Through these annual service plans, federal departments can now pay a once-a-year, per user fee that gives individuals unlimited wireless data service on select devices. In addition, those selecting BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds can also sign-up for unlimited voice calling plans along with unlimited wireless data service. There are new annual government plans available for the following devices:

All five models of the popular BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds offered by AT&T Wireless - the 7780, 7280, 7230, 6280 and 6710;

The EDGE-enabled Sony-Ericsson GC-82 (read our review) and GC-83 wireless modem cards, or the GPRS-enabled Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 wireless modem card;

Numerous PDAs and smart phones including the palmOne Treo 600, palmOne Tungsten W, Audiovox PPC4100 Pocket PC, and Motorola MPx200 Windows Mobile Smartphone.

"Our new annual unlimited service plans are designed to give federal government customers complete control over their wireless spending," said Stacey Black, the company's vice president of government data solutions. "They can now more easily predict what their total expenditures will be for a given year without the usual uncertainly of overage charges -- giving them greater flexibility to earmark funds for other budgetary needs."

The new annual rate plans vary based on device and service. For example, unlimited domestic BlackBerry data service for federal government accounts start on US$599 per year per user.