- 12-23-2009, 10:46 PM #16
Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
New changes at AT&T
Oddly not long after posting here in reference to the data plans etc I received a text message from AT&T notifying that they were no longer allowing the negotiated $10 data plans.
Coincidence I hope, but still a lot of BS that they once again just go back on their word or "deal" on the data just the same as they have in the past with text plans.
It appears that the only way they would honor their own agreement is if the $10 data plan is joined with a unlimited text plan ($30 v/s $10 being paid currently on family plan w/2 lines) which is total BS as well.
I am really advising more than complaining due to the large credit that came as part of this, but the continued war that AT&T has declared on it's customers who use data has hit new highs, and my hopes that the amounts charged for this service would start heading downward in the near future due to competition etc are not so high anymore.
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- 03-22-2010, 02:04 PM #17Newbie
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
I was told yesterday by ATT that the reason for the mandatory data plan/charges were because smartphone manufacturers design phones to require internet connection to function properly.
Currently I'm grandfathered in after canceling my data plan shortly after buying a Blackberry Curve a little over a year ago. If I upgrade or need to replace the phone for any reason I'll be charged the mandatory data charge.
How is my phone working now without data plan, ATT?
More lies, apparently.
All I want is to talk on a phone that has a decent screen and easily accessible keys. (that leaves out Blackberrys. Their support sucks anyway and one of the two Curves I bought died after only a year anyway. No more RIM products! )
I'm canceling my service with ATT when contract expires in July. Considering Sprint's new unlimited $69 plan although I believe it only includes 450 minutes to land lines?
---------- Post added at 08:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------
Is there another way to get a decent size screen and buttons when someone only needs/wants to talk and not use internet/text services?
Seems the smartest thing about smartphones are the revenues being generated for manufacturers and carriers!Last edited by extorted2; 03-22-2010 at 02:05 PM. Reason: correction
- 03-22-2010, 06:05 PM #18Junior Member
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
You can get service via FuzionMobile.com and get a smartphone and NOT have to pay for data. This service provide enables you to have autopay and not be cornered into a data plan....And they function on the nation's largest 3G network...
FuzionMobile.com is a good alternative for you.
- 04-14-2010, 02:58 PM #19
Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
I think it is a rip off by forcing everyone to get the data plan when you are getting a smart phone.
For me, I just purchase an unlocked phone and call in and tell them to do a data block. So that will will never be charged for data.
I just use wifi for intenet, SIP phone and email.
There are so many features on the smart phone that makes it worth a while without having the stupid data plan.
- 05-06-2010, 08:51 AM #20
- 05-06-2010, 10:06 PM #21Super Moderator
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
It depends.
Some carriers have multiple different types of data blocks.
For example, Verizon Wireless has a "data block" which simply blocks your internet. It doesn't block your app stores, picture messaging, etc. They also have a National Access Block which blocks ANYTHING that initiates data arrows. This would block picture messaging, app stores, etc.
Since AT&T Voice and Data services are closely related (as far as technology used) then I doubt they have an alternative to blocking all data. I have a feeling either you block everything or you block nothing.
- 05-07-2010, 01:50 PM #22
Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
Oh ATT, the bain of my existence. Thank you for the mandatory wallet destroying and terrible service.
- 05-25-2010, 11:15 PM #23Junior Member
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
I bought a used iphone 3G for my mom on craigslist (no 2-year contract), and without any intention of paying for a $30/month data-plan she will have no use for.
for those who question my intention of getting a smart phone without a data plan, you will be ignored. an iphone w/o data-plan does not equal an ipod touch, and it is much more convenient to carry one device vs two.
what I did:
-called AT&T beforehand and requested they block all data on her line
-jailbroke the iphone and tweaked the options to block all EDGE/3G data access (wifi only)
currently:
-shows up in our AT&T online account management that she is using an iphone 3G on her line, but not attached to any data-plan.
-I will update and post back here should any change to this, or should any problems arise.
- 07-27-2010, 03:07 PM #24Junior Member
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
just wanted to update: two months later, still going strong... iphone 3G on AT&T, no data plan
next update in 6 months, or until any problems arise.
- 08-05-2010, 05:09 PM #25Junior Member
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- 09-30-2010, 06:43 AM #26Junior Member
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
Yeah, I had to buy a data plan with my recent att upgrade. I wasn't too happy about it, though $15 a month isn't that bad considering I got a new palm pixi for free, and I'm not always in range of wifi.
- 09-30-2010, 01:46 PM #27
Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
If you break your phone and purchase your phone online without a contract - AT&T does not require you to have a data plan. This goes for Blackberry phones, Iphones and other smartphones.
---------------------------
We pay top dollar for your used cell phones - Blue Dot
- 09-30-2010, 04:35 PM #28
- 10-06-2010, 12:43 PM #29
Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
Sorry if I came off that way. The information is correct. I am not trying to sell anyone anything. Honestly. I am trying to make an honest attempt to become a part of this community.
If you call AT&T customer service and ask them yourself whether or not they require the plan - they will personally tell you. We constantly speak with AT&T customer service to make sure we tell our customers correct information.
Our employees use several smartphones for AT&T without data plans. I am not making this up.
- 11-21-2010, 06:54 PM #30Junior Member
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Re: Mandatory Data Plans on AT&T smartphones
6 month update. quick recall--bought a second-hand iphone 3G to replace my mom's phone. we just put her sim into it and used her existing AT&T line (we did not sign any new contracts). still no data charges
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