Blackberry Question

bump

From my understanding, these phones only process data (read: email). I don't think they're even set up to make calls on. Some firms may be different but this is the way it was where I worked. If it's like that you should definitely keep your own phone plan.

My bank provides a blackberry with voice but I keep my own phone. Company phone can't access gmail or download any apps. Everything is also monitored on it.

here, we buy our device but can expense the monthly bill. For a while i had blackberry for work e-mail and calls and still kept my personal regular phone from college.

after a while i just started using my blackberry for work e-mail/calls and personal calls. you can always access gmail on the built in web-browser. no biggie.

Some people have a work blackberry and a personal blackberry, but i can't stand taking them both with me all the time. there's a big enough bulge in my pants already.

My blackberry calls are recorded .... so get your own phone and stop being cheap

Calls and emails are monitored on the company bb and if you leave you'll lose your # and your contacts. Be on the safe side.

^^^ Your calls are recorded if you're in S&T ... and some capital markets shops

much of it IS common sense as above poster said

Cell phone calls are not recorded at my bank even in S&T/CapMkts -- we can't use cell phones on the floor for that reason, because only the hardlines are taped (thus to avoid the appearance of any impropriety). I'm pretty sure there's no way they can even record cell phone calls unless the company you work for is The Company.

Everything PowerMonkey says is more or less right. Most of the analysts/associates I worked with only had a work phone and used it as their personal phone as well. Nobody cares. The plans are unlimited.

Get your own personal smart phone - (iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Palm, etc) and your own data plan.

You may want to wait until you start work before you pick up a new phone. In my building, one of the major cell phone companies with a weaker network does not work. Don't lock yourself into a 2yr contract just to find out that it doesn't work.

Most firms do not allow you to check your personal e-mail or non-work related sites (facebook, etc) at work. having a personal smartphone is a great way to keep track of your e-mail and facebook at work. Some firms also sporadically block finance blogs, so it may be a good way to keep intouch of who's doing cuts when, etc.

Some firms allow split billing (you pay voice - firm pays data). At my firm, text messaging is restricted, thus making it a useless option for me. The extra bulk sucks - but less problematic in the winter when you have a jacket (more pockets) and in the summer time, a briefcase or a gym bag helps. However, both options are a bit more problematic when you're trying to quickly head out to a bar for a quick drink after work.