The folks over at Android Central have dropped some information about Verizon and their 3G grandfathered unlimited data plans. Right now, it may not mean a whole lot to BlackBerry users as the changes are only limited to those on 3G plans who are going to 4G plans when upgrading their devices. It is worth noting though, due to the fact that 4G LTE equipped BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBooks are on their way.

Verizon has plans to kill the current unlimited data add-on and force users to a shared pool of tiered data. Speaking at today's 40th annual J.P. Morgan Technology, Media, and Telecom conference, Verizon Communications CFO Fran Shammo stated that all customers will be migrated off of current unlimited data plans and on to a new data-share plan to launch this summer. "Everyone will be on data share", according to Shammo. As people renew contracts and move to new 4G LTE smartphones and other devices, their current data plan will no longer be available. There was no mention what would happen to current LTE subscribers, but we imagine they too will be pushed towards the new sharing plans.

Again, if you're making use of a BlackBerry right now and looking to upgrade to a new one, you should be ok and not be affected by these changes. However, if Verizon picks up a 4G LTE BlackBerry sometime in the near future, you'll have some choices to make.

Source: Android Central

Back long before the BlackBerry Curve 9220 became an officially released device, it and the 9320 showed up in some UAProf documents. At the time, we noted that it was part of a series of Curves that were to be released. The "Jazz Series" as it was called which contained three new devices in total. Davis, Armstrong and Wynton were the codenames for them and back then, one device was missing off the list. The BlackBerry Curve 9310.

Most recently, pre-release OS leaks turned up for the Curve 9310 but there still was no documentation to go along with it. Though, now it looks like RIM is getting closer to release presumably on Verizon due to the fact they've now uploaded the UAProf to their servers with the latest update happening on April 25th.

As noted in the UAProf, it will be running OS 7.1, have a 320x240 display and be compatible with Verizons network. Unless of course its intended to be released to an emerging market with CDMA support which could be possible as well. Either way, the device hasn't appeared on camera yet but I'll go out on a limb and say it's not the device I'm looking for.

We don't want to see any snubbing Big Red... we want BlackBerry 10 Phones for Sale!

Last night Verizon reported its most recent financial results. The prepared remarks didn't contain anything too interesting that I noticed. But the analyst Q&A session did bring up something I think RIM should be worrying about.

Analyst Phil Cusick from JP Morgan asked Verizon if there is anything they can do to control iPhone subsidies. Verizon's CFO, Francis Shammo answered him with the following quote, which we've taken from the Seeking Alpha transcript.

On the Apple iPhone, look, I think as I've said before, we look at every individual handset, we have a broad portfolio. We manage it by handset-by-handset and manage our subsidy and again, that's just one aspect of our P&L. And this is just a nature of this business that's grown from the beginning of the industry that we subsidize handsets. I do think though it is important that there is a third ecosystem that's brought into the mix here. And we are fully supportive of that with Microsoft, and as we said that we created the Android platform from beginning. And it is an incredible platform today that we helped to create. And we're looking to do the same thing with a third ecosystem. So that's how I think that we plan to go into the future here.

I think it's worrying to see Verizon, the carrier ultimately responsible for the success of Android, to be talking so clearly about plans to push Windows Phone. Not only have they said this, but they have said it in a context that directly implies there will be a third ecosystem. Not a third and a fourth. There was absolutely no mention of BlackBerry anywhere.

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BlackBerry 7 devices have been around for a few months, and if you haven't upgraded yet because of pricing or any other reason, you may want to reconsider. Verizon has announced that they will begin charging $30 additional for customers to use their upgrades starting on April 22. In just under two weeks that new BlackBerry 7 device that you have your eyes on will cost you $30 more, that isn't what you want, right? Whether you order online, or prefer the local store, you will likely want to grab yourself a new device before the changes take place. 

This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.

Verizon does point out that if you use their trade in service you can offset this additional cost, but that is of course if you have a device that they deem worth $30. 

Source: Verizon; via: Android Central

Verizon Wireless has officially released OS 6.0.0.719 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650. While this is an official release, remember to use caution when updating your device. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

Download OS 6.0.0.719 for the Bold 9650
Discuss more in the forums

The BlackBerry Curve 9370 is now available from Verizon Wireless online and in stores. If you're looking to pick one up, you can get it for just $99 on a two-year contract after $50 online discount or mail-in rebate. The Curve 9370 features a full QWERTY keyboard, 5MP camera, NFC and more. This is a great alternative to those that aren't fans of the full-touch Torch 9850 or the larger Bold 9930. If you grab one drop a comment and let us know!

More information/purchase of the Curve 9370 from Verizon

As we knew already, Verizon has been preparing to roll out OS 7.1 to the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 for quite a while. A staggered roll out was rumored to be starting as of tomorrow but it looks as though at least a few folks are already getting the update on their devices. If you own either a BlackBerry Bold 9930 or Torch 9850 and are on the stock OS -- go ahead and check for updates. You may find OS 7.1.0.163 waiting for you but if not, don't get too bummed out. It's on it's way -- you'll just have to wait just a little bit longer.

Discuss in the CrackBerry BlackBerry Bold 9930 Forums
Discuss in the CrackBerry BlackBerry Torch 9850 Forums

Thanks, @jelounge!

Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NV and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless today announced the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9370 smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com on Jan. 19.

The slim and stylish BlackBerry Curve 9370 delivers the ultimate mobile communications and social experiences with a highly refined and integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day. It is ergonomically designed with a comfortable and iconic keyboard for fast, accurate typing and an optical trackpad for easy, one-handed navigation.

The new BlackBerry Curve 9370 is also the first Global Ready ™ BlackBerry Curve for Verizon Wireless. Running on the Verizon Wireless 3G network and powered by the new BlackBerry® 7 operating system, customers will experience features such as the newest release of BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger version 6) and an updated Social Feeds app. The premium version of Documents To Go is also included at no additional cost, offering customers enhanced document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer.

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As we learned already, Verizon is planning to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 to both the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850 but until now, the dates for release were unknown. According to the latest information we're hearing, it won't be that long of a wait for users as the updates will start to roll out on Jan 10th and be staggered out through the 12th and 13th provided you're on an official OS. If you're already running the Sprint version of the same OS, you'll not be alerted to update.

According to some keen eyed forums members, it looks like Verizon Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 users may be happy campers very soon. Some support documents on Verizon's site are showing off the above software update notice. The OS build is the same one that was released by Sprint a few weeks back, so unfortunately there won't anything different in this version. Updates in OS 7.1 include:

• Device will no longer repeatedly indicate that new software has been installed.
• Device will no longer reset while connected to a charging source.
• Device displays the correct wireless service provider while making calls or sending text messages.
• While in a global roaming condition, connect to a previously registered CDMA network without experiencing lengthy search periods.
• Improvements in home screen responsiveness and reduced touch screen lockups.
• No longer experience delays in audio reception or unexpected call termination.
• Improvements to audio quality during playback for audio files downloaded using the V CAST application.
• The zoom in and zoom functionout on the browser application renders the page properly.
• Device now supports Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot (MHS).

No word on just when the update will show, but expect it to be fairly soon.

Dicuss more in the forums

And just like that, Verizon has killed off their proposed $2 convenience fee. Verizon said it "made the decision in response to customer feedback about the plan, which was designed to improve the efficiency of those transactions."

“At Verizon, we take great care to listen to our customers. Based on their input, we believe the best path forward is to encourage customers to take advantage of the best and most efficient options, eliminating the need to institute the fee at this time,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.

I'm not sure what lasted longer, Verizons proposed fee or Kim Kardashians marriage but either way it's all over and done with now. Customers win this round with Verizon.

Source: Verizon; Via: Android Central

The Federal Communications Commission, which regulates telecommunications in the United States has now spoken and taken some concern with Verizon’s $2 convenience fee which, is set to go in effect as of January 15th.

“On behalf of American consumers, we’re concerned about Verizon’s actions and are looking into the matter,”

The FCC, who normally gets hated on for not doing enough for consumers has been going after a lot of carriers as of late so, what -- if anything -- they will do about Verizon's $2 convenience fee is still up in the air. Given other carriers have had such things in place for a while now, it's plausible they will allow it to continue but time will tell.

Source: NYTimes

"Didn't ask for a dime. Two dollars"

It looks like Verizon customers are getting yet another punch in the gut today as Big Red has stated plans to start charging a $2 fee for paying your bill. You'll still have a few options to avoid the so-called "convenience fee", but those who want to pay with a debit or credit card online or via call-in will get smacked with the fee. You can still choose to use auto-pay, electronic check, in-store options and a few others to avoid the $2 surcharge however. So Verizon customers - what are your thoughts on this? sound off in the comments!

Via: Android Central

If you're on Verizon and you fire up BlackBerry App World any time soon, you may notice you now have a dedicated Verizon section to choose from. A lot of folks have reported it now showing up and of course -- as you would expect, there are apps listed in there, more specifically apps chosen by Verizon as good apps. Not a whole lot more to say about it really but we figured we'd mention it in case anyone was wondering why it's now there. Thanks, to everyone who sent it in!

According to Verizon Communications CEO Lowell McAdam, Verizon expects to make shared family data plans available some time in 2012. This is awesome news for customers with multiple data-hungry devices either on their own or in the family as, much like shared voice plans, users will be able to share a data bucket instead of separate plans. While there were no specifics stated, McAdam speculated:

"I think in 2012 we will see it," McAdam said at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference. "We have been working on this for a couple of years. Getting to one bill and getting to account-level pricing is our goal." 

AT&T and Sprint have also hinted at such plans which would surely be a welcome addition across the board. I for one would love shared data plans for my devices (and so would my wallet). So what say you - is this a good thing for Verizon and other carriers? Sound off in the comments!

Source: Fierce Wireless