can anyone tell me why
 

i presently have the touch pro with full internet, text messaging, email, and picture mail plan. i was thinking about getting the blackberry tour and sprint told me the plan i have is no good and i would have to pay an additional $30 each month for a blackberry plan. when i ask why, no one seems to be able to give me an answer except for saying its a software issue. if i have a data plan for one phone why wouldnt it be good for other phones. does anyone know what this is all about. thanks in advance

Re: can anyone tell me why
 

I think it has to do with the Blackberry Enterprise server your blackberry needs to talk to.
BlackBerry handhelds are integrated into an organization's e-mail system through a software package called "BlackBerry Enterprise Server" (BES). Versions of BES are available for Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise. While individual users may be able to use a wireless provider's e-mail services without having to install BES themselves, organizations with multiple users usually run BES on their own network. Some third-party companies provide hosted BES solutions. Every BlackBerry has an ID called BlackBerry PIN, which is used to identify the device to the BES.

BES can act as a sort of e-mail relay for corporate accounts so that users always have access to their e-mail. The software monitors the user's local "inbox", and when a new message comes in, it picks up the message and passes it to RIM's Network Operations Center (NOC). The messages are then relayed to the user's wireless provider, which in turn delivers them to the user's BlackBerry device.
BES also provides handhelds with TCP/IP connectivity accessed through a component called "Mobile Data Service - Connection Service" (MDS-CS). This allows for custom application development using data streams on BlackBerry devices based on the Sun Microsystems Java ME platform.

In addition, BES provides network security, in the form of Triple DES or, more recently, AES encryption of all data (both e-mail and MDS traffic) that travels between the BlackBerry handheld and a BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Most providers offer flat monthly pricing for unlimited data between BlackBerry units and BES. In addition to receiving e-mail, organizations can make intranets or custom internal applications with unmetered traffic. Phew....

Re: can anyone tell me why
 

I would think about closing the account. Try calling sprint and telling them that you want to switch to another company unless they can give you a special discount. They should send you to account services, who may have authority to override the "required" plan change.

Re: can anyone tell me why
 

im on the phone right now with a supervisor. that 30 is itched in stone. nothing they could do about it. thanks anyway.

Re: can anyone tell me why
 

Do what I did. Get an Everything Plus or SERO account. My EP service is about $66 after all is said and done..500 minutes, unlimited data (Blackberry, winmo, whatever..they dont care), unlimited text, GPS/sprinttv/etc. You're not limited by anything, you can use any phone Sprint has released so far I believe, even the palm pre.

Hypnotic was on the right track but its the BIS you'd be paying for. BES is also an extra charge but it is not mandatory.

BIS is not a traditional data plan, it also includes e-mail with Blackberry. Its unfortunate but it is just how it is. Blackberry plans are expensive as hell on any carrier. I would have never gotten one had I not been on my $60 everything plus plan.

Re: can anyone tell me why
 

the thing i dont like with sprint is, ive been with them for 15 years and they just wont help you in situations like this. why should i have to get rid of this plan that i have had for the longest time and get a new plan like i was a new customer. that costs so much more then the one i have. they just wont accomadate you.