How to Configure the APN Settings on BlackBerry

BlackBerry does allow you to configure APN (Access Point Name) Settings, so that you can establish the direct connection to the Internet via your data plan. Before I explain further, what is APN setting and why you need it, let me tell you, this is neither a mandatory setting you need to have it configured nor any native BlackBerry apps require you to configure this APN setting to function.

What is APN Setting and Why you need it

Some third-party applications might require a direct TCP or HTTP connection to the Internet. For example, a stock price application might require a connection to the Internet to retrieve the latest stock prices. The TCP settings might be required for the third-party application to access the Internet. To meet these requirement of 3rd party apps, you can configure the Access Point Name, user name and password to allow BlackBerry to connect directly to the Internet via your wireless service provider gateway. You do not need this APN setting for connecting your BlackBerry to a Wi-Fi router. This APN setting is only for your 3G/EDGE connection through your data plan.
I have seen in some cases, where users were not able to watch YouTube videos over 3G connection, configuring APN settings have helped them see the noticeable difference. Well. there is no proper justification for this resolution, but if you see any problems of loosing Internet connection for 3rd party apps frequently or some apps stop working which were OK before, try setting up APN and see if that helps.
Before you start configuring APN settings, you will need following information from your wireless carrier: APN, username and password.
It may happen that the username and password you your particular wireless service provider is not set and in that case, just leave it blank.
For e.g. T-Mobile: APN= wap.voicestream.com, Username: [blank] , Password: [blank]
Rogers: APN=internet.com, Username=wapuser1, Password=wap
Check out this list of BlackBerry TCP IP APN settings for BlackBerry, it may have APN settings for your service provider or contact your wireless service provider to obtain this information.