I mentioned in a previous post that I had started using a BlackBerry and I must say that it’s been a fun device to use so far. That is until you realize how much an unlimited data plan costs. My device is an unlocked/open line device so that means I can put in any SIM card from any service provider and I’d be able to use it.

When I first purchased my BB, there were two service providers here in the Philippines that offered BIS: SMART and Globe Telecomm. I maintain two numbers: a Globe prepaid account and a Sun line. I was happy to find out that Globe had released a prepaid BIS offering for those who have BlackBerry devices but didn’t want to sign up for a postpaid plan. I was more than happy to fork over Php1,200 for a 30-day unlimited service.

I just told myself that it’s just Php600 per payday.

Right.

I was all too happy to find out that Sun Cellular was finally providing BlackBerry Internet Service for postpaid plans and they have Add-On bundles as well for those who already have postpaid accounts prior to the BIS release. But the question was would it be cheaper?

So I called Sun Cellular and asked about the details after I saw the series of tweets from the company that they had finally launched their BIS to the public. Here’s what they told me

• Add Php700 on top of your current postpaid plan, you get 10MB of BIS per month. This wasn’t going to work for me. Although cheaper, I didn’t want to worry about whether I was running out of allocated data for my BIS.
  
• Add Php999 on top of your current postpaid plan, you get unlimited BIS per month. This one is similar to what I currently have with my prepaid Globe account but definitely cheaper.
• (Not found on the site) Add Php1,399 on top of your current postpaid plan, you get unlimited BIS and unlimited mobile internet. It’s only Php199 pesos more than what I’m currently paying Globe but at the same time, it allows me to surf on the net anywhere on my BB device. Sounds good. But nah.

I am most likely going to switch to Sun for my BIS once my Globe’s 30-day BIS runs out. I’m going to get the Php999 Add-on and transfer my Sun SIM onto my BB device. As for the Globe prepaid SIM, I’m keeping it on my other phone once I get it unlocked.

It’s interesting how Sun is able to roll out these services to be much cheaper than the current market. Although I’m just wondering if anyone has already started using Sun’s BIS and have experienced any issues so far.

BlackBerry services for non-enterprise/commercial use have been increasing recently and it would only mean that there’s is greater demand now in the coutry for the use of BIS.

Are you already using one?

About the Author:  Mark is a simple Japanese toy collector who started seriously collecting and blogging about Japanese toys back in 2005.