Blackberrys - do they require special mobile package?

[Bluecube]

My Blackberry contract will end in about a months time so I've been looking at SIM only deals. I'm in no hurry to upgrade the phone as it suits my needs perfectly, however, there's a nasty niggling thought that I won't be able to get a SIM only deal as Blackberrys require a special mobile deal as they receive email differently from everyday mobile phones. Can anyone confirm my thoughts?

Thanks

[burble]

Yep, you'll need either a BIS or BES package depending on what you're currently using.

You can get SIM only deals, my Dad has a SIM only deal from Vodafone and has to pay an extra £10/month for BIS.

[Bluecube]

Damn. Thanks for confirming that. I think I'll be looking for a new phone as I'm not paying extra for BIS!

[Funkstar]

However, my better half has a BB on Orange PAYG and she can spend £5/month on the BB services, but Facebook and her live.co.uk email still arrive with the standard internet options.

[d3fiant]

my son has a BB on a £10 pm contract that includes unlimited BB IM and email and a seperate 1GB data allowance. Also has free calls and sms's included but cant remember how much. Its on virgin and includes free calls to other virgin mobiles and landlines

The fone suxs tho

[listy]

o2 has sim only for blackberry

http://shop.o2.co.uk/tariffs/simplic...erry/12_months

http://shop.o2.co.uk/tariffs/simplic...kberry/1_month

[Bluecube]

Nice find - thanks! Still a tad pricey considering the Tesco Mobile SIM only deals. I can see myself just getting a new mobile!

[Ferral]

You could look at the business deals. Set yourself up as a Prosumer (Professional Consumer) / IBU (Individual Business User), different networks call it different things. They may have a month rolling sim only deal that works out better for the Blackberry. If you go down this route you dont need extra I.D, its just like setting up a standard consumer contract.