BlackBerry Internet Services

As some of you may already know, the next generation of BlackBerry devices will be powered by QNX. The very first of those devices is the PlayBook that was launched in April 2011. With the recent preview of PlayBook OS 2.0, it was announced that the native email application will be using Activesync instead of the usual BlackBerry NOC. For BES users, their emails will utilise the same Activesync while additional layers of securities will be added by BlackBerry’s NOC to provide the business users the security they are used to from BlackBerry.

The next generation of OS for BlackBerry phones dubbed BB10, I am guessing will utilise the same service.

This sort of raises a question for me, is the BIS still worth the additional monthly subscription fees? In Singapore where I live, BIS simply meant the ability to have have push emails, BBM and usage of apps that requires a BIS-b network. Facebook, twitter, whatsapp, BB Protect, BB browser…etc. But to be honest if emails is now on Activesync, would it make more sense to shift the other applications away from BIS and just use the apn from service providers? Now, whenever you are surfing the net, the data actually has to go through RIM’s server before they reach your device. Of course RIM does their data compression magic too. But with data being much cheaper than it used to be, is it worth it to sacrifice speed for less data used? Personally, i don’t think so. I think to remove the requirements for BIS in order for these apps to work is a move towards a more consumer friendly RIM. Those who do not wish to have a BIS can still use their phone for normal functions. Unlike today, if you have a BlackBerry phone without BIS, you pretty much end up with a feature phone.

That said, I am perfectly willing to pay for BIS services as it is now, as i think its a great add on to the BlackBerry experience. But i doubt most consumers can understand why they need a BlackBerry specific data plan in order for the phone to work. Especially those that have switched over from other smartphone platforms.

BIS could be a killer service if only RIM would push for all their services to be available worldwide. Apps like BBM Music, BB Traffic, BB News, BB Podcasts are all available in a select few countries only. If all these were to be made worldwide, the value of BIS could be greatly increased. Maybe introduce a BB Cloud for some online storage space. This would make BIS an irresistible add on for consumers.