An insider's guide to accessing your Emails using your Mobile

Did you know the majority of mobile phones can already access emails? It’s a popular feature in most handsets these days, but it’s the functionality that really makes the difference. To set this up, you must have an existing email address or use one provided by your mobile service provider. For example you can get a joebloggs@orange.net email address. It is best to phone the network directly to set this up rather than instore as most don’t really know what they are doing, whereas the person at the end of the phone can send the settings directly to your phone. Be aware that not all networks offer this service, especially for those who are on Pay-as-you-Go services. There is a charge for this service in most cases – you are generally charged per Megabyte. Each email will be a number of Bytes, and you can set your phone to only download small parts of the email to cut these costs down. Networks charge from £1 per megabyte for those on high-value tariffs upto £3 per megabyte on low value tariffs and most Pay As You Go services. The majority of handsets treat email messages like text messages. Your phone beeps when they arrive, and you can reply on your handset. This means that you reply with just 12 buttons or keys on your keypad, and believe me it can take a lifetime to type out a reply to an email. Some handsets will automatically check your mail server for incoming mail every so often (every 10,20,30 minutes etc). Other handsets require you to manually ask the phone to check for emails. Outgoing mail is sent immediately. So, what alternatives are there? Firstly, there are phones which are more email-focused – such as PDA-type handsets and those with full keyboards. These phones work on the same principle as above, they are just a lot more user-friendly, quick, and offer additional support for attachments. They willallow you to open and edit Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Image and PDF files which may have been attched to the email. Couple this with a larger screen than a conventional mobile phone, and you have an ideal device for Email. But the problem still lies with the way in which this service is charged – by the Megabyte. This can substantially increase your phone bill if you receive a high number of emails, or start to view attachments.  There is currently 2 work-arounds to this problem:
  1. Add a data bundle to your tariff – like you would add say 500 texts to your package in a block, you can add a number of Megabytes for a discounted rate. This is a wise option, but you should always remember that you will pay more if you exceed the limit.
  2. T-Mobile customers on a contract can add the ‘Web’n’Walk’ package to their account for £7.50 per month. This allows you unlimited* data downloads which includes email and internet pages. This is a highly recommended option, especially for those who will be opening the large attachments or browsing the internet.
*Unlimited is subject to a fair use policy, check with T-Mobile for current level. Secondly, there is a device brand called Blackberry. Blackberry is a brand name of handsets and software like Nokia or SonyEricsson is. They manufacture a specific phone with a rather individual piece of software. The handsets are normally business-orientated however we are beginning to see desirable consumer-driven features such as cameras and upgradeable memory being incorporated into the models.  Blackberry works on a similar principle to the existing mobile phone ways as described above, but the mobile network actually controls the software. It checks your mail or server for new emails. For small-scale users, the mail is forwarded almost instantly – it can be delayed by a few minutes but is generally instant. For large-scale users who have their own servers providing email functionality, the messages are instant.  The advantage to be had with Blackberry is the speed factor, the functionality and the back-up provided. The Blackberry will provide emails to you more quickly, meaning you can receive important quote requests or time-sensitive emails from your customers and suppliers immediately, rather than delayed by using a normal mobile email method as above. Blackberry was built to provide emails and calls, that’s what it does best. All email on the Blackberry handsets is easy to read, easy to access and is completely logical. Full support for attachments is also included. Each mobile network has a department which handles Blackberry queries. Due to it’s uniform software, it’s a lot easier to remedy problems. The Blackberry also has the advantage of being charged in a more convenient way. The service is covered by a monthly fee (ranging from £5-£18 per month for individual customers and upto £50 for corporate customers wanting the server-based version)  For those seriously considering using an eMail service, I would recommend using a Blackberry service to first get to grips with they system. I think it’s an ideal starting point for individuals wanting to access emails wherever they have a network signal, but don’t want the hassle of setting up the service alone and having a limited support network. I can forward more information about either method to you. Please just get in touch. TariffConnect is affiliated with a Blackberry Alliance Program member and can connect you on T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone, 3, Orange and Opal – the UK’s B2B Network. Please consider asking us for a quote when choosing these or any other mobile service. Our advice is free and always friendly! Contact Sean Collier on 0800 881 8177 or email sean@tariffconnect.com  

Date: Mar 29 2007 4:41PM
Category: BUSINESS ADVERTORIAL

Added By: TariffConnect on 31/01/2008 22:23:06
Number of Views: 484

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24/08/2008 21:14:17 by Jim - Website

Me also I even sleep with mine

22/07/2008 10:41:36 by Chris - Website

I could not survive without my blackberry

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