BlackBerry and Vodafone in India
I got a BlackBerry and life has changed (for better or worse). But this post is not about that, it is about my first impressions with the device, the software, and the service.
I got a BlackBerry Curve 8310. I have a plan from Vodafone (which recently acquired Hutch, my previous service provider). Since this is a new offering in India, the plan is pretty expensive: in addition to my normal phone plan, there is an additional Rs. 1200 per month (approximately) that is to be paid. And that is not all. If I am roaming internationally (which I do quite often) I have to pay Rs. 5.5 for every 10 kB! That is astronomical. Obviously, I turn off my data services when I roam.
I suppose the prices for roaming will come down eventually.
The day I got it, I installed the following software (even though it comes with a large set of software pre-installed):
- Google Talk
- Latest version of Yahoo Messenger - the one that comes pre-installed doesn’t vibrate your phone if you receive a message
- Google Maps - very useful because this model comes with an inbuilt GPS receiver. Also, the pre-installed Blackberry Maps doesn’t have maps for India.
- Google Mail
- Facebook for Mobile - this allows me to do my facebooking while I am mobile.
I am sure there are many more apps that I can install, but that will happen over time. The things I really like so far:
- It’s fairly easy to use.
- Even with my large hands, its not too hard to type email.
- I can access my email from wherever, which is really useful.
What I don’t like: the body is very smooth, and so is very prone to smudges from your hands and so I am constantly wiping the thing to keep it shiny.
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January 29th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
can u help me out on how to use the built in GPS in blackberry 8800. Also, is vodafone offering GPS services in India (specially in Mumbai)
January 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Well, I use the GPS services on my phone with Google Maps application. You should try and download the Google Maps application and then try to use GPS using that. Remember that unless you have an unlimited data plan, using Google Maps will cost you a lot.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I have a BB 8800. Vodafone sucks as far as GPS for BB is concerned. Airtel has a free 6 month service. I think Airtel is an amazing innovator and I am actually toying with dumping Vodafone. understand number portability will be here late 2008. There are options which mean buying external GPS devices with Bluetooth link up. Blackberry is non serious about India with no India presence on their accessory website. Sad for a company like RIM as India overtakes China in mobile growth.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Shael,
I am thinking that you mean GPRS and not GPS. I didn’t know that there was a ‘GPS Service’. As for external GPS devices, sure there are those options, but for casual users, that is an extra accessory which they may not want to carry.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
hi friends
you can save rs12000/- per year by using free pushmail client from consilient. the link given below will help you download the pushmail client for blackberry.
why pay isp like airtel, vodaphone when you get the things for free
enjoy
Nilesh
September 7th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I think a BB allows a lot more than just sending emails. It’s the way that the mail system is integrated into everything that makes it so cool. Consilient won’t do that for you. But yeah, BB is overpriced right now.
September 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
@Vardhan - I think everytime they launch something new, they make it overpriced because they know there are people who will still buy it. As adoption grows, the prices will come down.