How to Dial 'Alpha' Numbers on Your BlackBerry

Houston, we have a problem. Because a BlackBerry lacks a traditional alphanumeric dial pad, it’s impossible (or at least very difficult) to dial numbers like 800-GO-FEDEX or navigate an automated phone directory (e.g., “enter the first three letters of the person’s last name”).

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: Hold down the Alt button while tapping the appropriate letters. The BlackBerry will automatically convert them to the proper numeric tones. If your model has a keyboard where the letters are doubled up, just press twice (while holding down Alt) to get the “second” letter for any given key.