Data Plan mandatory, wtf?!

[n8236]

I purchased two Windows 7 phones for mom/pop from eBay (w/o contract) and AT&T is requiring them to have data plans on them. The rep says, if it's a smart-phone, it requires data. Simple as that.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get around this? It's absurd they're requiring data on it when my folks don't use 1 bit. I have data turned off on both phones.

 

[r.j.s]

There is no way around it - they will add the plan.

 

[MacDawg]

This is pretty standard across all major carriers, at least in the US
Not sure why it would be a surprise

 

[n8236]

It is a bit of a surprise. Just the lack of option to opt out of data is a bit shocking. I know AT&T wants $, but some people just don't use data...

My folks don't nor know how to. I would assume some older generation peeps wouldn't either.

I have now switched that line to a pay-per-data-use plan. It's not perfect, but that'll have to do...

 

[TJ61]

I guess I would have been surprised, too. I fully understand and expect it when you buy a subsidized phone from a carrier, but I didn't think it necessarily applied when you bring your own phone. Certainly the carrier's logic of "we have to make back our money somehow" does not apply.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Prime85]

When i had AT&T i put my sim in a non-smart phone and activated it. Then i put it in my 3GS and i didnt have data.

obviously this is a long time ago when the 3gs first came out so i dont know if it will still work.