Trying to convert,if possible, nextel blackberry 8530i to boostmobile

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Boost Mobile has the cheapest (and slowest) data service around, and the Nextel Branded BlackBerry is the only smart phone that works with Boost's iDEN service.

The old 7520 and 7100i BlackBerry's can be purchased for around 50 dollars, and are very usable smart phones.

The newer BlackBerry 8350i is one of the best blackberry smartphones available. However on Nextel it costs more then 120 dollars a month for unlimited everything and on Boost mobile you can get unlimited service for $50 a month.

The difference however is that Boost mobile does not offer a Blackberry Data Plan and Nextel does. So if you want to browse the web, send emails, and be able to download apps, you have to convert your Nextel Blackberry to Boost Mobile.

The email works a little differently in that you can set up your yahoo or aol mail to forward to your Blackberry by using the email address

[email protected] as the forward to email address.


What are the differences of the Nextel Blackberry models?




Besides the obvious difference which is the design of the phone and the applications and memory available, the 8350i runs BlackBerry OS version 4.6 whereas the 7520 and 7100i run version 4.1. The older OS does not support as many apps and features.

To sum it up Boost Mobile Phones aren't good and Blackberry's are. It's really that simple.


Does Boost support the BlackBerry?


Not officially. Boost sells their Starter kit to "give new life to a previously used Boost or Nextel phone", but they make no specific mention of its compatibility with the BlackBerry. Using a BlackBerry on Boost is consistent with their terms and conditions, but you won't get any help from Boost for configuring your BlackBerry.


Which features work?


Voice service and basic data service work.

3rd-party apps work, including apps for web browsing, email, GPS, and instant messaging.

Over-the-air installation of apps using the BlackBerry Browser will work if youfollow the how-to.

Text messaging will work if you follow the how-to.

Apps can also be installed using the Desktop Manager software on your PC.

Which Boost plans included data service?

All Boost plans include basic data service