Using a Smartphone without the Data Plan

Does that Tritan have a flash for the camera? I've seen websites that say it does have a flash and some say it doesn't have a flash.

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As a former employee w/ Alltel, I can say that darwinist is spot on. No you don't have to have the data plan as long as you are not buying the phone at contract pricing, or outside the normal alltel retail channel. As for the original data code that was 29.99, good luck, that probably won't last long, I am surprised that it is still able to be added in, but I bet you would be hard pressed to find a rep that would do it. Corp does audit the feature codes in V2, and if someone were to add it now, I would suspect that they may have to answer to someone for that, unbelievable that feature code isn't expired!
I myself have been using a ppc for several years now w/out the data plan, mostly because I moved to socal and could not access the evdo on their network, so the data plan was pointless to pay for when I could only access the 1x while outside my home network running on verizon's towers out there.
For the guy asking about using the 1x, you need to set your username as "yourphonenumber@alltel.net" and the password is "alltel". You will be using airtime when you do this just keep that in mind.
Oddly enough, since I have been back in my local areal (KS), I have noticed that when using the internet on the ppc, instead of using the 1x, it was using the evdo? Kinda strange but whatever, that being said, I have since ditched the ppc.

Just wanted to report that my experiment, using a Nokia 5800 without a data plan, continues to go well. I have Wi-Fi already most places where I go, and therefore don't need a data plan most of the time. I use T-mobile Pay As You Go for the phone part. Nokia Maps gives pretty good functionality for GPS without a subscription.

This is not for the road warrior but it works for me.

No it does not have a flash for the camera, and it does not take pictures in a dark room because of it. Its still a pretty cool phone in my oppinion as it does what I want it to. As for using the smartphone on the connect pack 3 plan, it continues to work well. Already got my first bill and everything is spot on.

Darwinist, thanks for the ALM2 code. I called customer service and had it added to my plan today. She did not act like it was any big deal, I just told her I had a promo code that I wanted to use. Although, this was after listening to her try to sell me a SmartChoice plan. When I mentioned the code she said okay and set me up, nothing else changed on my National Freedom plan. This saves me a load of money. Thanks again for the tip.

AML2? no prob. Surprised the code is still active. It's like two or three years past its prime, usually Alltel freezes them

Originally Posted by wildwillie6

Just wanted to report that my experiment, using a Nokia 5800 without a data plan, continues to go well. I have Wi-Fi already most places where I go, and therefore don't need a data plan most of the time. I use T-mobile Pay As You Go for the phone part. Nokia Maps gives pretty good functionality for GPS without a subscription.

This is not for the road warrior but it works for me.

Thanks for information Wildwillie. I'm also on the T-Mobile Pay as You go and was looking at purchasing the Nokia 5800 for the Wi-Fi functionally when I read your post. Have you tried Skype on the 5800 when in a Wi-Fi spot?

Originally Posted by Darwinist

As for your question sir, the connect pack 1 works with Mobile Web. Far as I'm aware, the smart phones do not use this program - but instead connect to the internet directly. So no, connect pack 1 would not work with this.

If its customer maintained (and not a BB), you do not need a smart phone plan. Seriously - this has gotta be like the tenth or eleventh time I've said that. I don't mind sharing the wisdom - but the least you can do is read some of the other two dozen posts on the first page that asks this same question.

Darwinist,
I stumbled across your postings thanks to Google. Thank you for your diect answers to these questions.

I have two minor clarification questions to ask of you:
I have an alltel contract that has been taken over by verizon in the merger. Since Verizon has to honor existing contracts I have the option of activating connect pack 1 or connect pack 5

If I purchase a non-BlackBerry smartphone on my own via ebay and activate through the website interface on verizon, how will internet and email access time show up on my bill?

Is there any advantage to activating the connect pack 1 with a smartphone?

Under the description that shows up on the verizon website it is described as:

Includes Mobile Web & Unlimited Data Minutes. You can get unlimited data minutes for TV, radio, Celltop, Web, browsing for ringtones, games and more.

Thanks for your help.

Nah, Connect Pack 1 is intended for regular phones. While it will allowed you data access on the handset to regular applications (games, mostly) it will not allow you access to the internet browser at all. For this, you need the Office Sync, Blackberry, or Mobile Link equivalent found in the Smart Pack plans.

I did not migrate to the Verizon call centers with the divestiture, so I'm not 100% on how they will be handling those. Another suggestion that has come up with Alltel divest accounts (those not going to Verizon) is the new version Connect Pack 3. This is something that Wal Marts are allowed to sell (not Alltel), it's a Wal Mart equivalent of Connect Pack 3, but is intended for smart phones. So you could pay $19.99 separately for the web/text combo and it would work on your smart phone device without having to pay for a Smart Choice rate plan.

I have no idea if there is an equivalent to this on Verizon side. I'd recommend checking with your local Wal Mart outlet and ask them if they do.

Secondly, I noticed a glitch in our billing system several months ago where Connect Pack 3 and higher stated "Office Sync" was part of the service. There is terminology in our Feature descriptions stating we are not permitted to activate this service for a smart phone handset. I'm assuming this was a precursor of the Wal Mart version listed above. I cannot guarantee how it would work with a smart phone device, but should it let you connect to the browser once the feature is added - you should be fine.

Worst case scenario, you get a ginormous bill the next month - at which point you just call the Call Center, ask for a rerate, and they will adjust it down. The catch is, you would be asked to migrate to a Smart Choice equivalent plan as part of the adjustment... however you would not be obligated to keep it. So, basically once the adjustment goes through, just call Alltel back and ask them to change your plan back.

Beware, however, I have absolutely no idea how Verizon handles this stuff anymore. This is merely Alltel policy. I would strongly recommend verifying this info with the representative when you call in. I would also strongly recommend doing this in two calls. First one, do not provide your phone number and call from any other handset than your own. Alltel tags your phone number when you call in, so if you ask any questions they are liable to notate their answers on the account. This isn't fraud, but it isn't exactly kosher with management that you're abusing a work around in the system. I would ask the representative if they offer rerates. Also ask if the rerate would require you migrate to a Verizon plan... or if you would be able to migrate back to your own rate plan. I wouldn't recommend telling the representative you are planning to use a Smart Phone. If asked, just tell them you are interested in roaming, but not sure if you need the coverage.

The purpose to this is simple. I'm pretty sure that with the migration, you may not be able to trade back to your old rate plan in the event a rerate is issued. If you had a better promotion before, you may not want to chance losing it. Secondly, I'm not sure how open Verizon is about adjustments. Alltel's policy was that we wanted to keep customers happy with us any way we could. Especially in light of the pending merger. Verizon, the big dog, may not be so forthcoming with credits and adjustments.

So... its sort of buyer beware. You have the safe and easy route, or the potentially cheaper route that may bite you in the ass later on. Hope that helps!

Thank you for the reply. I sent you a PM with another two questions that are specific to my situation.

Thanks