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  1. #16
    fdcom3
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by wise3g View Post
    AT&T does not require a data plan for any phone except the iPhone。
    WRONG!!!!!!! AT&T requires data plans for ANY smartphone. Just check out their phone selection. It states data plan required with those phones.


    See More: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan




  2. #17
    hardlyemma
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by missdinee00 View Post
    Well, you do need data plans when you get smartphones.

    Smartphones are data intensive devices, and for you to be able to use them for a fixed monthly price each month, you need to get the data plans. Smartphones and especially iPhones regularly update their app information and it is for that reason that you need to get the data plans. Just imagine how your monthly bill would look if you have a smartphone with just a pay-per-use data plan when you are charged $2.00 per mb bucket per session. It will be like paying for every email or twitter update you receive. If you don't want to get a data plan, however, then don't get a smartphone. You're better off paying for a go-phone.

    ---------- Post added at 01:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:07 AM ----------



    His answer is correct. This is a common misunderstanding. At&t has what we call the 'DUCS' system that automatically detects if sim cards are inserted into smartphones. What the system does not detect is if you have a data plan and you insert your sim into a non-smart phone. So, if you get or use any smartphone, whether or not you receive a notification via sms, it automatically adds the 2gb data plan into your account-regardless if the phone is brand new, refurbished, At&t branded or from ebay. [COLOR="Silver"]
    Well that just seems completely excessive. There are people out there who have, over the last few years, gotten used to a particular phone. A phone that perhaps has a non internet feature that most "non smart phones" don't have, or a keyboard that actually fits in comfortably their hands, that allows for minor note taking or massive text messages. Maybe these people don't USE data because they live on campus and rarely leave, thus have WiFi literally 24 hours a day. Maybe these people even deleted the internet-using apps from their phone, and blocked data usage completely (before it was required). lol That was rather specific. Anyway, AT&T's new rules prevent people from buying the *exact* same phone and replacing a broken one...that's just bull****. Sure, control the phones you DO sell because let's face it, part of the *cheaper price* is the higher price of service we're paying for. However, if I've opted to pay for a phone out of pocket, there's ought to be total freedom as far as what I wish to do with the phone. If I only want to text message on it, then AT&T ought to only charge me for text messaging; if I only want to make phone calls on it, AT&T ought to only charge me for voice calling. Hell, the iPad has a month to month data plan and doesn't require a voice line activation. Oh, what? They can be flexible there but not here? Total crap!

    Also, just thought I'd throw this out there. Neither YOU nor AT&T get to decide what I'm "better off" doing. That's for ME to decide. If I wanted to buy a bloody car and leave in the garage because I don't drive it and don't want to pay for gas...I don't see anyone stopping me. Neither Audi nor Porsche nor Toyota are telling their customers they cannot buy a certain type of car if they don't intend to drive it a certain way. Or, perhaps, what would you say if you bought a Porsche and the company told you that they're providing to you, as a courtesy, a mandatory fuelling service at $50,000 a month which you can upgrade to unlimited at $100,000 a month but that you could not stop entirely unless you change to a Yugo. If they did that, people would laugh till their faces turned purple and tell them to sod off. Which, incidentally, is exactly what we ought to tell these mobile phone companies. Maybe I'm over reacting but this is getting out of hand. The worst part of it all, is that they have the nerve to call it a "courtesy". Bastards.



  3. #18
    efparri
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by SpaceNut View Post
    When is the last time you were in an AT&T store??? I was in there today paying my bill, and (for the first time), I wandered around and looked at every phone they offer. Virtually EVERY phone they have now REQUIRES a $20 data plan (iPhone $30). Go look at the price tags on the phones. Almost every single one says "This phone requires a $20 data plan".

    I also just don't get it. I see alot of people out there saying they want a smart phone, but don't want a data plan. What gives? That's like saying, I want a car, but I don't want to have to pay for gas. What's the point of having a smartphone without a data plan? IMHO, it's ridiculous to want a smartphone just to cripple it by not having a data plan. I know you're going to come back with the argument that one can use WIFI, but WIFI isn't everywhere, and when you need internet access, you need the 3G network to fall back on.
    That was true at the time I wrote it. AT&T changed the rules in the summer of 2009.

    ---------- Post added at 10:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by fdcom3 View Post
    WRONG!!!!!!! AT&T requires data plans for ANY smartphone. Just check out their phone selection. It states data plan required with those phones.
    That was true at the time I wrote it. AT&T changed its rules later in the summer of 2009. Your reply is one year late.
    Earl F. Parrish



  4. #19
    Nervosa
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    I'm looking at getting a smart phone soon, and have no need for a data plan.

    Being that 95% of at&t phones have "Requires a minimum data service starting at $15/month. 2 year contract & new activation required." is it possible to cancel the data after one month and have it stay off?

    A few posts up someone said at&t has something that checks your phone and adjusts your account based on the type of phone you have.
    - I don't see how this is even legal
    - Is there a way to fix the phone so at&t cant scan for it



  5. #20
    efparri
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Requiring the data plan is part of the terms and conditions of using a smartphone on AT&T. It applies to all customers. All customers agree to those conditions by starting service with AT&T.
    Earl F. Parrish



  6. #21
    cartor
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    i was using a pantech pro duo and i got a text from att saying they automatically added a data plan for me, the i told my dad to call them to cancel it. but they wouldnt until i stopped using the smartphone



  7. #22
    CMartel2
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by SpaceNut View Post
    I also just don't get it. I see alot of people out there saying they want a smart phone, but don't want a data plan. What gives? That's like saying, I want a car, but I don't want to have to pay for gas. What's the point of having a smartphone without a data plan? IMHO, it's ridiculous to want a smartphone just to cripple it by not having a data plan..
    Your opinion is limited. As a physician, I use epocrates several times per day. I know how much my prescriptions cost, what increments various medications come in (12.5mg v. 25mg), the half-life of a medication, the clearance, what liver enzymes metabloize what class it is for pregnancy...things you can't just memorize for every medication.

    I have no data plan. I use an anciet MotoQ smartphone and refuse to pay for a data plan. I'm surrounded by computers. Why do I need more?

    It really is a shame the cellphone companies got greedy and went this route. I'd happily pay a one-time fee to use the phone without the data plan. Bottom line: the punks are not getting money from me for a gadget I don't need.



  8. #23
    basicabcmaster
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by efparri View Post
    Requiring the data plan is part of the terms and conditions of using a smartphone on AT&T. It applies to all customers. All customers agree to those conditions by starting service with AT&T.

    Actually efparri you are incorrect, most users who didn't sign a contract within the last year since the new rule was established are not legally required to have a data plan. For instance, I have a phone I bought a couple of years ago that is a smart phone- I don't have any use for a data package and want to save on the cost, never signed a contract that stated I had to have a data package for my phone, and am therefore not legally obligated to pay for one.
    AT&T is well aware of this loophole and will give you every bogus excuse possible to dissuade you from this point. However, if you make it clear you're aware of your legal rights and continue to move up the tier of terrible employs by calling back over and over or asking to speak to a manager, you can eventually get them to allow you to not have a data plan.
    I'd like to encourage anyone who has not purchased a new phone or signed any new contracts through AT&T since September 6, 2009 to fight this injustice. If you don't already have a data plan and want to use a smartphone I recommend using a fake APN app to block AT&T from being able to detect your smartphone. Simply access the internet via wifi from the Iphone and go to Unlockit - APN Changer for your iPhone and download the app.
    Good Luck



  9. #24
    efparri
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Keep on thinking that. The phone is not detected through its use of data. The IMEI is broadcasted to the network every time you make a call. Contrary to what you have heard, AT&T does not have to have the complete IMEI on file to determine that you have a smartphone. All they need are the first eight digits to determine the Type Allocation Code. The rest of the IMEI is the unique serial number and check digit.

    It is amazing that you can speak Ex Cathedra after less than one day in the forum and with your first message. Learn the lay of the land before contradicting someone.
    Last edited by efparri; 01-27-2011 at 09:23 PM.
    Earl F. Parrish



  10. #25
    Rough_Blast
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    I've read through everyone's posting on this topic & tried to look through ATT website for exactly what the differences are between a 'smartphone' & an 'non-smartphone' & have not seen yet what defines such. I may be wrong (and I'm sure someone will be kind enough to point out how badly I am actually wrong), but from looking over specs between the two versions as determined by ATT, a 'smartphone' usually has Wi-Fi enabled. I know if a phone runs 'apps,' it would be considered a 'smartphone' as such due to 'updating,' (according to a previous poster), but is a phone such as a Samsung Solstice II considered a 'smartphone' if it runs 'apps?' (I don't own a Solstice, so I'm not sure about the running of 'apps' on that particular phone). ATT defines that particular phone as a 'non-smartphone.'
    But I think everyone may want to look at a bigger picture. ATT is now requiring a 200MB
    data plan for 'smartphones,' but will let you subscribe to an unlimited data plan for a 'non-smartphone'. The question I am wanting to have answered is, why is that different? Is ATT making everyone 'subsidize' their WiFi hotspots for having a 'smartphone?' Is that pricing structure 'discriminatory' against a 'smartphone' user?
    All of their pricing for 'smartphone' data is limited in chunks, but for 'non-smartphones' it's
    buffet style. You can go through 50 gigs of data in a month (if truly as advertised), still won't set you back more than $30. On a 'smartphone' they will burn you a new A$$-hole for that.
    OK, let's see if anyone has an answer to that, I'm sure the combined intelligence here can come up with some reasonable explanations as long as the facts are all in order & can be verified. Then again, I could be looking at the situation totally backward & I ask your forgiveness in advance.



  11. #26
    JM_PHONE
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    So, I have been reading through this thread since I just purchased a used At&t blackberry pearl 8100 on ebay and hoped I could just plug in the sim card and use it on At&T.

    A quick background: Current cell service is At&t for many years now, have not upgraded and I am out of any binding contract, current phone is smartphone palm treo 650 (yes it is an old . big, and heavy brick but works well for what I use it for). I have basic At&t service with the additional 1000kb texting plan, but no "data plan".

    What is puzzling me with this whole discussion is: On the Treo 650 "smart phone" I can if I want to: access the web & send/recieve e-mails although I do get charged when I do which is very rarely, but I can do it without the data plan and no special tricks, just click on the web icon on the phone and type in the web address.

    My main needed reason to have a "smartphone" is to sync my MS outlook calander with my phone so I can get reminders, enter new appointments, then sync them together along with any new or changed contact info of course. I don't use the phone to browse the internet or other things I can do with my computer turned on since I am always close to a computer on-line.

    Back to the blackberry 8100 I just bought. It appears to work fine (phone software etc, which I also just updated), but another long story short, it is for some reason not repeatably connecting and working even as a basic simple phone: (unpredictable, as I drive around I can make calls on certain networks, and at certain locations cannot do anything; send text, calls fail, etc.)

    So I am a bit puzzled. Is it a blackberry thing that At&t can detect and not allow to connect? At&t does detect and show the "treo 650" smartphone (I can see on my on-line account along with the blackberry when I switch to it), yet it works and functions as a pay per use data device. Why can't I do the same with a blackberry, use what I want and pay when I need to for accessing the web in that rare occasion?

    Obviously At&t knows I am using a Palm Treo 650 "smartphone", yet has not ever automaticaly added a data plan, but yet the device works fine even for "data" (e-mail & web when I so choose...at an added cost per use).

    Anyone who may have any insight as to why I can't simply switch to a blackberry or other smartphone and have the same functionality that would be great!

    Also, if anyone knows a line or model of phone (preferrably on at&t) out ther that I could simply sync with my outlook (without being called a "smartphone") that would also be great since that is at a basic level what I need. An At&t rep at the store said today that syncing with outlook could certainly only be done using a "smartphone".

    Thanks in advance,



  12. #27
    iceman0
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Hey JM. I was useing a HTC G1 from T-Mobile with sim unlock for about a year with basic data plan and never got the txt. I tried a iphone and got the txt. Just bought the Dell streak and recieved the txt from att. So the G1 is the way to go.
    I have a backup one if anyone is interested. The Dell is a sweet phone but im not paying all that money for the smart phone package. I thought streak being unlocked would be hidden but guess not.
    Ice



  13. #28
    deadsupra
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    I understand why some people want a smartphone with no data plan. But I believe you are taking the definition of a smart phone the wrong way.

    To me a smart phone is a phone that offers more computing ability and connectivity than a regular phone. Speaking hardware: a phone that has a faster processor, built-in graphics, and more RAM. Maybe even slimmer, brighter, lighter, etc.

    So a new phone user might just want less lagg because he or she is a quicker texter or whatever.



  14. #29
    Sanctus
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Quote Originally Posted by SpaceNut View Post
    When is the last time you were in an AT&T store??? I was in there today paying my bill, and (for the first time), I wandered around and looked at every phone they offer. Virtually EVERY phone they have now REQUIRES a $20 data plan (iPhone $30). Go look at the price tags on the phones. Almost every single one says "This phone requires a $20 data plan".

    I also just don't get it. I see alot of people out there saying they want a smart phone, but don't want a data plan. What gives? That's like saying, I want a car, but I don't want to have to pay for gas. What's the point of having a smartphone without a data plan? IMHO, it's ridiculous to want a smartphone just to cripple it by not having a data plan. I know you're going to come back with the argument that one can use WIFI, but WIFI isn't everywhere, and when you need internet access, you need the 3G network to fall back on.
    Actually, your analogy is inaccurate. While an internal combustion engine requires fuel to run, a smart phone does not require any type of cellular connectivity to operate. Every function on a smart phone (except voice possibly although even that will work on many phones) will work perfectly on wifi. As another poster noted, wifi is practically everywhere. Furthermore, all of the cellular data options suck compared to a good wifi connection with sufficient bandwidth. In addition to the cellular wireless options being bad from a technical standpoint, they are overpriced to such a degree as to make them only viable if you absolutely cannot live without constant connectivity. Frankly, I do not want to be connected everywhere and I pity those who do. If my friends are outside enjoying themselves and they NEED to be on the internet, I usually suggest counseling. The bottom line is that the current retail wireless data options are technically inept and grossly overpriced. It is a personal choice as to whether or not you choose such a plan, and the phone companies pay attention. If you pay it, they will continue to charge more. I look at this way. I am already paying my phone company over 100 dollars per month and I have been since cellular phones became widely available. I have never paid my bill late and I have always paid in full every month. If I were to get a data plan, I would use it and I would need to have at least a 2 GB limit to avoid the ethically questionable overcharges. That would cost me about 30 dollars per month. Can I afford it? Yes. Will I order it? Never with those terms. No thank you! Get it?

    Daniel
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  15. #30
    mowerpower
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    Re: How to....??? Smartphone without data plan

    Nicely said Daniel, completely agree with you.



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