A BlackBerry solution is many things: a mobile office in your pocket, the ability to be contactable virtually anywhere you go and a great way to stay in control of life and get things done on the move.

BlackBerry smartphones give you email, instant messaging, phone, maps, organiser, applications, games, the Internet and more. Some smartphones also include a media player and/or camera so you really have everything you need in one stylish device.

BlackBerry products were invented with a single purpose in mind - to serve the needs of ambitious people who want to get on in life. No matter what your individual needs, a BlackBerry solution is a tool that will enable you to accomplish more by keeping you in touch with information, colleagues and friends. BlackBerry, simply, makes people's lives easier. BlackBerry users know exactly where they're going in life.

What is BlackBerry?

BlackBerry is a wireless solution which enables you to send and receive e-mails, access the internet, social networking sites i.e. instant messaging, Twitter, Facebook, Mxit, Myspace, etc. and other applications on the go.

Why should I use it?

BlackBerry offers you access to your messaging services irrespective of where you are. Whether working from the office, relaxing at home or walking/travelling to a party or your next meeting, it offers you a comprehensive messaging solution.

How much does it cost?

8ta offers you BlackBerry packages that are customised according to your needs. Click here for BlackBerry smartphone packages

Where do I get it?

BlackBerry smartphones are available at participating stores only. Scroll down on the Get it page for a list of stores which stock phones.

What is BIS?

BIS is a BlackBerry Internet Service subscription aimed at consumers mainly. It gives you access to the following amazing features:

•Configure up to 10 different email accounts on your BlackBerry phone:

This could be your Gmail account, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, even your Telkom email address. Your new emails will be pushed automatically to your phone all day and you can reply or forward them or send new emails from your phone.

•Unlimited browsing of webpages on your BlackBerry phone:

Using the built-in BlackBerry browser on your phone, you can visit almost any webpage on the Internet at no extra charge. It does not use your data bundle or airtime on your phone. There are some slight limitations: any ‘streaming’ content like videos or internet radio or streaming audio files are not part of the free browsing. If you choose to view this streaming content, you will be charged normal data fees or use your data bundle or airtime. On most BlackBerry smartphones, a warning message appears to inform you that you may be charged if you continue.

•Unlimited instant messaging and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM):

Use the built-in BBM application to instant message and contact all your friends and family who also have BBM, for free. Send pictures, audio and other content to them. BlackBerry also has free clients for Google Talk, Yahoo messenger, ICQ, Windows live Messenger and other Instant Messaging services available. All for free and unlimited. You can even use Mxit on some BlackBerry smartphones if you download the Mxit application (although it may use your data and may not always be free).

•Download hundreds of free and paid Applications to enhance your phone:

Use the BlackBerry AppWorld to find and download hundreds of add on applications, games and tools to enhance your phone and your life. Many are free and some you have the option to purchase.

•Enjoy unlimited free Facebook and Twitter on your BlackBerry:

Two very popular Apps are Facebook and Twitter. You can use the built-in Apps to Facebook and Tweet as much as you like, all for free as part of your BIS subscription.

•Enjoy the integration of all these features into your contacts, address book, email and media:

BlackBerry will allow you to see your contacts and address book in many different apps on your phone, so you can always choose your preferred method of contacting someone. Integration is a component of the BlackBerry Internet Solution, which allows you to integrate your BlackBerry device with up to 10 supported personal email accounts, send and receive instant messages, and browse web content while on the go. You get "push" delivery of messages, mobile access to email attachments and images in popular formats, as well as convenient access to HTML and WAP pages.

What is BES?

BES is an acronym for BlackBerry Enterprise Server. It is a wireless e-mail solution designed for businesses with Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino server environments. It includes both desktop and Enterprise Server software which work together to seamlessly manage the link between the handheld devices and corresponding email accounts.

What is BES+?

8ta’s offers you BES+ subscription, you get BIS and BES in one. That means you can access your company BES server, and also use all your personal email, internet browsing and instant messaging benefits on your BlackBerry. Your company determines which type of BlackBerry services can you have access to.

BES+ requires your company to have a BES server/software installed within their business environment.

What is the BlackBerry Browser?

The BlackBerry Browser provides you with unlimited access to all BlackBerry web pages and applications. All the BlackBerry certified web pages and applications accessed from this browser are FREE.

What is an Internet Browser?

The Internet Browser provides you with unlimited access to all web pages and applications including those excluded from the BlackBerry Browser. The Internet Browser is charged at a minimum data tariff.

How to setup and activate your new BlackBerry service on your new BlackBerry smartphone?

1. After waiting for the activation period (anything from 5 minutes to 24 hours depending on the system load and order queue), insert the SIM into the BlackBerry smartphone.

2. Switch on the smartphone and wait for the device to boot up (this may take several minutes)

3. Follow the device setup wizard which should automatically pop-up for new BlackBerry smartphones.

BIS

Configure a new BIS email address for the device. All BIS email addresses look like:

xxxxxxxxx@8ta.blackberry.com. This is your free BlackBerry email address. You can add up to 10 additional email address (e.g. Gmail, yahoo etc.) using the Setup Wizard or do it later if your prefer.

BES

The setup and activation information is provided by your BlackBerry enterprise service administrator. This will include your e-mail address and activation password.

4. Ensure that the SIM registers on the 8ta/MTN network and that there is signal next to the signal bar. If the device is stuck on “SOS” for a long time, then manually select the MTN network by going to: Options, Mobile Network, and then searching for available networks. Select MTN. (8ta roams on the MTN network). Set it back to Automatic.

5. If the setup wizard does not appear, you can manually open it by going to the Setup icon and selecting 'Setup Wizard'.

6. You should receive a welcome email once your BIS email address is setup and ready.

What is free YouTube streaming?

YouTube streaming is the ability to watch YouTube videos on your BlackBerry phone, for free!

What do I get as part of this free offer?

At 8ta, we offer you free YouTube streaming when you purchase a BlackBerry subscription (On Prepaid, Contract or Saver). You will receive up to 500MB of YouTube streaming free per month. The 500MB will be loaded as a free YouTube data bundle on your account.

How do I watch YouTube on my BlackBerry?

You can either use your BlackBerry browser and go to www.youtube.com, then search for videos you want to watch. Or you can use the built in YouTube icon on certain BlackBerry devices to navigate to the above web address. Click continue if you see a warning message indicating that you may be charged for data.

What should I do to prevent going over 500MB?

If you use up your entire 500MB YouTube allowance and continue to watch videos, you may be charged out of bundle data rates or consume one of your other data bundles (if you have one). To prevent this, it is a good idea to check your data balances regularly by dialing *188# and checking the SMSes you receive. To ensure you get the latest balance information, close all browsers and YouTube videos, wait a minute or two and then check your balance. Also, do not tick the box under the warning message indicating that you may be charged for data. This will ensure that this message will be displayed if you are using any services that are not free as part of your BlackBerry services.

Why do I get a connection error and my YouTube video isn’t working anymore?

You have probably used up all 500MB and all data bundles on your account and were cut off to prevent going over your limit and using up your airtime or credit. Check your data balance. If the 500MB is used up, you can purchase a once off data bundle to continue.

YouTube is slow or videos don’t play properly or have poor frame rates?

You are probably using a 2G BlackBerry device with little to no EDGE coverage or the network is busy or the signal is poor. It could also be that the video you are watching is being served at a slow rate by YouTube’s servers. Try to move to a better signal area or try another video. You can also try again later as network conditions change.

For other YouTube questions not covered here please contact Customer Care at 180 or 081180.

Click here to download software for your BlackBerry.