Blackberry O2 charges

Hi Bok,

The detail is in the small print! You have an unlimited O2 tariff - but that "unlimited" only refers to data accessed through the Blackberry APN. Unfortunately, Betfair Mobile will not work through the Blackberry APN on O2, and needs to use the "O2 Mobile Web" APN to work successfully.

I presume you must have changed the TCP/IP settings on the Blackberry Bold to O2's mobile web settings to ensure that Betfair Mobile worked. It is possible to add a "Monthly Mobile Web Bolt-on" to your contract which will entail an additional fee.

I use a Blackberry Bold 9700 on Vodafone where there is no additional charge for using their APN. Access to to Betfair Mobile is incredibly fast and I can make extensive use of the application without incurring any additional charges. I know this information about Vodafone will not help you much - but it might help others when they come up to contract renewal or when they are contemplating a move to using a Blackberry. Network Operators really need to address this issue on Blackberry contracts as the smartphone becomes more popular.

You don't get charged for wap on O2.

Use the APN settings for wap.o2.co.uk.

I use my Blackberry for Betfair all the time and never been charged.

It is something not many people really use, which is a shame because I imagine alot of people pay out on web charges for Betfair on a Blackerry.

Very occasionally it is a little slow but always been fast enough for me and I use it very often.

Hope it saves some people some money. :)

Hi again Bok,

Under "APN Settings Enabled" there is an APN:

that is where you type wap.O2.co.uk

Then type the user name and password.

Hi tai671,

Regular browsing on the internet is determined by your browser settings in Advanced Options. "Internet Browser" uses the Blackberry APN, which is included in the Blackberry "Bolt On" option, to access the web for browsing. Remember, using Betfair Mobile isn't browsing the web - you are using an "app" to access the Betfair API. Fortunately, at present, it appears that the wap.o2.co.uk is free and Betfair Mobile works successfully using it.

The whole O2 business model of "Bolt Ons" rather falls down for users of the latest Blackberry models. O2 Monthly Contract customers routinely add the unlimited Blackberry data "Bolt On" and assume they are covered for all data use. In fact, with more apps becoming available from the Blackberry App Store this could be more of a problem in the future. If I were an O2 user I would be tempted to add the "mobile internet" monthly option to my plan - at least it would give me peace of mind!

For the more adventurous amongst you, it is possible to access the event log of the Blackberry to determine which APN has been used by the last application used. Press down the "alt" key followed by lglg. Clear the log then log on to Betfair Mobile. Log off straight away, then check the log again to see which APN was used. You can do this with each "app" on your Blackberry to check their APN use.

Thankfully, I use a Blackberry Bold 9700 on Vodafone where data use isn't subject to these ridiculous restrictions - albeit with a 500 mb monthly limit.

O2 users can check their use of APNs on the O2 website - any data through "mobile internet" is charged.

Good Luck - Armadale

Hi nogo,

I think you have cut the "Gordian Knot" of Blackberry use on Betfair!

The Blackberry is is a specialised device that has emerged from the business market and is being marketed as a "normal" smartphone. It requires a fair amount of research to determine which Blackberry to use and to match it to mobile network.

All I can say is: Betfair Mobile works exceptionally well on the Blackberry Bold 9700 on Vodafone with no extra data charges.

I have no connection with any mobile network, but I think people need to made aware of solutions to their connectivity problems after they have commited to a long contract.

Caveat Emptor !

I agree Armadale, I use the same handset & carrier combo and it works a dream.

Anyone got any advice regarding the Orange tarriffs? No one at betfair or Orange seem to be able to help me...
Thanks in advance