Sounding Board Archives by Year

Return to Issue Contents

Don’t get ‘BlackBuried’ – keep these tips in mind

By Darci LaRocque

The BlackBerry might have revolutionized how – and where – we do business, but there are still many people who don’t yet understand how these little devices work, or how they can come back to haunt us when the bills arrive in the mail.

Did you know that if your BlackBerry is in your bag when you go on vacation that you will incur data roaming fees? Yes, you heard right. By default, your data is always on; it doesn’t know that you don’t want your emails while hiking the Camelback Mountain in Arizona.

Voice and data plans are different between the carriers and you should always check with your wireless provider about your specific plan.

Generally, your data plan will include emailing, PIN messaging, BlackBerry Messenger and browsing, but usually not text messaging. Outside your data plan, a text plan or pay-per-text plan could have additional charges: For example, to send a text message within Canada costs about 15 cents; from Canada to the USA ranges from 15 to 25 cents; and from Canada to any other country costs anywhere from 60 cents to $1.

Remember, text messaging (SMS) is increasing and to receive it may not be free anymore, depending on your carrier. Be sure to call your provider to review your account and find out about your specific increased fees. This is a good idea to do annually, at the very least.

Tips while travelling

• Turn data off when going outside Canada (but don’t forget to turn it back on when you return);
• Use the hotel phone with your calling card, not your BlackBerry;
• Delete old text or simply compose new email – otherwise you are paying for all the email threads that are attached;
• If your rental car comes with GPS, use it rather than your BlackBerry;
• Some carriers offer North American plans, call yours to see if you’re covered.
• TIDBIT: Your voicemail indicator may not work in other countries.

In the end, it is a bit confusing. Don’t be afraid to call your carrier to ask questions. Hopefully, one day, they will offer a true all-inclusive plan, but in the meantime, “happy BlackBerrying!”

Darci LaRocque is the president of Swirl Solutions BlackBerry Training. For information, visit www.swirlsolutions.com.

Copyright 1999-2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade. All Rights Reserved
Site Credits Privacy Policy