Smartphone without data plan... what's the real scoop?

[pmt1209]

Ok I know this topic has been beat to death BUT I really want a smartphone such as the new Aero when it comes out or a HTC Smartphone without the $30 data fee(I am paying tons now for the 5 phones in our house one of which is a iPhone with the mandatory data fee).  My question is how many out there are using a smartphone without paying the data fees? I was with a friend of mine last night and he has been using a Blackberry for over 6 months now(started using it when his son bought a new phone and gave him the Blackberry) and he has never has been charged or even found to be using a smartphone by ATT, he doesn't use the internet access at all but does use text messaging. 

I am not trying to pull a fast one on AT&T at all, I would just like to have a large screened smartphone without internet access, I truly don't see why AT&T will not allow this.. 

[hme83 ACE - Professor]

I guess it depends on what your definition of a smartphone is.   I use a non-branded Nokia which runs S60 - without the smartphone data plan.

If you are interested in a model that is designated by at&t as a smartphone, you could consider moving your line to prepaid service where there are no data plan requirements.  Since it sounds like you are on a post paid family plan, I realize that may not be economically feasible; but depending on your usage and the coverage with at&t's PayGo service in your area, they do offer an unlimited voice & messaging feature for $60/month.  At $30/month for a completely unnecessary data plan with post paid service, it's worthy of consideration (imo).

[emfpir]

i completely agree that the extra 30 a month on the smartphones is overpriced and should not be forced on people. I can't stand the fact that they can require how you use they service, but that is the issue. the network belongs to att so they can charge as they want for the service. it is a great business plan to have your best phones require 30plans. hate them for it, but maybe it is time to realize I really don't need the phone without data all you can do is call and text. At this point any phone will fit those needs. now is the time to decide maybe we don't need the newest phone with the most functions and data. pretty much extra stuff that really can't help. I know a lot of people use phones for business, but if you buy a iphone for business (the phone with the worst network connect) maybe there is a simple phone that may not have all the crazy extras and works the same. Question is how did you deal with life before your latest phone. Why do we need to increase are cost every two years when we aren't really increasing our need for these devices. problem one company problem two our view, maybe the company helped us think like this or maybe they are realizing our need its time to reduce and try to make that old phone last longer than 2years.

[click_clack]

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emfpir wrote:

i completely agree that the extra 30 a month on the smartphones is overpriced and should not be forced on people. I can't stand the fact that they can require how you use they service, but that is the issue. the network belongs to att so they can charge as they want for the service. it is a great business plan to have your best phones require 30plans. hate them for it, but maybe it is time to realize I really don't need the phone without data all you can do is call and text. At this point any phone will fit those needs. now is the time to decide maybe we don't need the newest phone with the most functions and data. pretty much extra stuff that really can't help. I know a lot of people use phones for business, but if you buy a iphone for business (the phone with the worst network connect) maybe there is a simple phone that may not have all the crazy extras and works the same. Question is how did you deal with life before your latest phone. Why do we need to increase are cost every two years when we aren't really increasing our need for these devices. problem one company problem two our view, maybe the company helped us think like this or maybe they are realizing our need its time to reduce and try to make that old phone last longer than 2years.

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Emf - I agree in part, but disagree in part.  The way I look at it, and not just for smart phones but for anything,  a company says I have X and it cand do x, x, and,x.  If you want this product it cost you 50.00.  Do you want it or not because that is the price I am willing to sell it to you for.  An example is General Motors.  They say the are offering you a Blazer for 30,000.  But they will also offer you an Excalade for 50,000.  Which do you want? 

You want the Escalade but you want to pay the Blazer price.  Not gonna happen....I can't afford that Escalade, but I am not mad at GM.  I bought a Nissan Exterra instead.  Wow, I made due based on what i could afford.

Where I do agree with you is that these phones, for personal use, are toys.  Do you want the toy that costs x, or do you want the super duper toy that costs xxx, but only want to pay x.  Do you  (me) need it?  No, it's a toy but I want the bigger better one but don want to pay for it.

Do I really NEED my iPhone? NO.  Do I like having this toy?  YES  What are my consequences?  For my toy I pay for voice, text and data.  Why?  Because that is the cost of me wanting to have that iPhone hooked to my belt all day.  None of us really NEED these things, but it sure is nice to have it.  Sure makes my life easier. 

What is the average cost of lunch?  $7?  Bring your lunch to work once per week and the dat plan is paid for.  It just is not that costly IMHO.  Now if one thinks it is, then ya ought stop wanting what others have and live within your means.

My wife uses a Nokia feature phone.  Does she want a QMD or smartphone?  No, she does not want nor need it.  If she did, would I pay the extra?  Yes, cuz if momma ain't happy, nobody's happy.  But she says, nah, you go play with your iPhone, my laptop and feature phone is just fine. 

FWIW AND IMHO 

[DREWSKY56]

I really believe that Most people who have smartphones use Data a lot. There is quite of few of people who need to use one for work, which means checking email a lot. It would be nice if ATT offered large screen phones without required data, but oh well

[rpark91]

I have a Moto Q9h that I bought off ebay since last november and I'm not charged with data plan. I'm thinking that if you update or get a new sim card, they will recognize the device and charge you because my sim card is old and I've been switching between smartphones and nothing...thats my two cents

[BrianfromNO]

Over 6 months is the key.  How long over 6 months has your friend had that BB?  I believe the new requirement took effect in September of last year, so if he had the BB on his plan prior to then he's grandfathered in to the old requirement.

Bottom line is this - you can't get a smartphone through AT&T w/o the data plan.  You can try an unlocked, unbranded phone, but keep in mind that AT&T likely can tell what phone you are using via the IMEI.  Part of the IMEI identifies the make and model of the phone.

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pmt1209 wrote:

Ok I know this topic has been beat to death BUT I really want a smartphone such as the new Aero when it comes out or a HTC Smartphone without the $30 data fee(I am paying tons now for the 5 phones in our house one of which is a iPhone with the mandatory data fee).  My question is how many out there are using a smartphone without paying the data fees? I was with a friend of mine last night and he has been using a Blackberry for over 6 months now(started using it when his son bought a new phone and gave him the Blackberry) and he has never has been charged or even found to be using a smartphone by ATT, he doesn't use the internet access at all but does use text messaging. 

I am not trying to pull a fast one on AT&T at all, I would just like to have a large screened smartphone without internet access, I truly don't see why AT&T will not allow this.. 

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[05becd]

I have a very old Blackberry 8700C, doesnt take pictures, it was given to me by a friend who got an IPhone.   I tried data plan and it wouldnt work.  An AT&T store rep deleted the data plan and fixed it so I would be able to talk on it, and send unlimited texts.   there is nothing more I want on it.  I cant afford anything else.  and when I signed onto my account today, I see I have been signed up for Unlimited text and a $30 data bundle.

Could the screws get any tighter!!!!!!!!

Guess I will be going back to my DUMB phone. 

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

Unfortunately all smartphones are required to have the proper data plan, this is the same with all carriers.

[05becd]

It may be required by all plans, but not all plans are expensive as ATT

[ANDREUVAROV]

Give ATT another call and re-request that you do not need a data plan. It will work for most phones unless there is a clause in your contract like with the iPhone mandatory data plan.

It worked for my subsidized smartphone, but only after 6 months of paying for a data plan as a contractual clause.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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ANDREUVAROV wrote:

Give ATT another call and re-request that you do not need a data plan. It will work for most phones unless there is a clause in your contract like with the iPhone mandatory data plan.

It worked for my subsidized smartphone, but only after 6 months of paying for a data plan as a contractual clause.

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All smartphones acgtivated after 09/06/2009 are required to have the normal 30.00 smartphone dataplan applied to it, this is mandatory, no exceptions

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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05becd wrote:

It may be required by all plans, but not all plans are expensive as ATT

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The majority of the top 2 tier providers have similiar costs for their smartphone data plans.

[pmt1209]

Brian wrote "Over 6 months is the key.  How long over 6 months has your friend had that BB?  I believe the new requirement took effect in September of last year, so if he had the BB on his plan prior to then he's grandfathered in to the old requirement"

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Brian I checked with my friend and it turns out it has been less then 6 months, he believes it was right after the New Year.  Maybe he's just one of the lucky ones who AT&T hasn't found yet.  I still am pretty disgusted that you can't have a smartphone without a data plan, makes no sense to me at all. Especially if you buy the phone off someone else such as ebay, it's not like AT&T gave you any break on the smartphone price figuring they will make it up in data fees, all your using is what your paying for, calls and text messages and that cost no more on a smartphone then it does on a dumbphone....  

[varasani]

I was reading through this post and thinking "wow, here is the perfect example of a brain washed dud".. .and then I noticed in the bottom you are an ATT employee..

  The problem I have with providers saying that you need to have a data plan to use a smartphone is they act like they understand what the user wants.. or they are saying that they determine how you want to use a smartphone.. If I want to use the phone with wi-fi for data, they should let me do it.. My workaround.. buy new non-smartphone on contract.. sell it on ebay.. buy an unlocked non ATT phone from Amazon/Nokia etc.. and use it with ATT sim.. If you need data, just buy the MediaNet Unlimited data.

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click_clack wrote:

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emfpir wrote:

i completely agree that the extra 30 a month on the smartphones is overpriced and should not be forced on people. I can't stand the fact that they can require how you use they service, but that is the issue. the network belongs to att so they can charge as they want for the service. it is a great business plan to have your best phones require 30plans. hate them for it, but maybe it is time to realize I really don't need the phone without data all you can do is call and text. At this point any phone will fit those needs. now is the time to decide maybe we don't need the newest phone with the most functions and data. pretty much extra stuff that really can't help. I know a lot of people use phones for business, but if you buy a iphone for business (the phone with the worst network connect) maybe there is a simple phone that may not have all the crazy extras and works the same. Question is how did you deal with life before your latest phone. Why do we need to increase are cost every two years when we aren't really increasing our need for these devices. problem one company problem two our view, maybe the company helped us think like this or maybe they are realizing our need its time to reduce and try to make that old phone last longer than 2years.

---

Emf - I agree in part, but disagree in part.  The way I look at it, and not just for smart phones but for anything,  a company says I have X and it cand do x, x, and,x.  If you want this product it cost you 50.00.  Do you want it or not because that is the price I am willing to sell it to you for.  An example is General Motors.  They say the are offering you a Blazer for 30,000.  But they will also offer you an Excalade for 50,000.  Which do you want? 

You want the Escalade but you want to pay the Blazer price.  Not gonna happen....I can't afford that Escalade, but I am not mad at GM.  I bought a Nissan Exterra instead.  Wow, I made due based on what i could afford.

Where I do agree with you is that these phones, for personal use, are toys.  Do you want the toy that costs x, or do you want the super duper toy that costs xxx, but only want to pay x.  Do you  (me) need it?  No, it's a toy but I want the bigger better one but don want to pay for it.

Do I really NEED my iPhone? NO.  Do I like having this toy?  YES  What are my consequences?  For my toy I pay for voice, text and data.  Why?  Because that is the cost of me wanting to have that iPhone hooked to my belt all day.  None of us really NEED these things, but it sure is nice to have it.  Sure makes my life easier. 

What is the average cost of lunch?  $7?  Bring your lunch to work once per week and the dat plan is paid for.  It just is not that costly IMHO.  Now if one thinks it is, then ya ought stop wanting what others have and live within your means.

My wife uses a Nokia feature phone.  Does she want a QMD or smartphone?  No, she does not want nor need it.  If she did, would I pay the extra?  Yes, cuz if momma ain't happy, nobody's happy.  But she says, nah, you go play with your iPhone, my laptop and feature phone is just fine. 

FWIW AND IMHO 

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[VydorScope]

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wingrider01 wrote:

All smartphones acgtivated after 09/06/2009 are required to have the normal 30.00 smartphone dataplan applied to it, this is mandatory, no exceptions

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Not 100% true in practice. I have spoken (vai forums) with multiple people who have made the following claims:

1) I threaten to leave AT$T and the retention agent waved the plan

2) I told them to put the data blocker on my account instead and they waved the plan

In addition when I called up to activate my new smart phone, and cancel my old phone (Blackberry) they offered to DROP the smartphone plan. I turned them down, since I use data and wanted the plan.

So while they may have that policy posted, they are not actually enforcing/following the policy.

[j25stew]

No it is not like paying for a diffrent car, it is like paying for 50gal of gas but only using 10gal just because. and saving money on somthing else does not make up for paying for somthing you do not use. I never get close to the data limit and pay for way too much. Probly just cancel all together once wifi is a little more accesable, So alll cell phone companies should be looking to get out of the business.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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VydorScope wrote:

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wingrider01 wrote:

All smartphones acgtivated after 09/06/2009 are required to have the normal 30.00 smartphone dataplan applied to it, this is mandatory, no exceptions

---

Not 100% true in practice. I have spoken (vai forums) with multiple people who have made the following claims:

1) I threaten to leave AT$T and the retention agent waved the plan

2) I told them to put the data blocker on my account instead and they waved the plan

In addition when I called up to activate my new smart phone, and cancel my old phone (Blackberry) they offered to DROP the smartphone plan. I turned them down, since I use data and wanted the plan.

So while they may have that policy posted, they are not actually enforcing/following the policy.

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amusing claims, sorry but att can and will add a data pan if you don;t have one, agents have absolutely no authority or ability to remove the data lan from a smartphone. smartphone - data plan no matter what is claimed. The only way that has ben documented around it is if a non-att phone was used, but if discovered the plan will be placed on the account.

[123andy]

I think Varasani's analogy of a car purchase is way off.  See if any of these examples seem closer:

What if DirecTV or Comcast forced you to purchase a HBO or Cinemax because your decoder box was 'capable' of receiving the channel?

What if Roku forced you to purchase a NetFlix or Hulu account simply because their box was capable of receiving the service?

What if your car company forced you to purchase a SiriusXM account simply because your radio was capable of receiving the signal?

I understand that when you are under contract, you should be obligated to pay for a data plan as this was factored into the discounted device price.  However, when out of contract or when you purchase a phone from another source all carriers should be compelled to offer the basic service without the data plan.

For me, this policy is coercive and serves no purpose other than to take advantage of customers stuck in a contract to extract additional funds with no value added.  It is interesting to see how AT&T justifies this financial [word filter avoidance]

Excuses such as 'just as all other carriers do' is an acknowledgement that the policy is not in the customers best interest.  Since when has it been a valid defense to do something that is clearly wrong because others are doing it?  

The idea that 'AT&T wants to ensure the optimal performance of your device' is another rationale I've heard.  This is obscene - we all balance price with options to find our own 'best performance for the dollar' ratio.  I don't need AT&T to tell me what I need and can afford.  Is my life better when I have to carry a smartphone with no sim card to control all the digital do-dads in my house via wifi AND a separate non-smart phone just for talking?  

I don't see these companies doing the right thing here.  This is a small issue that will take some time before it would be popular enough to be marketable as a differentiator between cellular companies on a commercial.   Our only hope in the short term is for the FCC or congress to recognize this as an unfair, predatory practice.  

As smart-devices become more and more integrated our lives - from monitoring your electric car, checking your home's temperature (nest) or lighting system (vantage), your music, your video, and other aspects policies like this will seem more and more obsurd.  Until then, though, AT&T hopes to make a pretty profit of our backs.

[Bamvytar]

And they don't have the same coverage or customer service either.. you pay for what you get. If you want a tiny computer in your hands that you can use almost anywhere all the time..paying a buck a day is nothing. You probably pay more than that in a week for your morning coffee. And FYI, the lowest plan is $20.00

[Bamvytar]

I have known plenty of people who refused to pay the measly $20 - $30 bucks a month for the data plan, then got $200+ in data charges because they were USING it. At&t removed the charges as a courtesy - and I can tell you I know for sure Sprint wouldn't be so courteous.

They are "presuming to know what you want", they're just trying to make smart business decisions. Of course they're making money off of you. They're a business - that's what you want to do if you open a business, is make money and keep it going! Der...

I'm just saying I look back at the last 30 years, when mobile phones first came out you'd have to pay $700 for one that was as big as a suitcase, and they didn't work half the time.

Now, we have tiny phones with huge memories, the same capabilites as a computer, pretty great coverage considering how large the frickin country is, some selling for only $0.99, {please keep it courteous}

[ShaunMN]

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to post your comments and opinions related to this topic. This topic has been thoroughly discussed and will now be closed, as it is very old.