Hi there skeeks,
Do you have a data option on your account? The reason I ask is, without a data option internet is restricted by default, and internet is required in order to use MMS.
to like a post or a fellow member of the community.And don't forget to click Accept as Solution in the options drop-down menu once you've received the answer you were looking for; it'll help our community grow stronger.
Cliquez sur l'image du pouce en l'air
pour signifier votre appréciation d'un message ou d'un autre membre de la communauté.Et n'oubliez pas de cliquer Accepté comme une solution dans les options du menu déroulant, lorsque vous aurez obtenu la réponse que vous recherchiez ; cela renforcera notre communauté.
Network criteria : MMS ( picture + txt ) packet size can be no more than 300 KB and 3MB for video
Handset Criteria : certain handsets only support certain picture file formats ( jpeg, bmp, jiff, ect..... ). that means if your friend sends a picture in a file format that your handset can not suport, then you will get a blank screen in most cases.
And yes, from a tech view, the agent was correct, however, I would disagree on his tone in how the explanation was given to you...very unacceptable...
The MMS architechure for all canadian wireless companies is really fragmented...there is no standardization in order to make the feature user friendly....with the evolution of smartphones and access to social media....MMS will be a technology that will eventually fade away like KODAK.
my 2 cents 
Thanks for all your input! The pictures themselves were less than 200 kb each so I knew it didn't have anything to do with the size. I happened to be walking by an authorized Fido retailer today so I stopped in to ask if they could help. He asked me the same questions - did I have a data plan, did I try downloading while using WiFi, etc. After a few minutes of fiddling, he was able to retrieve the pictures. How? He turned of the WiFi and they downloaded instantly.
I will never understand technology but at least I can now download pictures!! 
I wish to confirm that data can be needed in order for you to receive picture messages depending on the handset you have. However, on the LG Gossip Pro, you would not need it.
If you are unable to receive a picture message or send one, I would suggest that you take a look at the following:
- Are there any internet or picture messaging blocks within your account? If so, they will need to be removed. Even though you do not require a data option to use the picture messaging service, you still need to have access to it.
- Have you tried clearing your phone's inbox, outbox and drafts box? If the phone memory or if the boxes are full, you would not be able to receive the message.
- If you send a picture message to yourself, do you receive it? Does it get sent out?
- If you put your SIM card in another device, does the issue persist?
- Have you tried resetting your phone's settings? It is possible that a setting within your device is creating conflict with the picture messaging.
- Have you tried a battery pull? Battery pulls (taking the battery out of the phone and putting it back in place) resolve most issues.
If all of this does not resolve the matter, I would suggest that you call in to customer service and speak with a technical support agent.You can reach them at 1-888-481-3436 from a phone other than your Fido.
Let us know how it goes!
to like a post or a fellow member of the community.And don't forget to click Accept as Solution in the options drop-down menu once you've received the answer you were looking for; it'll help our community grow stronger!
Cliquez sur l'image du pouce en l'air
pour signifier votre appréciation d'un message ou d'un autre membre de la communauté.Et n'oubliez pas de cliquer Accepté comme une solution dans les options du menu déroulant, lorsque vous aurez obtenu la réponse que vous recherchiez ; cela renforcera notre communauté!
