Existing AT&T customers - Data Plan

SJChaput · 12-07-2007, 12:41 AM

I know this has probably been asked, but I am getting an iPhone TOMORROW, and need this question answered before I can buy it.

I read that you need to sign up for a data plan just to use the phone.
Is there a way that I can NOT get a data plan, completely disable the EDGE network altogether. I was happy using just the Wi-Fi

I want the thing for the aesthetic appeal, and the ability to have my Phone BE my iPod so I can take it everywhere with me... and use the Wi-Fi occasionally at home or at someone's house.

Is there a way to NOT get a $20 a month data plan and still get the iPhone? I don't NEED unlimited data, I don't go anywhere besides home and work and friends houses and they all have Wi-Fi.

Please let me be able to not get a plan...

supershick · 12-07-2007, 12:51 AM

nope, you gotta get the plan. gotta play by the rules if you still want to use it as a phone. you could buy one and unlock it. that would solve your problem

fightoffyourdemons · 12-07-2007, 12:57 AM

You can't talk on the phone using Wi-Fi, if I'm not mistaken. It's just for data, not voice.

Drtydzn12 · 12-07-2007, 01:20 AM

Actually, there is a way. From what I heard, activate the phone like you normally would. Accept the data plan for now, let the iPhone activate, and when it does, call AT&T, and ask for them to remove your data plan. I'm pretty sure they will.

petalmom · 12-07-2007, 07:04 AM

You're never ANYWHERE except home, work and friends?? Never stuck in traffic or waiting for a train to pass? Never in the doctor or dentist waiting room? Never waiting for your car to get washed or the oil changed? I could go on and on. There are dozens and dozens of places you will want to use your iPhone features where there may not be wifi access.

They will no longer let you drop the data plan.

And if you do find some way to get around the system you will end up with an unusually high bill because the phone is frequently using data service, even when you think it's not (e-mail, weather, stocks, etc)

The iPhone without unlimited data is 1/2 the fun.

It's ONLY $20.

Griffinaz · 12-07-2007, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by petalmom

You're never ANYWHERE except home, work and friends?? Never stuck in traffic or waiting for a train to pass? Never in the doctor or dentist waiting room? Never waiting for your car to get washed or the oil changed? I could go on and on. There are dozens and dozens of places you will want to use your iPhone features where there may not be wifi access.

They will no longer let you drop the data plan.

And if you do find some way to get around the system you will end up with an unusually high bill because the phone is frequently using data service, even when you think it's not (e-mail, weather, stocks, etc)

The iPhone without unlimited data is 1/2 the fun.

It's ONLY $20.

As of just last month they were allowing you to drop the data plan. Where did you hear that they would no longer allow it?
Also without the data plan they wont end up with an unusually high bill unless they actually use those programs while out of a wi-fi area. You can set your email to only check manually and the weather and stocks only update when you launch them.

Griffinaz · 12-07-2007, 08:55 AM

But I agree, it is only $20 and having the ability to get email, browse the web, check weather and maps on the road are all worth far more than the $20 to have the unlimited use of the data. Plus on the jailbroken phones having the ability to check for new software and install it while at doctors appointments or out where your not in a wifi area is great.

OJsakila · 12-07-2007, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Griffinaz

But I agree, it is only $20 and having the ability to get email, browse the web, check weather and maps on the road are all worth far more than the $20 to have the unlimited use of the data. Plus on the jailbroken phones having the ability to check for new software and install it while at doctors appointments or out where your not in a wifi area is great.

you keep saying $20! Actually its more like $240! Its not like you pay twenty bux and thats it... You gotta KEEP coughing it up...

But thats Cool & The Gang! I pay it and so should that guy... But NOT because it's soo-o cheap.... 'cause it aint!

petalmom · 12-07-2007, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Griffinaz

As of just last month they were allowing you to drop the data plan. Where did you hear that they would no longer allow it?
Also without the data plan they wont end up with an unusually high bill unless they actually use those programs while out of a wi-fi area. You can set your email to only check manually and the weather and stocks only update when you launch them.

I've read in several different threads here in EIP as well as other forums that AT&T will no longer allow you to drop the data plan. Quite frankly I haven't paid allot of attention since dropping the data plan would never interest me.

Griffinaz · 12-07-2007, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by OJsakila

you keep saying $20! Actually its more like $240! Its not like you pay twenty bux and thats it... You gotta KEEP coughing it up...

But thats Cool & The Gang! I pay it and so should that guy... But NOT because it's soo-o cheap.... 'cause it aint!

It is $240 a year in addition to your monthly phone service but it gives you a portable mini-computer that can go anywhere and has most of the functions of a laptop in your pocket available at a moments notice. I pay extra for the overseas data plan and calling plan for Mexico so I also pay close to $35 in addition to the $20 and the regular plan monthly fees but having the ability to sit on the beach in Mexico drinking Margaritas while reading news from the US is worth it to me.

P.S. I am old so news is important to me. ;-)