iphone user beware of AT&T

[Yellowspurs]

I have an existing contract with AT&T and then in July, I purchased an unlocked iphone 3GS and use it but yesterday, I called AT&T to discuss some billing error and they asked me what kind of phone I use. I told them I used iphone and they said I have to pay for the data plan. I said no but they forced me to have it. Today, I checked my online service plan and they did added it in and my plan changed from $41/moth to $111/month. Since I don't need the data plan, I will switch back to my old Nokia phone but I wonder if you switch back to the iphone at a later time, will they find out ?

Anyone with knowledge about this please reply.
Thank you.

[eplchamps0304]

On the last day of your billing cycle switch to a non iPhone and call ATT to remove the data. 3 days later when you bill is generated switch back to the iPhone. On the last day of your new billing cycle switch away from the iPhone again until the system generates your next bill. Do this every month. I am on the iPhone without a data plan right now. I cancelled it a few days ago. I used my iPhone 3g for 10 months straight without data this way. Just a note. With the data plan and google voice you can have unlimited domestic and international SMS for free.

[TRBO VNM]

so you are trying to get around the system and are pissed because they caught on? I am all for getting deals and saving money, especially now with my wife and I without jobs, but I won't go cheating the system like that. this is my first smart phone and love everything about it so far. I have no problem paying AT&T what is due to them.

sorry, rant over. I just don't understand why some people insist on doing stuff like this.

[Yellowspurs]

I don't see why you have to pay for something you don't use. I purchased the iphone and paid full price for it without any discount from AT&T and use it on my existing plan with AT&T. I don't need AT&T data plan because I never use it. How can you cheat if you can't even use it ? AT&T are greedy company that's all. They make you pay just because you use an iphone and not any other phone.

[styfle]

Unlock it and switch providers then. That will solve your problem. You could go no contract if you wanted. Since you do have a contract with ATT they own you lol.

[Yellowspurs]

My phone is unlock. I will get out early and pay a penalty then switch provider. AT&T will lose a customer for life. T-mobile has data plan as optional. You do not have to purchase it if you have no use for it and that's common sense.

[BrownGem]

Other carriers are actually adopting the policy of requiring data plans for smartphones whether you want it or not. But good luck with your switch.

[ricks2gtouch]

The use of a 3gs iPhone on AT&Ts network requires a data plan regardless of your actual data use. Wherever you purchased the iphone from should have disclosed that to you. AT&T is well within their rights to add a data plan to your account if you don't have one.

[diverdown]

Other carriers are actually adopting the policy of requiring data plans for smartphones whether you want it or not. But good luck with your switch.

Correct...VZW requires a data plan for all of their smartphones.... I believe its $29.00 per month. It seems to be the new standard....

~S

[eplchamps0304]

Because other carriers are adopting it, doesn't make it right. The OP didn't buy a subsidized phone and should not be forced to have the data plan. Its just another way for ATT to make more money of the consumer. All it takes is one person to go to court over this and things will change. I remember not long ago, if you canceled your contract with a month left, you would be charged your full ETF. Well one court ruling later and it has changed.

[eplchamps0304]

so you are trying to get around the system and are pissed because they caught on? I am all for getting deals and saving money, especially now with my wife and I without jobs, but I won't go cheating the system like that. this is my first smart phone and love everything about it so far. I have no problem paying AT&T what is due to them.

sorry, rant over. I just don't understand why some people insist on doing stuff like this.

How is it cheating? Cheating is forcing you to pay for the data plan that you dont use.

[rarity]

I've heard this many times. Even if u hadn't told them u were on an iPhone, I believe they can tell and would add the data plan anyway.

[eplchamps0304]

Through out my 10 months without a data plan it showed iphone on my account. They still did not add it.

[impaler]

If you use an iPhone, you should pay to use the data with that phone. Period. Any other set up is stealing.

[Yellowspurs]

eplchamps0304 is one of the few people whose comments make sense.
Impaler, you cannot steal data resource from ATT if you do not have their package. There is no way that you can set up your phone to steal their data resource. The data plan is for people who want to use internet from ATT network but since I already have internet at home and work, I do not need the data plan.

The point is that it cost the same amount of resource to ATT when you make a call regardless of what phone you use. Or am I wrong ? Does smart phone cost more energy to the service provider when people use it to make a call ?

[spy008]

You know I don't necessarily agree with the other guys arguing this but I know I sure don't agree with your assessment. That is a real sheeple mentality and it is the main reason big businesses like ATT feel they can get away with doing stuff like this(because the majority of the sheeple like you feel this way).


If you use an iPhone, you should pay to use the data with that phone. Period. Any other set up is stealing.

[Watcher]

I actually think AT&T and other carriers charge this fee because they don't have a way to ensure that you won't use data on that phone. It's basically a "Paranoid Insurance" on their part. Either that or they start locking down devices and keeping you from accessing the online data features like some other carriers do who I won't mention the name of... :dft012:wink

[Cjvdh]

I don't see the point of not paying for the data plan. What people are too cheap to pay 30 bucks? Cmon.... don't cheat the system.

[Yellowspurs]

Cjvdh,
The point for not paying the data plan is that if you don't need it, you don't use it, then you shouldn't have to pay for it. When you say cheat the system, where is the cheat?

[Yellowspurs]

I actually think AT&T and other carriers charge this fee because they don't have a way to ensure that you won't use data on that phone. It's basically a "Paranoid Insurance" on their part. Either that or they start locking down devices and keeping you from accessing the online data features like some other carriers do who I won't mention the name of... :dft012:wink

You may be right but I don't know anyone or any place on internet where you can use some software to cheat and steal ATT data use. If such software exist, I'm sure everyone would be talking about it.

[eplchamps0304]

If you use an iPhone, you should pay to use the data with that phone. Period. Any other set up is stealing.

Please explain how it is stealing. It is easy to throw words out there without explaining what you actually mean. Like I mentioned earlier for years these carriers have been ripping people off with their non-prorated early termination fees until someone took them to court and won. The same will surely happen with these forced data plans.

[eplchamps0304]

I actually think AT&T and other carriers charge this fee because they don't have a way to ensure that you won't use data on that phone. It's basically a "Paranoid Insurance" on their part. Either that or they start locking down devices and keeping you from accessing the online data features like some other carriers do who I won't mention the name of... :dft012:wink

Data can be blocked blocked by all the carriers. I know on tmobile the data is blocked by default. The only reason is to get more revenue, simple.

[eplchamps0304]

I don't see the point of not paying for the data plan. What people are too cheap to pay 30 bucks? Cmon.... don't cheat the system.

it's 30 bucks a month, not just 30 bucks. Who wants to spend 30 bucks on what the don't need. If you want to pay 30 bucks that is good for you. Others don't want to.

[TRBO VNM]

I agree, if you don't have to spend the money, I wouldn't want to spend it either. My wife and I lost our jobs, so saving money is a premium for us right now.

Now, to the OP and others that agree with him, maybe I don't understand the data plan fully. And I really didn't ask AT&T the specifics of it. When I was with verizon, they said any smart phone required the data plan and when I went to AT&T and they said the same, I assumed it was because of features that these phones have that the others don't. Which is probably accurate. Is the internet the only feature required for the data plan? I don't think so after searching data plan on AT&T's site. it looked like there are a lot of features that require the data plan. Including email, downloading songs, games and many other things.

again, maybe I am wrong and don't fully understand the benefit of the data plan and if that is the case, I am sorry.

However, I will ask, why bother having the iphone if you don't use all the features? isn't there another phone that doesn't required the data plan that would give you everything else you get with the iphone that you do use? I don't know myself, I knew I wanted the iphone for all the features.

[latinpride613]

I don't see the point of not paying for the data plan. What people are too cheap to pay 30 bucks? Cmon.... don't cheat the system.

No one is cheating nothing. If your NOT going to use AT&T's data then there is no need to pay for it. How is that cheating? That's why people pay for internet in their house and internet that is offered in many jobs and stores for free. Some people just dont have that kinda of money. If you are locking into a 2 year contract that more than enough of insurance to the company in my opinion. Just because YOU can pay the 30$ it doesn't mean EVERYONE can pay and don't give me the "if you can't afford then don't buy it" crap. If AT&T is offering the phone and you pay for YOUR phone it should be YOUR decision on what to do and use with it.

[eplchamps0304]

I agree, if you don't have to spend the money, I wouldn't want to spend it either. My wife and I lost our jobs, so saving money is a premium for us right now.

Now, to the OP and others that agree with him, maybe I don't understand the data plan fully. And I really didn't ask AT&T the specifics of it. When I was with verizon, they said any smart phone required the data plan and when I went to AT&T and they said the same, I assumed it was because of features that these phones have that the others don't. Which is probably accurate. Is the internet the only feature required for the data plan? I don't think so after searching data plan on AT&T's site. it looked like there are a lot of features that require the data plan. Including email, downloading songs, games and many other things.

again, maybe I am wrong and don't fully understand the benefit of the data plan and if that is the case, I am sorry.

However, I will ask, why bother having the iphone if you don't use all the features? isn't there another phone that doesn't required the data plan that would give you everything else you get with the iphone that you do use? I don't know myself, I knew I wanted the iphone for all the features.

data is not required for any phone to work. You can make phone calls and send SMS without a data plan. Data plan is only for features involving the Internet such as facebook and email. Not everyone needs email on the go, and some people have access to wifi nearly everywhere they go and as such would not need a data plan. For me it's not about money, I can afford the $30. It's about paying for something I don't use. When I went to new York last month on vacation I put the data back on becaus I would need it. Now that I am back home I took it off. Stop being rude and calling people cheap.

[diverdown]

One way to have the features of the iphone with no data is to use a regular cell phone and get an ipod touch.....

I don't mind the $30 per month as i use the snot out of the data plan .... The cable/phone companies charge approximately 45 per month for internet service for home use......

I don't think that AT&T's charges are out of line for data.... I'd much rather pay a flat fee for unlimited data than some sort of siding scale based upon usage.

My 0.02

~S

[danipoak]

I only like the cream filling of oreos. I think I am just going to start paying for that now since it's all I want.

[crystus]

data is not required for any phone to work. You can make phone calls and send SMS without a data plan. Data plan is only for features involving the Internet such as facebook and email. Not everyone needs email on the go, and some people have access to wifi nearly everywhere they go and as such would not need a data plan. For me it's not about money, I can afford the $30. It's about paying for something I don't use. When I went to new York last month on vacation I put the data back on becaus I would need it. Now that I am back home I took it off. Stop being rude and calling people cheap.

I agree they should have an option for those who do not use data. But according to the TOS the use of an iPhone on your account requires a data plan. And it is whether or not you have a contract, as being out of contract is essentially a 30 day contract that renews each month. There should be some options for those who do not use or use very little data.

[Europa]

Yellowspurs, I completely disagree with everyone here that is saying it's cheating and/or stealing. However, trying to get out of the data plan with AT&T is a PITA. I wouldn't even bother. Just port your number to T-Mobile and have data disabled. You'll still be able to use WiFi. It's a great way to save $30 a month for something you don't use often even to justify the cost.

[bass_lover1]

I stopped reading after someone said it was cheating/stealing. You guys really need to read what AT&T says about the iPhone data plan.

"Please note: Data plan for iPhone is required for the life of your iPhone service and cannot be removed in the future."

First off, if he already had an AT&T contract w/ a different phone, HE IS NOT ON AN IPHONE CONTRACT. ATT says, data is required for the life of your IPHONE service, he isn't paying for an iPhone service, he's paying to use whatever phone he had prior.

Two, it isn't stealing you 'tards, if you use data on the phone w/o a data plan, THEY CHARGE YOU. Pay as you go, ever hear of it?

Third, you can use the iPhone w/o a data plan, I did it on AT&T for about a month, and they never said anything (1st gen). I added it a bit later, hell then about two months after that I even called ATT to turn it off, guess what? They did...really? Yes, really. Take note, that my 1st gen was JB and unlocked, never had an issue with them about not having a data plan.


OP: Leave the SIM in your original phone. Call up ATT and tell them to turn off data completely, no PAYG nothing, natta. Wait a few minutes for ATT to update your settings, then swap the SIM to the iPhone. Magically your E icon will disappear (maybe even your 3G too, but I had a 1st gen, so I'm not sure), and hey looky there an iPhone on ATT w/o a data plan.

[impaler]

I stopped reading after someone said it was cheating/stealing.

You're kind of a douche. From an article I read today...

The legal issues surrounding jailbreaking is also a big deal. Since you are hacking around with Apple’s software, it's a bit of a "gray area" surrounding the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), which tries to keep people from, among other things, reverse engineering copyrighted software.
Jailbreaking does allow you to have some pretty nifty and free options added to your iPhone/iPod touch, but Apple is definitely adamant about fighting jailbreakers. For instance, if you take your iPhone in for repair at an Apple Store or through AppleCare, it would probably be in your best interest to restore your device. Apple has been known to refuse service to iPhone/iPod touch owners who have jailbroken their devices.

May you jailbreaking *********s wind up with bricks! Idiots.

[Yellowspurs]

Here is the update on my case. On Monday, I went to the local store where I signed the contract with ATT and had a discussion with them. Today, they informed me that the case had been solved. I can now used the iphone on the existing contract without having to pay extra for the data plan. So anyone who have an existing contract and have the same problem like mine, you should talk to your local authorized dealer.

If most of you are rich and want to throw your money away, that's fine. But here is what you can still enjoy without the data plan:
- You can still access internet where there is a wi-fi spot. In my case, California has plenty of cafe and restaurant with wi-fi so it's a sin to not use free stuff.

I also find the practice of forcing customer like AT&T is doing with the data plan is not very classy. People buy iphone on ebay, amazon etc. without contract and they should be free to use it on any contract. This kind of business practice sound like a third world practice and has no place in America. American should not put up with this kind of business practice but only when there are more people complaining, I guess they will just milk every dime you have.

[TRBO VNM]

data is not required for any phone to work. You can make phone calls and send SMS without a data plan. Data plan is only for features involving the Internet such as facebook and email. Not everyone needs email on the go, and some people have access to wifi nearly everywhere they go and as such would not need a data plan. For me it's not about money, I can afford the $30. It's about paying for something I don't use. When I went to new York last month on vacation I put the data back on becaus I would need it. Now that I am back home I took it off. Stop being rude and calling people cheap.

I wasn't being rude and never called someone cheap. with my wife and I out of a job right now in this economy, I would definitely never call anyone cheap. we are doing everything we can to cut costs right now.

[MrEous]

My opinion...

...I have no use for an iPhone if I can't be connected to the internet wherever/whenever I want. You may have 'free' wifi in certain areas but you have to actually go there to get it.

I can ride down the road and access internet without issue, enjoy your stationary internet. I would get an iPod Touch if I was that worried.

[eplchamps0304]

The iPhone is not only about the Internet. It is also about phone calls, text messaging, calender, games and various apps that don't require data to be useful. Who cares what you like.

[MrEous]

The iPhone is not only about the Internet. It is also about phone calls, text messaging, calender, games and various apps that don't require data to be useful. Who cares what you like.
I'll take the higher road and simply reiterate that it's my opinion. Your input has no effect on what I say nor do...your forum etiquette could use some work though.

Have a nice day. :ok:ok

[MAD 69]

I can't believe people are sticking up for At&T, some people like handing their money over - that's pretty weak. I encourage everyone to find a workaround - Screw AT&T.

[MrEous]

Check the other threads...Verizon nickel & dimes you, Sprint & TMobile have horrible coverage & MetroPCS is Dallas only.

What is your favorite? In my experience, AT&T has provided the best support for me & the cheapest rates. I pay $200 for 5 lines, unlimited texts & 2 iphone data pkgs...including taxes. True I've had dropped calls but so have other non-AT&T friends of mine in certain areas of town.

[eplchamps0304]

Check the other threads...Verizon nickel & dimes you, Sprint & TMobile have horrible coverage & MetroPCS is Dallas only.

What is your favorite? In my experience, AT&T has provided the best support for me & the cheapest rates. I pay $200 for 5 lines, unlimited texts & 2 iphone data pkgs...including taxes. True I've had dropped calls but so have other non-AT&T friends of mine in certain areas of town.

Your comments while true, have nothing to do with the topic at hand.

[MrEous]

Your comments while true, have nothing to do with the topic at hand.
I was commenting on Mad69's post.