WiFi without data plan

Going in to upgrade to an HTC Fuze today, they said that in order to use the WiFi on the Fuze, I had to buy the $30 unlimited data plan, on a plan thats already $70 a month. This seems super lame to me. Is this true? Anybody have the fuze and use WiFi without having a data plan?

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Originally Posted by penguinrusty

Going in to upgrade to an HTC Fuze today, they said that in order to use the WiFi on the Fuze, I had to buy the $30 unlimited data plan, on a plan thats already $70 a month. This seems super lame to me. Is this true? Anybody have the fuze and use WiFi without having a data plan?

They say this because they make a commission off of it (adding the data plan), but other than the iPhone you are not required to add a data plan. Some phones need it for certain features to work (like Blackberry devices), but that's only if you wish to use certain features. Otherwise, unless you are buying the iPhone, you are not required to add a data plan. It is also quite possible that AT&T is changing their policy and becoming more like VZW and making data plans a requirement for all smartphones and Blackberry devices.

Originally Posted by Aurakles

They say this because they make a commission off of it (adding the data plan), but other than the iPhone you are not required to add a data plan. Some phones need it for certain features to (like Blackberry devices), but that's only if you wish to use certain features. Otherwise, unless you are buying the iPhone, you are not required to add a data plan. It is also quite possible that AT&T is changing their policy and becoming more like VZW and making data plans a requirement for all smartphones and Blackberry devices.

All right, great. So I was probably just going to buy the Fuze off eBay, unlocked, and pop my sim card in. What features would I NOT be able to use if I didn't have the data package? I would like to be able to use the internet off of WiFi, and not be worried about accidentally using 3G. Also, I kow it has a built in GPS (as opposed to just using triangulation), do I need a data plan to use this, or is there a WinMo program that I can download that can take advantage of it? I know on my BJ2, which has a built-in GPS, I can use Google Maps Mobile, and the only data charges occur when it has to download the actual map pictures.

Originally Posted by penguinrusty

All right, great. So I was probably just going to buy the Fuze off eBay, unlocked, and pop my sim card in. What features would I NOT be able to use if I didn't have the data package?

You won't lose any features. When I made the statement about losing features when you don't have the data plan I was talking more about Blackberry devices.

Originally Posted by penguinrusty

I know it has a built in GPS (as opposed to just using triangulation), do I need a data plan to use this.?

No, you do not.

Hey,
If you get the right smartphone through Verizon you don't have to purchase a data plan. I have a Samsung SCH-i760 and I don't have a data plan and only use it for wifi. I've disabled data on the phone so my phone won't accidently connect and use data. It's a lot cheaper and since I have wifi at work everywhere and at home I can get online with it most of the time.

Originally Posted by jmc15john

Hey,
If you get the right smartphone through Verizon you don't have to purchase a data plan. I have a Samsung SCH-i760 and I don't have a data plan and only use it for wifi. I've disabled data on the phone so my phone won't accidently connect and use data. It's a lot cheaper and since I have wifi at work everywhere and at home I can get online with it most of the time.

You have a phone that was releases two years ago. VZW has since changed their policy. If you purchase any (current) smartphone through VZW you must add a data plan. You might be able to activate older smartphone sans the data plan, but not the newer ones.

Originally Posted by penguinrusty

All right, great. So I was probably just going to buy the Fuze off eBay, unlocked, and pop my sim card in. What features would I NOT be able to use if I didn't have the data package? I would like to be able to use the internet off of WiFi, and not be worried about accidentally using 3G. Also, I kow it has a built in GPS (as opposed to just using triangulation), do I need a data plan to use this, or is there a WinMo program that I can download that can take advantage of it? I know on my BJ2, which has a built-in GPS, I can use Google Maps Mobile, and the only data charges occur when it has to download the actual map pictures.

In those places where you wish to use GPS, Wi-Fi will not be available. Who needs to use a GPS device in the public library? You use GPS out on the highway. There would be no way to update location maps without a source for current data.