Internet plan includes email and internet browsing using BlackBerry’s unique compression technology, substantially enhancing the users Internet experience. This package also comes pre-loaded with three instant messaging applications; and FaceBook and Windows Live Messenger will be available by June 28.  Users will also have access to the widest variety of third-party applications including news, finance, entertainment, gaming and other lifestyle related services.  

To mark the launch of its Prepaid Blackberry service C&WJ will be offering 50% off the monthly fees for the first 60 days (until August 22, 2008).  The featured handset for the launch promotion is the BlackBerry Pearl 8120™ smartphone. However, customers can also   get prepaid service on BlackBerry’s full range of powerful smartphones including the BlackBerry Curve™ 8320 and the BlackBerry 8820.

Previously known as a corporate and email service, BlackBerry’s ease of use and powerful features have made it one of the most popular ‘smart phones’ for the consumer market.  

“With the majority of Jamaica’s mobile market consisting of prepaid customers, Cable & Wireless recognizes the value of a Prepaid BlackBerry service and we think it will enhance the way people live, work and play. We are pleased to be the first provider to offer this service in Jamaica,” C&WJ’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mariano Doble said.  

“Cable & Wireless’ introduction of a pre-paid option for BlackBerry Internet Service in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries is a significant step in extending the reach of BlackBerry smartphones to more consumers in the region,” said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion.

Prepaid BlackBerry®
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1.    What is Prepaid BlackBerry®?
Prepaid BlackBerry® allows you to utilise the popular pay as you go option to access mobile voice and data services using a BlackBerry® smart phone.  Prepaid BlackBerry® service packages are currently being offered exclusively by Cable & Wireless bmobile.

Traditionally known as a corporate and email service, BlackBerry’s® ‘ease of use’ and powerful features have made it extremely popular for the consumer market and for home-based and small businesses. BlackBerry’s® powerful email capabilities, media player for pictures, video, music and a large and still increasing base of third party applications (i.e., music, entertainment, games, etc) have contributed to its success in the consumer market. Today BlackBerry is the #1 Smartphone for both the business and consumer market. 

2.    How can I get Prepaid BlackBerry® service? 
To get Prepaid BlackBerry® service  you can visit any Cable & Wireless Lifestyle Store or select Dealer locations (please see a full listing of dealers and Lifestyle Store locations at the end of this document).   If you don’t already have a BlackBerry® handset you will need to purchase one and sign up for one of the prepaid service packages.

3.    How much does Prepaid BlackBerry® service cost?
There are two service plans available for prepaid BlackBerry® service:

•    Unlimited Email only for $999 per month
•    Unlimited Email and Internet for $1899 per month.             

Fees for these plans will be deducted on a monthly basis from your Prepaid balance. 
           
4.    What is the difference between the Email only and the Email and Internet service?
The Unlimited BlackBerry® Email and Internet plan gives you unlimited email and unlimited Internet access using the BlackBerry® browser which is configured to compresses data and provide a very fast mobile internet experience.  You also get access to Instant Messaging applications including BlackBerry® Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and Gmail chat as well as FaceBook and, effective June 28, Windows Live Messenger.  In addition, you will also have access to the numerous third-party applications that are available for BlackBerry® users.  You can find links to these applications on our bmobile site www.cwbmobile.com

The Unlimited Email Only plan is designed for people who primarily need mobile email service.  While you can still access the internet on this plan you would do so using bmobile’s GRPS service and you will be charged the current prepaid rate of Ja $0.25 cents per kb rates or you could purchase a 10MB Prepaid bundle for $600. 

Please note: On the ‘Email Only’ plan you would not have access to the BlackBerry® browser, Instant Messaging, FaceBook or the BlackBerry® third-party applications.                                                         

5.    Apart from the monthly fees do I have to pay any other fees when I take the services?
Yes. There is a one time set-up fee of $500 and if you do not already have a BlackBerry® phone you will need to purchase one.

6.    What is the cost for a BlackBerry® phone?
Costs vary depending on the model selected.  Generally prices start at approximately $35,000.  Call or visit any Cable & Wireless Lifestyle Store or Dealer location for more information.  (Please see a full listing of dealers and Lifestyle Store locations at the end of this document).  

7.    Do these BlackBerry® phones ever go on sale?
BlackBerry® phone sale prices only apply to Postpaid (or bill pay) accounts. Call or visit any Cable & Wireless Lifestyle Store or Dealer location for more information on current offers.   

8.    Are there any options for paying for a BlackBerry® phone?
You can either purchase the phone outright or through third-party financing which is available through Access Financial.  There is an agent from Access Financial on hand at our Lifestyle Stores to explain about their financing programme.  At Cable & Wireless Dealer locations you can find out about the nearest Access Financial agent. With a financing option you can typically spread your payments over a year or more to help ease any financial burden.           

9.    Why do I have to pay a set-up fee for this service?
The set-up fee covers the cost of setting up your phone on the Research In Motion (RIM) system.  RIM is the parent company for BlackBerry®.
        
10.    If I sign up for service in the middle of the month, will I be charged the same fee?
Monthly fees will be prorated, and the amount deducted will depend on when you joined the plan. For example if you signed up in the middle of the month you will only be charged for the period you have been on the plan. The one time sign-up fee is not prorated; it is $500 regardless of when you sign up for the service.

11.    Q. What happens if I do not top up for one month and cannot pay the monthly fees?
If you do not have sufficient balance to pay the monthly fees your account will run a negative balance and you will not be able to make any voice calls but you will still have access to the BlackBerry® data features for a limited time. If your account remains at zero or a negative balance for 35 days your prepaid BlackBerry® service will be discontinued and you will need to visit a Cable & Wireless Lifestyle Store or Dealer location to reapply for the service.  (Please see a full listing of dealers and Lifestyle Store locations at the end of this document).  

12.    If I cancel the service will the set-up fee be reimbursed?
No the set-up fee is non-refundable.

13.    If I am removed from the service and reapply later, will I need to pay the $500 set-up fee again?
Yes, the set-up fee is charged each time you are set-up on the RIM system.

14.    Do I get a voice package or voice calls with Prepaid BlackBerry®?
Yes, every Prepaid BlackBerry® service is automatically setup with a voice plan. The default voice plan is the Anytime 8/12 plan. Your voice costs will be deducted from your Prepaid balance along with the Prepaid BlackBerry® monthly data plan fees.

15.    What are the rates for voice calling?
At the current time, for Prepaid BlackBerry®, the  Anytime 8/12 rates will apply:  $8/minute on-net (anytime of day) and $12/minute off-net any time of day.

16.    Can I add a Closed User Group option to my Prepaid BlackBerry® voice service?
Not at this time, however we are working on making this available soon.

17.    Can I roam in other countries using my Prepaid BlackBerry®?
Yes.  You can roam in countries that offer Prepaid roaming.  You will be charged regular roaming rates for your voice calls and bmobile’s GPRS data roaming rates for BlackBerry® data service.

18.    How many email addresses can I add to my BlackBerry® account?
You can have up to 10 email addresses in addition to your default BlackBerry® address <name@BlackBerry®.net>.                               

19.     How long after signing up will I be able to access the Prepaid BlackBerry® service?
At our Lifestyle Stores and Dealer locations we aim to have you set-up within 30 minutes once you decide to sign up for the service.  However, if a location is particularly busy it may take a little longer.

20.    If I have Postpaid BlackBerry® can I switch to a Prepaid BlackBerry® package?
Depending on the terms and condition of your existing Postpaid contract there may be penalties for switching to Prepaid service.  Please review your contract carefully before switching.  If you need further information about your contract please call our Customer Care Centre by dialling 100 from a bmobile phone or 1-888-225-5295 from a landline.

21.    If I join the prepaid BlackBerry® service can I keep my existing bmobile number?
Yes, you should be able to keep your existing number.

22.    What if I wanted to cancel my service, how would I do so?
Simply contact our Customer Care Centre by dialling 100 from you mobile or 1-888-225-5295 from a landline or you can text  “cancelprepdbb” to 444-4279. 

23.    What if initially I chose the Unlimited Email Only plan and wanted to upgrade to the full Email and Internet plan?
To upgrade your Prepaid BlackBerry® plan you can contact our Customer Care Centre by dialling 100 from a bmobile phone or 1-888-225-5295 from a landline or you can text “upgradeinet” to 444-4279

24.    What are the benefits of taking a Prepaid BlackBerry® plan instead of the Postpaid BlackBerry® service?
Both options have their benefits depending on the lifestyle and budget of the individual customer.  You might find a Prepaid BlackBerry® plan offers more convenience as you get a pay as you go BlackBerry® Service, without the monthly bill.  On the other hand Postpaid BlackBerry® service offers the best value as you pay at least 30% less per month.  Consider your usage patterns and your budget and then choose the plan that’s right for you.  

25.    Are the features any different between Postpaid and Prepaid BlackBerry®?
No, the plans and features are equivalent on prepaid and postpaid.

26.    Are there special offers to mark the launch of Prepaid BlackBerry®?
Yes! There’s a special introductory offer, which gives customers 50% off the monthly fee. 

27.    How long will this offer last?
This offer is available until August 19, 2008.

28.    What are the advantages of getting a BlackBerry®?
A BlackBerry® has several features that make it a great tool to enhance your active Lifestyle. You don’t have to be a business person to own one. It has several fun additions such as a camera, media player for music and videos, instant messaging capabilities and the ability to launch third party applications such as face book, games, news, sports, knowledge based applications, email, etc.

29.    Which is the best BlackBerry® handset? 
Every BlackBerry® handset has features that can enhance the way you live, work and play.  However C&WJ is currently featuring the BlackBerry® Pearl 8120 which is considered to be the best consumer oriented handset on the market now.  The 8120 has a sleek compact design  and its features include:

•    2.0 Megapixel camera with built in flash
•    Media player for music and video
•    Instant messaging capabilities
•    WiFi (allowing you to surf the Internet at no charge in many ‘hot spots’)
•    Bluetooth (to transfer files from your computer, or use wireless headsets)
•    64MB built in Memory with the option to upgrade (for storing music,  pictures and more.)