Mark Baard of the Boston Globe has confirmed one of the questions I had about the BlackBerry 8820. I know it is not a much touted feature but with the coming of WiFi I was hoping to see BlackBerry service available without a data plan. I know this would drasticly hurt RIM’s monetary plans but imagine opening up the BlackBerry outside of your cellphone carriers restrictions.
Mark has confirmed that the new 8820 from AT&T does not work without a valid SIM card inserted. I wonder if the new 8820 can be convinced to work without a BlackBerry data plan using WiFi for connectivity. I know a few users who use their BlackBerry’s without a data plan as a personal organizer. I think it would be a big boon for them if every time they returned to a hotspot they would get their emails on their device. I know this sounds crazy for all of us addicted BlackBerry users but imagine the possibilties. WiFi takes on a whole new meaning for these users and also would be boon for users with a limited data plan. Personally I am waiting for the day that WiFi can be used to synchronize your contacts and calendar every time you go home or reach your desk.
