Develop Bugs

At&t won't sell phone w/o contract and no data?

i just got back from the att store in Lexington ky off richmond rd and the rudest jerk would not sell me the tilt 2 unless i got a data plan, even if i paid full price! What the heck! I hate freakin att, it took all I had not to pop this blond haired dude just for how rude he was to me and my wife. I told him I'll just get it off ebay and he said they would detect it and automatically add data plan.
My wife is eligible for early upgrade and she has an iphone w/ data plan
Shouldn't I be able to get her to get the tilt 2. They will de-activate her iphone, then when she gets home put my old sim in tilt 2 and have her re-activate her phone. Is this possible or no. Please help
I don't want to pay for a stupid 30 a month data plan data plan, i only want the wifi use.

ATT is much more proactive about checking IMEI's now than they used to be. As a result, upon placing your sim in the Tilt 2, you will very likely receive a text message informing you that if you do not add a smartphone data plan to your phone, one will be added for you.
One possible, and I stress POSSIBLE, way around this is to use an unlocked TP2 from another carrier, or the int'l unbranded version. It won't have 3G, but it may not get flagged as a smartphone because most carriers only have their own phones in the IMEI database that they use to check for this sort of thing. So while they would detect the Tilt2 and charge you for a monthly data plan, they might not detect an unlocked branded version from VZW or Tmobile or the unbranded international version as a smartphone.
I'm sorry the dude was rude, and I'm not super fond of ATT (or other carriers for that matter) either, but based on my experience and that of some other users I know, I believe his information is accurate. We used to be able to get away with a lot more than we can now.
Best way to go without paying for data these days is prepaid (though prepaid plans like VZW's which include for example, unlimited data, don't allow smartphones for fear of abuse. I haven't heard of ATT's prepaid rejecting smartphones because their prepaid data packages are per mb--no danger of abuse).

fortunz said:
One possible, and I stress POSSIBLE, way around this is to use an unlocked TP2 from another carrier, or the int'l unbranded version. It won't have 3G, but it may not get flagged as a smartphone because most carriers only have their own phones in the IMEI database that they use to check for this sort of thing. So while they would detect the Tilt2 and charge you for a monthly data plan, they might not detect an unlocked branded version from VZW or Tmobile or the unbranded international version as a smartphone.
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That sounds good in theory, and would work out pretty well for OP since he isn't concerned about 3G capabilities.
When you log into your AT&T wireless account, AT&T attempts to detect your phone and displays it on screen for you. When I was using unlocked phones on their network (i900 Omnia for a year and most recently for 3 days, T-MO's Touch Pro 2), it never detected/displayed my phone.
I just logged into my account now to check if it detected my new AT&T branded Tilt 2, and indeed it did.
Not to spam OP, but if you're interested in a T-Mo Touch Pro 2, I have one listed in the Marketplace. Good luck!

Thanks for your sympathy
Thanks for your sim-pathy (sympathy), It is good to know I'm not the only one angry about this.
It would sure be nice to have a 3.5 jack with an unlocked verizon or sprint version, but I'm just not sure how not having 3g band would effect my signal. Years ago I remember having sprint service and it was horrible where I live.

You are wondering how it would affect your carrier edge data signal? I thought you only wanted to use wifi?
If you are worried about how it would affect your regular GSM phone signal, I can't imagine that would be problem. I believe the GSM chip is the same in all versions, and would expect similar performance from all TP2s that have it.
To date, I haven't yet heard of an unlocked Sprint version working on US GSM carriers (possibly due to some software protections they added in). Unlocked VZWs have been proven to work on ATT. If you want the 3.5mm jack, maybe VZW or Telus would be your best bet.

thanks for the tip
I did not know unlocked sprint versions would not work on US gsm, thanks for the tip. I'm going to start searching the threads for people who have got the unlocked Verizon's to work before I buy.
I was not for sure if the 3g just carried data, thanks for clearing that up. If that is all it adds I won't miss it because, "i really only use wifi".
or maybe just hold out for the hd2.....don't know if I can stand using my backup Motorola phone much longer *my htc trinity drowned ......

There is an alternative
You may try to purchase a phone from T-mobile and they won't limit you to having a data plan especially if you pay full price. I've seen many do it, and many succeed. Good Luck

lol, get the phone with the data plan. go home, call at&t and tell them you've changed your mind and dont want the data plan. have your old phone's imei around and tell them your going to use your old phone. done. i've done it multiple times. no use arguing with those idiots at the store; most of us here know more about phones than they do

xda kindness
If only our mobile devices companies were all staffed by the nice and informative people of xda the universe would be a better place.

omaralt said:
lol, get the phone with the data plan. go home, call at&t and tell them you've changed your mind and dont want the data plan. have your old phone's imei around and tell them your going to use your old phone. done. i've done it multiple times. no use arguing with those idiots at the store; most of us here know more about phones than they do
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Lots of us have, but you should note that not all the old tricks work anymore. IMEI checking occurs much more often now, not just when you call in.

Are you looking to just not have a data plan period for her phone? The Smartphone/PDA data and iPhone data are the same price.

fortunz said:
As a result, upon placing your sim in the Tilt 2, you will very likely receive a text message informing you that if you do not add a smartphone data plan to your phone, one will be added for you
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I've been running for about a week now on my old SIM w/ MediaNet and have not received any such message.

RacerX10 said:
I've been running for about a week now on my old SIM w/ MediaNet and have not received any such message.
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I hope it keeps working for you.

I don't understand how he was being rude at all. If he can't sell it to you without those conditions then it certainly isn't his fault. I work at RadioShack and the system we use will not allow us to sell smartphones without adding data either. Not sure how this applies to phones bought outright but all sellers do things a little different. Don't be upset at the associate, be upset at att and the rest of the carriers who also require this.

Actually, according to the rep I had, it seems more along the lines of the phones official launch being today that is the issue from the store side. Since its so new they're not, at least the regular associate isn't, allowed to sell the phone sans contract.
Needless to say my shackles are back on
Considering the amount that shipped out to some stores if his store was any indicator it wouldn't surprise me. How do you only send 3, with one to be set for display purposes?

RE: att rep
I never blamed this guy for the rules this att rep he had to follow, that is not what ticked me off. This had nothing to do with what ticked me off
From the second I walked into this store he was the most sarcastic punk ever, and took it personal that I was trying to get this great htc phone without a data plan. He treated me like I was trying to steal it. I was very polite and I doubt he even knew that I was the least bit upset.

Just got back from an At&t store myself. Rep said the same thing and was also a jerk. I couldn't purchase the phone by itself. I'm not due for an upgrade yet so I was trying to buy the phone full price.
The rep was asking me why I wanted the phone. He said its horrible, it useless, he had a Fuze and gave it away because of how bad it was. He uses a BB and iPhone (BIG SURPRISE). He said I was probably the only person asking for the phone the whole day and thats why they didn't have a display model, because no one wants this phone. He said "Why do you want a windows phone, its windows!!!! Haha, c'mon!"
I was screaming inside. If the jackass had any technology knowledge he would understand why I wanted the phone. The possibilities are endless. I'm running TomTom, Wifi access point, internet sharing, mp3 trimmer, push e-mail, Skyfire, DirecTV NFL Superfan Streaming, registry edits, etc. I know a BB and iPhone can also do some of these things but they CAN'T DO ALL.

gtdRR said:
Just got back from an At&t store myself. Rep said the same thing and was also a jerk. I couldn't purchase the phone by itself. I'm not due for an upgrade yet so I was trying to buy the phone full price.
The rep was asking me why I wanted the phone. He said its horrible, it useless, he had a Fuze and gave it away because of how bad it was. He uses a BB and iPhone (BIG SURPRISE). He said I was probably the only person asking for the phone the whole day and thats why they didn't have a display model, because no one wants this phone. He said "Why do you want a windows phone, its windows!!!! Haha, c'mon!"
I was screaming inside. If the jackass had any technology knowledge he would understand why I wanted the phone. The possibilities are endless. I'm running TomTom, Wifi access point, internet sharing, mp3 trimmer, push e-mail, Skyfire, DirecTV NFL Superfan Streaming, registry edits, etc. I know a BB and iPhone can also do some of these things but they CAN'T DO ALL.
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Most of the people in the stores are just typical sales people. They have bad attitudes, and think they know everything because of their "training". Just remember that they are trying to make their commission off of you. Every time I call customer service I make a point to complain about the sales people in the stores. Once, I went in to a store and asked for a new SIM card, and the jerk didn't want to give me one because I was not buying something. I asked for a manager, and she was a b***h about it too and told me that the SIM cards cost them a lot of money. She told me to go to the RadioShack down the road and get one (and they wanted to charge me $25 for one). I just stopped going to the stores all together. If I need a new SIM card, I call customer service and request one to be shipped to me. My advise.... Stay away from the stores!!!!

If they are so into earning their commissions one would think they would want to sell a $549 phone at full price, no?

I work for Best Buy Mobile and indeed AT&T does automatically add the data plan once the IMEI for smartphones is detected in their database but this does not mean you can't buy the phone outright.. that's where the guy was wrong. I don't know if he would get a lesser commission if he sells without an activation or whatnot.

Can unlocked avoid data plan??

I was told that when you buy the tilt2, even at the no commitment price, as soon as you insert the sim AT&T will charge/change your service into a $30/mo data plan. Before anyone suggests to take the $30/mo plan that's $360 for the year. Purchasing it subsided with the data plan for a year is more than buying unlocked, nor do I want the $30 plan.
I was wondering if I purchase an unlocked Tilt2 can att still do that if I insert my sim into unlocked one. I'm happy with my data plan (medianet) and want to avoid being hit with the change buy purchasing an unlocked one. OK experts what's the verdict.

Any workaround anyone gives you is susceptible to being caught eventually, just FYI.
The one that's probably most reliable for now is purchasing an unlocked int'l GSM, TMobile or Sprint TP2 and plugging your sim into it. You won't have the proper 3g bands, so your data speed will be slower than if you were using a Tilt 2, but carriers don't generally maintain imei dbs of phones that aren't on their network.
Others may tell you they got by ATT with a Tilt2 and haven't had their data plan changed, but not everyone is so lucky. ATT most definitely monitors imei more now than they used to (defeating this used to be much more simple and effective before ATT began rebuilding their systems to accommodate iPhone enforcement--now those protections are starting to be used against other smartphones), so before you take the chance, keep in mind some people are getting nailed. The same is true for my suggestion above -- there are no guarantees.

I have a TMO HTC touch pro 2 that i purchased unlocked and am using it on AT&T on the medianet plan. My last several phones have been Samsung Innov8 and Nokia 5800 both Symbian OS that I have used unlocked on AT&T and only paid for medianet with no issues (aside from lack of 3G which isn't available in my area anyway).
-Jerry

webfrm said:
I was told that when you buy the tilt2, even at the no commitment price, as soon as you insert the sim AT&T will charge/change your service into a $30/mo data plan. Before anyone suggests to take the $30/mo plan that's $360 for the year. Purchasing it subsided with the data plan for a year is more than buying unlocked, nor do I want the $30 plan.
I was wondering if I purchase an unlocked Tilt2 can att still do that if I insert my sim into unlocked one. I'm happy with my data plan (medianet) and want to avoid being hit with the change buy purchasing an unlocked one. OK experts what's the verdict.
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IDT they can add the data plan to your account without your consent.

sdaddy said:
IDT they can add the data plan to your account without your consent.
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They can and have. It started with the iPhone, and has expanded to other smartphones recently. First I heard of the expansion to other phones was when a friend got a txt warning him that he had to add one himself or it would be added for him immediately after he popped a sim into his old nokia smartphone when he was going to use it for a weekend. It's really only a question of whether their software will spot your smartphone.

I can't believe another one of these threads has popped up. No, they won't add a data plan without your consent. They will add it if they can twist your arm enough to say ok. If they add it without your consent there is plenty of precedent showing that they will remove it upon your insistence.
As for me, I have an iPhone 3GS, a Tilt2, and a Sony Xperia x1a that I use on my MediaNet $15 plan + $5 for 200 text message plan. I bought the Tilt 2 subsidized and even then didn't have to add the $30 plan.
Of course, it doesn't matter how many times this is stated there will still be the naysayers who will claim otherwise.

If the phone you by is a Tilt 2 (an AT&T branded phone) they will know by the IMEI. If you buy a TouchPro 2 or a phone from say another carrier they won't know what phone you have and allow you to get a less expansive data plan or no plan at all. Down side is you can't use AT&T's 3G and are stuck with the much slower data connection.
Honestly not having a data plan really hampers having such a capable phone.

jlczl said:
I can't believe another one of these threads has popped up. No, they won't add a data plan without your consent. They will add it if they can twist your arm enough to say ok. If they add it without your consent there is plenty of precedent showing that they will remove it upon your insistence.
As for me, I have an iPhone 3GS, a Tilt2, and a Sony Xperia x1a that I use on my MediaNet $15 plan + $5 for 200 text message plan. I bought the Tilt 2 subsidized and even then didn't have to add the $30 plan.
Of course, it doesn't matter how many times this is stated there will still be the naysayers who will claim otherwise.
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They sent me a text saying, "I data plan is required and if omitted, one would be added." Got home and checked and my data plan was changed.
It DOES happen.

jlczl said:
I can't believe another one of these threads has popped up. No, they won't add a data plan without your consent. They will add it if they can twist your arm enough to say ok. If they add it without your consent there is plenty of precedent showing that they will remove it upon your insistence.
As for me, I have an iPhone 3GS, a Tilt2, and a Sony Xperia x1a that I use on my MediaNet $15 plan + $5 for 200 text message plan. I bought the Tilt 2 subsidized and even then didn't have to add the $30 plan.
Of course, it doesn't matter how many times this is stated there will still be the naysayers who will claim otherwise.
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Which is because exceptions don't disprove a rule.
I don't even doubt that some people have managed to talk their way out of the rule -- when I was tethering off my samsung a500 (on a different carrier) as a primary home internet connection on a $15 a month plan, they caught me, canceled, and I managed to get the right person on the phone and quickly got it reinstated and continued that use until I was done with that carrier.
Not everyone doing the same thing I did was so lucky, which is to say, just because I got around their policies doesn't mean the policies won't trap and damage users. And years later, carriers are far better equipped to detect violations and make changes without a human ever getting involved. Undoing their chicanery (they had a fair point in my case, but current policies are crap) is sometimes just a matter of luck, and sometimes is just impossible.
Telling people it might be possible to get around it, and how, is a nice piece of information. Telling people there is no valid concern when it's so clear there is one is irresponsible and harmful.
RojasTKD said:
Honestly not having a data plan really hampers having such a capable phone.
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That of course depends on intended usage. Not everyone is a twittering feed-reading emailaholic. Some people are database using, note taking, app-aholics who need a 24/7 connection about as much as they need a hole in their head. Most are inbetween, but with the ubiquity of wifi in many people's worlds, inbetween users can potentially cut their cell bill in half with little-to-no usage sacrifice.

No more unlimited data for AT&T!!

Okay, for those of you who haven't fired up your favorite tech-news site yet, AT&T announced that they are doing away with their $30/month unlimited data plan. Instead, we are going to have to pay $25/month for 2GB..... What the %^[email protected]?????? On average, do we consume more than 2GB/month of data on our Rhodiums? Between the browsing, streaming, and navigation programs I use, I'm not sure what my total data uses are. Please, someone calm me down and tell me that I'm going to be okay. ...yeah, but seriously, dang.........this sucks.......
*****UPDATE******
I called AT&T customer support and found out that they are not forcing existing customers off unlimited. You have until June, 7th to get the unlimited plan, after that it is gone forever! Like I said, if you have it now, you're still good.

I saw that this morning too, it's the final straw. When they go to change it I will tell them I've a Customer since 1995 (SWB Wireless) , and I will be changing carriers. I've been unhappy since the merger everything has gone down hill. Also I will inform them since they are violating the contract I signed up for, they shouldn't be charging a breach of contract fee, but even at that, if they do I will gladly pay the $250 and tell them to shove it up their USB port !

AT&T Plan
I read the release. This is only for new customers and current customer will not be forced to move to their new plans. I tried an iPhone earlier this year. If this new plan had been in place, AT&T wouldn't have even been a consideration for me.

Are you kidding me? Not only they are charging me twice now as I used to pay for the same internet because I have a "smart" phone but now they want to kill us with this ?
Time to look for a new carrier....

I have Unlimted Text & Internet for dumbphone on my Fuze (and now my Tmobile TP2) for 30/month (with 5GB cap). My tilt 2 is in the mail. Hopefully when I switch to my tilt 2 they wont add a data plan to my account...

As stated above this change ONLY applies to NEW contracts....if your currently on the unlimited data plan then this will NOT affect you I only hope they're going to use this time that they're trying to buy to improve their data speed and coverage.
My personal opnion is the problems they're having is from all the iphone and ipad sheeple choking down the network with the gazillions of stupid useless apps they're downloading with no clue as to what they do other than "billybob down the street said this is a good ap to have" meanwhile it's got their phone runing as a proxy server for billybob to exploit.

shaolin95 said:
Are you kidding me? Not only they are charging me twice now as I used to pay for the same internet because I have a "smart" phone but now they want to kill us with this ?
Time to look for a new carrier....
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I know, did the same when I switch from my tilt to the tilt2. Made me upgrade from old $15 unlimited data plan because "All new phone have to go to this." And now this? WT*?! I definitely will pay the money and go t-mobile and get the hd2 anyway else or verizon or sumthg.

I like how they keep screwing the customer and saying it's for the customer's benefit. AT&T is the new Verizon. Looks like it's time to start considering Sprint and T-Mobile now. AT&T is clearly down a path to screw customers while not improving service. They will continue to keep pulling these stunts until it's made very public and they are forced to get defensive about what they are doing.
f'ing bastards.

McHale said:
I like how they keep screwing the customer and saying it's for the customer's benefit. AT&T is the new Verizon. Looks like it's time to start considering Sprint and T-Mobile now. AT&T is clearly down a path to screw customers while not improving service. They will continue to keep pulling these stunts until it's made very public and they are forced to get defensive about what they are doing.
f'ing bastards.
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So I just read that if you still have the plan you are cool at least until you need to upgrade again, is that right?

I've been with them about 10 yrs now, and it seems that way. Alot less and charge you more while only worry bout Apple.

The rep that I spoke with on the phone said that they were doing this to satisfy the customers that did not want to pay the $30/month requirement for smartphones. They will have two rates $25/month for 2GB and $15/month for 220MB. This way, one could get a new phone and just pay the $15/month to have a nice, new smartphone. That's my theory anyway.

shaolin95 said:
So I just read that if you still have the plan you are cool at least until you need to upgrade again, is that right?
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If you read all of the info, and read AT&T's announcment it says that even at RENEWAL AND UPGRADE old users will be able to keep the unlimited. Also if you look at your account online, it will give you a chart for all of your internet usage since November 2009. You can see how much you use. Many will decide that unlimited is a waste and will "downgrade" to the 2 GB plan and save $5. Heck my wife loves the smart phone, but rarely uses any of the data features except a few emails... now she can get the $15 plan and save quite a bit each month.
Look at your usage, I would bet that you use much, much less than you think you do.
They also have a usage estimator. It is extremely difficult to hit 2 GB unless you a) stream (lots) of music or b) stream video. Normal net surfing and the occasional app download and tons of email fit very comfortably under the cap.
For me, I will be keeping my unlimited plan, but the wifes phone is definitely getting downgraded to the cheaper plan. Thank you AT&T.

boufa said:
If you read all of the info, and read AT&T's announcment it says that even at RENEWAL AND UPGRADE old users will be able to keep the unlimited. Also if you look at your account online, it will give you a chart for all of your internet usage since November 2009. You can see how much you use. Many will decide that unlimited is a waste and will "downgrade" to the 2 GB plan and save $5. Heck my wife loves the smart phone, but rarely uses any of the data features except a few emails... now she can get the $15 plan and save quite a bit each month.
Look at your usage, I would bet that you use much, much less than you think you do.
They also have a usage estimator. It is extremely difficult to hit 2 GB unless you a) stream (lots) of music or b) stream video. Normal net surfing and the occasional app download and tons of email fit very comfortably under the cap.
For me, I will be keeping my unlimited plan, but the wifes phone is definitely getting downgraded to the cheaper plan. Thank you AT&T.
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I stream video A LOT....going to work and coming back home I am normally watching some youtube old comedies like Unhappily ever after , etc so I may not be going with their lower rate plan.

dressanderc said:
The rep that I spoke with on the phone said that they were doing this to satisfy the customers that did not want to pay the $30/month requirement for smartphones. They will have two rates $25/month for 2GB and $15/month for 220MB. This way, one could get a new phone and just pay the $15/month to have a nice, new smartphone. That's my theory anyway.
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which is a bull**** answer because if that were the case, they'd keep the unlimited option and add these to their portfolio.
It has been confirmed that you can keep your unlimited plan but that's until you upgrade your phone or your minute plan. This has always been the case.
F'n greedy ignorant bastards.
-Mc

boufa said:
If you read all of the info, and read AT&T's announcment it says that even at RENEWAL AND UPGRADE old users will be able to keep the unlimited.
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I just renewed my family's 2-year contracts with unlimited data on 3 devices.
From the quote above, after my two year contacts expire, I can do an equipment upgrade and still keep my unlimited data plans. Is that correct?
By the time my 2-year contracts expires, I'm sure there will be alot of changes and other options to consider. Other carriers may be offering iPhones by then (for my wife and son), and I really don't like the direction that Windows Moble is going right now.
For me, a different carrier and a different device may be in order at the end of my current contract.
boufa said:
For me, I will be keeping my unlimited plan, but the wifes phone is definitely getting downgraded to the cheaper plan. Thank you AT&T.
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I thought about this a well. I checked my family's data usage.
My son uses a over a gigabyte of data a month on his iPhone.
I come in at just under a gigabyte on my Tilt2, but only because I'm more diligent about using WiFi or other data connections instead of 3G whenever possible.
My wife, on the other hand, averages about 150 to 200Kilobytes per month on her iPhone... which is the threshold for the new basic data plan.
So, will I be switch her to the cheaper plan? Probably not, considering that she has only had her iPhone for a couple of months. Chances are her data usage will only grow as she discovers better and more efficient ways to use her phone.

dressanderc said:
The rep that I spoke with on the phone said that they were doing this to satisfy the customers that did not want to pay the $30/month requirement for smartphones. They will have two rates $25/month for 2GB and $15/month for 220MB. This way, one could get a new phone and just pay the $15/month to have a nice, new smartphone. That's my theory anyway.
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No, they are doing it because they don't have enough network capacity for all the smartphones they have sold. They are trying to keep people from using the bandwidth by making it expensive.
AT&T has been in a lot of hot water because their service has suffered due to their being the only network that offers the IPhone. From what I read, San Francisco and New York are having major problems with bandwidth.

Verizon started charging 9.95 a month for each smart phone. for a limited amount of data. They only have 4 phones that don't get charged that. We switched from Verizon because it would have cost me an extra 30 a month for my 3 kids who dont even go on the internet to have a decent phone to text. Maybe they are all going this route

if they're trying to save bandwidth, then maybe forcing data plans on people wasn't such a smart idea.
Those idiots can't have it both ways as hard as they lie... I mean TRY.
F'n AT&T morons.

McHale said:
I like how they keep screwing the customer and saying it's for the customer's benefit. AT&T is the new Verizon. Looks like it's time to start considering Sprint and T-Mobile now. AT&T is clearly down a path to screw customers while not improving service. They will continue to keep pulling these stunts until it's made very public and they are forced to get defensive about what they are doing.
f'ing bastards.
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McHale said:
which is a bull**** answer because if that were the case, they'd keep the unlimited option and add these to their portfolio.
It has been confirmed that you can keep your unlimited plan but that's until you upgrade your phone or your minute plan. This has always been the case.
F'n greedy ignorant bastards.
-Mc
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McHale said:
if they're trying to save bandwidth, then maybe forcing data plans on people wasn't such a smart idea.
hose idiots can't have it both ways as hard as they lie... I mean TRY.
F'n AT&T morons.
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I don't believe that McHale likes AT&T that much

Does this mean I can get out of my 2yr contract w/o any ETF?!
I feel like I could argue with AT&T to get out of it w/o any fees...

[Q] Verizon service without data?

I want someone in my family to have data on their phone, so I want to cancel my data to balance out the bill. Im mostly in wifi anyways, and only need voice and text. So, is there a way to do this, or is this only possible on other carriers?

If your line is activated with Verizon, they require you to have a data plan. Otherwise, it would make too much sense and not enough money for Verizon.

To my knowledge nearly all carriers are requiring data on Android phones (as well as most other smartphones,) not just VZW. It's best they do this because the majority of smart phone users aren't smart enough to not have things updating (like email) all the time which would cause ridiculous overages on their bills and frustrating calls to customer care. (This is not a dig at you at all. Just a very generalized statement.) Also, the subsidy amount on smartphones is a lot higher than basic phones, they have to make up for this fact some how.
On a side note, if you are going to complain about price then Verizon is the wrong carrier for you! They definitely don't build their plans around counting pennies to say the least. Lol.
Sent from my Dinc 2.

cstone1991 said:
It's best they do this because the majority of smart phone users aren't smart enough to not have things updating (like email) all the time which would cause ridiculous overages on their bills and frustrating calls to customer care.
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They can provide phone-only service without any data, they just don't want to. It would be perfectly reasonable for someone to want to use a smart-phone as a phone only on the cellular network, and then use all the data capabilities over wifi only. I'm sure it all comes down to carriers wanting to make the money on the data plan.

ChrisDDD said:
They can provide phone-only service without any data, they just don't want to. It would be perfectly reasonable for someone to want to use a smart-phone as a phone only on the cellular network, and then use all the data capabilities over wifi only. I'm sure it all comes down to carriers wanting to make the money on the data plan.
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Sure, its possible for them to do it... But if you want a smartphone without data you would have to pay retail for the phone because as I said earlier, "...the subsidy amount on smartphones is a lot higher than basic phones, they have to make up for this fact some how." If you are doing that you might as well go with prepay and get a cheaper plan. Most prepay carriers don't care if you have data on your smart phone.
I do agree that a big part of it is probably that they want to make money on the data plan also. The way plans are shifting currently I would be surprised if you can get a plan without data in a few years.
To me the best solution for all is just to offer flexible data plans so that users who don't want to use data can pick a minimal plan and the carrier can still make some money off the data plan. I can understand wanting a smartphone without the data charge but carriers are there to make money just like any other business.
Sent from my Dinc 2.

cstone1991 said:
Sure, its possible for them to do it... But if you want a smartphone without data you would have to pay retail for the phone because as I said earlier, "...the subsidy amount on smartphones is a lot higher than basic phones, they have to make up for this fact some how."
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I completely understand and agree that carriers would require a data plan so long as they're subsidizing the cost of a phone. But once the phone is paid for, a data plan should no longer be required.
For example, my father would happily pay for a calling-only plan using my old iPhone 3G. He has no use for data away from home or where WiFi isn't available and so won't spend the extra $30 a month plus taxes for something he will never use. The phone is long since paid for and the carrier (AT&T in this case) would loose nothing by providing a plan without data.

I used my old Apache PPC as a phone only for a couple years, data only over wifi. I loved that setup. I was quite upset when they required me to purchase a data plan to upgrade to a VZW touchpro. The only way I think to do this now would be to clone ESN off a dumb phone.

Looking for new carrier, any help?

Hey guys. I was with T-mobile for a while but after they started throttling me aI switched to Sprint and got an Evo 3D. I'm sick of sprint now, but NEED Unlimited data because this is what I use for my home internet. Would anyone know of any good, cheap month-to-month GSM carriers that fit this discription? HSPA+ connectivity would be awesome too if that exists.
Can't wait to get back on the Nexus train!
Edit* for durp

There are no month-to-month options that give you unlimited data without throttling.
The only possible option is signing contract on Verizon and tricking them into giving you unlimited data. At that point you can just buy cable high speed at home and a month to month cell plan for much less... and you never have to worry about anything.
Get a home ISP. For God's sake people, these wireless plans are not meant to be exploited as home network solutions. Unless you're an extremely light home user that'll only use 10-15gb between both the phone and home, you need to just pay for cable high speed...

Most carriers don't give unlimited data anymore. If that is a priority, you could see if Verizon/AT&T and/or T-Mobile give unlimited data for business users, and see if you could sign up as a business user.
And martonikaj is right, if you use 10s or 100s of GBs per month at home, better to get a landline internet option. That itself will save you money.

And for the few ones that claim to have unlimited data, the data coverage is ****ty. What's the point of having 'unlimited' when you have no data most of the time?

I'm sorry to say but everyone is right. Go buy home internet. Quit being el cheapo.
Its people like you that require cell providers to throttle, remove unlimited plans , and "optimize networks"
If you used the cell phone as designed and as intended as a mobile device not home internet you'd be fine
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

nowhereman1223 said:
Quit being el cheapo.
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That's classic.

I already pay for one Internet bill. I'm not paying for two. I do almost everything from my Mobile and I've done it this way for the last 5 years. And I'll continue to do it this way, thank you all very much.
Mobile phone's aren't dumb phones anymore, they are full on computers. Stop acting like it's 1999.
It's my fault that AT&T continues to waste cash on failed mergers or rebranding efforts? That Sprint bet on the wrong wireless standard? That T-Mobile was cheap and didn't want the iPhone when they had multiple chances to grab one and as a direct consequence it stunted their growth and with the continual loss of subscribers will eventually finish their company? It's my fault that companies couldn't look five years down the road and see a hint of the future? It's literally right there in the palm of your hand. It's my fault for signing a contract to use "unlimited" data when it was offered and offered gratefully? I even got a thank you when I re-signed. Twice.
The future is MOBILE, gentlemen. I just embrace it and use my iPhone, Galaxy Nexus, N9 and Lumia 800 the way it was designed and meant to be used as my central communications tool. Voice, text and data all working together without limits.

Quit making excuses for being cheap
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

bmstrong said:
I already pay for one Internet bill. I'm not paying for two. I do almost everything from my Mobile and I've done it this way for the last 5 years. And I'll continue to do it this way, thank you all very much.
Mobile phone's aren't dumb phones anymore, they are full on computers. Stop acting like it's 1999.
It's my fault that AT&T continues to waste cash on failed mergers or rebranding efforts? That Sprint bet on the wrong wireless standard? That T-Mobile was cheap and didn't want the iPhone when they had multiple chances to grab one and as a direct consequence it stunted their growth and with the continual loss of subscribers will eventually finish their company? It's my fault that companies couldn't look five years down the road and see a hint of the future? It's literally right there in the palm of your hand. It's my fault for signing a contract to use "unlimited" data when it was offered and offered gratefully? I even got a thank you when I re-signed. Twice.
The future is MOBILE, gentlemen. I just embrace it and use my iPhone, Galaxy Nexus, N9 and Lumia 800 the way it was designed and meant to be used as my central communications tool. Voice, text and data all working together without limits.
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That's cool and all, but these phones aren't meant to be home routers for regular home internet use on multiple computers and devices. People really need to just buy a modem and pay for home internet. Having just a smartphone for their only data may be practical for some people but its nowhere near efficient (cost or hassle wise) for most. As I said earlier, its cheaper to get a prepaid plan for your cell phone and a home cable connection with no data cap than it is to pay Verizon or AT&T monthly for just cell service.
Cell companies don't offer unlimited data anymore because they don't need people taking their phones and burning 150gb a month on 3G/4G. That's just not where the industry is right now. And you're crazy if you think that unlimited data on phones will be coming back any time soon.

To the poster who said "everything should be mobile", I can only say that there's a fixed amount of spectrum that very large and powerful companies and the very large and powerful government in the US is fighting over. There's only so much data that can be transmitted on that spectrum. Therefore you will have limits on mobile. Even with LTE, the engineers are getting very close to maxing out what they can transmit over mobile. Now of course they can get more by sticking a cell on everything, but that is going to take a while.
All in all, if you use more than 10 GB you should use a wireline connection that has the bandwidth capability to feed high bandwidth uses over a long time frame.