3 Mobile goes Bold... BlackBerry Bold

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 03 December 2008 13:08

IT Industry - Strategy

The third plan is $129 per month, which is a $99 cap and $30 BlackBerry Internet Service. Once again you get 3GB of data and unlimited Facebook (etc), but you now get $1000 worth of calls and text, and $1750 of Free Talk 24/7 to anyone else on 3.

3 Mobile says that the “total minimum cost over 24 months is $2,136 ($89 plan), $2,376 ($99 plan) or $3,096 ($129 plan)”, and that “fees apply on early termination.”

3’s included 3GB of data is naturally for use in 3’s broadband zones, with a 10c per MB charge if you go over the 3G limit. When you’re roaming, you get 2MB of data and a $1.65 per mb charge, although this should probably change to a much better rate in mid-2009 when 3 Mobile unveils the pricing of its new roaming agreement with Telstra.

As no BlackBerry has a front mounted video camera, video calls aren’t possible – one day RIM must get with the video calling program, but it’s hardly a deal breaker for the zillions of existing CrackBerry addicts out there.

Those who like to tinker with other apps or online services are advised that “Unlimited IM (Yahoo! Messenger/Google Talk/BlackBerry Messenger) and Facebook only applies if accessed via the relevant application.”

The caps include “national and $100 of international voice calls, SMS and MMS, Voicemail, 13/1300/1800 numbers and directory assistance, Voicemail, 13/1300/1800 numbers and directory assistance. Standard rates apply once the Cap & International voice limit is reached. Free Talk applies to national voice calls. Standard rates plus 30c flagfall applies once the Free Talk minute limit is reached.”
 
So... if you want a BlackBerry Bold on 3 Mobile, they’re now available. True CrackBerry addicts who couldn’t wait may well already have a Bold on another carrier, but then 3 Mobile has plenty of fans too, and if you’ve been patiently waiting, then the wait is finally over.