Expert: DebiN - 3/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: hi, I am trying to work the on  wifi in my storm 2 brought from U.S verizon (live in U.A.E). I have turned on my wifi on the phone, set up the wi fi network which it detects.The phone show it connected to the network however even though it is connected to wi fi I see a white dash next to the wifi network name where a green tick must be. also the wifi symbol is grey. i dont have a bb data plan,my connection is from etisalat. I was told I do not need BB data plan for wifi from the network provider (ETISALAT).

however the BB mannuel that says Select Options >> Browser Configuration.Here select the browser as "Wi-Fi Browser". the wifi browser option is not there only web and hotspot browser.

In addtion I know it is not my internet service because there are another 1 blackberry in the office which works in the etisalat network without a BB data Plan.

i am really stuck on  how to resolve this. i would be very appreciative if you could help me. thanks

ANSWER: Because this device is locked to Verizon, the firmware that is on this device is for Verizon and they have prohibited that feature (to activate WiFi Browser), you will not be able to access this feature without first getting the device SIM unlocked and also downloading the firmware for your carrier from them or RIM's web site. Remember too that this device was designed to work on the CDMA network in the US and the WiFi is also likely tied to that. So, I would recommend paying someone to SIM unlock the device, then download the firmware for your carrier and then you should be able to activate the WiFi. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As mentioned above we had unlocked the phone and the phone is working with Etisalat for voice calls and SMS ,but only the WIFI and MAPS are not working. ETISALAT UAE doesnt have this model,so I couldn't be able to find any firmware for the same ,do you have any other suggestion,but still people are using STORM2 in middleeast Part and its working.could you help me?

Answer
I do believe that the problem relates to the firmware. I understand that it is SIM unlocked, and that makes sense, but it still has Verizon firmware on it and Verizon's firmware has disabled this feature. You may want to see if there is any firmware on RIM's site that you could download that would allow you to have access to that feature. If there is another carrier (outside of a US carrier) who sells this model, you could download that firmware. That's likely what others have done. If they have a Verizon branded Storm, they would likely have the same issue that you have. If you can't get to that feature, there is no other way to do this other than firmware that would allow for it and Verizon's doesn't, I'm sorry to say. I hope this helps and my apologies for the delay in responding. Thanks. DebiN