Research In Motion (RIM) and its carrier partners have introduced a range of data service plans tailored according to individual customers' needs and budgets.
RIM says the new options will give BlackBerry users more choice and flexibility.
The BlackBerry Messaging Plan, says RIM, was structured for those who primarily use its instant messaging platform, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
“This plan is ideal if you only use your BlackBerry smartphone to send and receive e-mail and keep in touch with your loved ones via BBM, but don't need to use the Internet or other data services. The BlackBerry Messaging Plan will allow you to BBM and one Web-based e-mail account.”
Secondly, the BlackBerry Social Plan is geared towards the avid social media user and those who “need to be connected to social networks to stay in the know”.
“The plan also allows you to search, discover and download mobile apps for your BlackBerry smartphone on BlackBerry App World,” says RIM.
RIM says the BlackBerry Social and E-mail Plan is the option to take “if technology is essential to help you reach your goals, while you are on the go”. This plan is designed for Internet access, e-mail and social connectivity - and includes access to one third-party e-mail account.
The BlackBerry Internet Service Plan offers unlimited access to BlackBerry data services, including access to the Internet, BBM, social networking sites, BlackBerry App World and up to 10 supported corporate and personal e-mail accounts. It includes BlackBerry Protect and is BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express ready.
RIM says the top tier plan is suitable for a “work-life juggler” who needs access to several e-mail accounts while on the go.
Update
Pricing for the respective BlackBerry plans are set by the individual carriers. To date, only MTN, Cell C and 8ta have introduced tiered BlackBerry plans to the market. RIM says its carrier partners will announce further offers when they are ready to launch.
Telkom's mobile arm 8ta was the first to introduce a reduced BlackBerry plan, on 15 June. At R30 per month, 8ta's social and e-mail plan gives customers access to e-mail, Internet browsing, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), social networking, BlackBerry App World and a Web-based e-mail account.
Launched a week later, Cell C's BlackBerry service plans went one up - giving customers two additional options. The BlackBerry Social plan costs R27 per month and connects customers to Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Customers also get access to BBM and BlackBerry App World, one BlackBerry e-mail account and Internet access. Cell C's BlackBerry Social and E-mail plan costs R37 per month and includes access to one third-party e-mail account in addition to the benefits included in the BlackBerry Social plan.
MTN introduced a portfolio of three BlackBerry plans - starting at R14.95 - about three weeks later. The Messaging plan costs R14.95 per month and gives subscribers access to BBM and one Web-based e-mail account. The MTN Social plan, for R19.95, allows users to access social networks and BlackBerry App World, browse the Internet and use BBM, and allows for one BlackBerry e-mail account. The Social and E-mail plan costs R29.95 per month and is tailored for use of BBM, Web browsing, e-mail and social networking. The plan also gives access to one Web-based e-mail account.
The original BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS) plan, at R59 per month (R57 via Cell C) is still available on the three networks. This BIS plan offers unlimited access to BlackBerry data services - including Internet access, BBM, social networking, BlackBerry App World and up to 10 supported corporate and personal e-mail accounts.
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