Is that iPhone 3G jailbroken and hacktivated, or did you use iTunes, start the data plan, then call to get it shut off? This is the first I've read online of anyone being able to do that.
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The BS about "smartphones requires a data plan"
- Thread starter BeyondtheTech
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Is that iPhone 3G jailbroken and hacktivated, or did you use iTunes, start the data plan, then call to get it shut off? This is the first I've read online of anyone being able to do that.
not if you pay full price for the iPhone...if you buy it for full retail you can have AT&T block data usage
That would be a nice option. Too bad AT&T doesn't allow it.
I agree, AT&T imposing this seems like an unrealistic requirement. People should be able to go WiFi only if they choose to. Perhaps the get a lower subsidy...but it should still be an option.
I disagree with you. You are just thinking everything as a consumer perspective. As a business side, it just doesn't make sense. AT&T pays at least 400-500 dollars to apple on each iphone they sell. They have to find a way to make the money back. For AT&T, Data plan is likely the perfect way to recoup the costs. In business perspective, I would side with AT&T. You are not speaking for a minority, but you are just too focused on customer's perspective. AT&T and other carriers want to offer a great service, but they are in this for a money.
If you so desire that you do not want to have data plan, then don't have one. There is a way like those people you just mentioned. However, there is a chance that AT&T will find out about it and put the data plan on your account. Other people who use iphone 2G, 3G and 3GS without data are taking a risk, but they are people who use very minimum data. (or always use data when wi-fi is nearby)
just call them and ask....my justification for blocking my son's data was that he wasn't under contract and I was concerned he would have access to inaporopriate material on the internet...the down side is that my son's iPhone (my old 3G) won't connect to AT&T wifi hot spots for free
I am doing this right now with iphone 3G, but I won't be doing it on my iphone 4 because I really want data plan now.
Agreed, but they could lower the subsidy for those not using data. Fair trade.
That's great that it's working for you, but can you show us in writing anywhere that AT&T allows this? Alternately, the verbage re: data plans on an iPhone says nothing about only if you are in contract.
I hear people say this but then AT&T can automatically switch your data on if they know you're on a smartphone on their network. It's a hit or miss plan.
But I agree with the OP. Of course, AT&T couldn't sell you the phone as cheap as they can without a data plan, but I'd still pay $399.99 for a no-data required iPhone.
However, with this new $15.00 data plan, it seems easier to jusifty the requirement of data. Yes, $15.00 is a complete rip-off but for people who are immersed in WiFi daily, its a better price to pay than the previous $30.00 data plan.
I just don't get how an 32GB iPod touch sells for $299.99 yet a 16GB iPhone 3GS sells for $599.99 (retail). I can't seem to grasp how antennas and less HD space is near $300.00. A non-commitment iPhone should be $499.99 at the most.
I doubt most people will go for lower subsidy. Most people are so concerned about what they have to pay up front rather than what they have to pay over periods of time. That's why we are in this financial trouble.
Fair yes? Best idea, no.
Doesn't matter. They should offer an option of some sort that allows for no data.
AFAIK, only AT&T. But my experience is limited.
Yes, even unlocked phones. The phone has nothing to do w/ it. They just check to see if the IMEI matches an iPhone.
AT&T is like a magic lamp...just rub it three times and your wish will be fulfilled...
First Rub= Customer Service Rep
Second Rub= Customer Service Manager
Third Rub= Customer Retention
I have found that if I remain calm and clearly make reasonable requests I get what I want...I've had overage charges removed and contracts modified (without penalty)...I was even able to get two months worth of past due charges paid with a post dated check by phone without interruption in service (the check was post dated by about a month)
First Rub= Customer Service Rep
Second Rub= Customer Service Manager
Third Rub= Customer Retention
I have found that if I remain calm and clearly make reasonable requests I get what I want...I've had overage charges removed and contracts modified (without penalty)...I was even able to get two months worth of past due charges paid with a post dated check by phone without interruption in service (the check was post dated by about a month)
I happen to agree with you on this. I'll be upgrading to the new iphone and my other one will be dead. I'll use it as a ipod I guess. My wife could care less about connecting to the internet while she's on the road but she likes the iphone just for the apps that I have on it and for the ipod. Why can't I take her sim card out of her phone that's not a smart phone and put it in my old 3GS and have her use it as a phone with apps that will work on wifi too? I'm just not sure how this all works I guess but it would be nice to op out of a data plan just like a wifi only ipad.
I couldn't agree more
The policy sucks. Everyone's use case is different. If you buy an unlocked iphone from another country, pay for the full cost upfront, or buy a used ATT phone from ebay then a data plan shouldn't be imposed.
There seems to be varied experiences with ATT from members of this thread. Some say its possible to request turning of data others say its not. The bottom line: ATT imposes a data plan policy and you should be able to opt out or meet certian requirements to opt out. Seems like some of you have been luck enough to talk to the right person at ATT to get out of a data plan.
The policy sucks. Everyone's use case is different. If you buy an unlocked iphone from another country, pay for the full cost upfront, or buy a used ATT phone from ebay then a data plan shouldn't be imposed.
There seems to be varied experiences with ATT from members of this thread. Some say its possible to request turning of data others say its not. The bottom line: ATT imposes a data plan policy and you should be able to opt out or meet certian requirements to opt out. Seems like some of you have been luck enough to talk to the right person at ATT to get out of a data plan.
Incorrect, I have a Belgium not locked not jail broken iPhone that has not any plan, neither voice nor data. I took a kpn voice and data plan for it, but just a sim only. Works like magic. Just don't ask for the price of the phone. But I used to pay €120 a month and now I'm down to 35 a month. That saves quite some money.
no I can not show you in writing, but if you are out of contract you can call them and request the same accomodation...one of the college students I teach has their data turned off as well... but as I said earlier they can only use our school's wifi or wifi at their home because AT&T's hot spots aren't free once you eliminate your data plan
Sure, from the perspective of AT&T I'd charge everything I could. I'd reach into your bank account and take your last dime. But that doesn't mean it's right. And that doesn't mean it shouldn't be forced to change (they have a monopoly on the iPhone.) Consumers occasionally need protection from predatory business practices. I'm not the litigious type, but even I see an issue here.
He's specifcally talking about AT&T, not the carrier you're referring to.
I can't honestly answer this question.
Okay well figure that the 3G antenna is $130 like on the iPad. So that makes it $430. GPS chipset, camera, bigger speaker, mic, compass and more. It adds up, but of course Apple is making a great profit on each device. They could say it is 899/999 retail, still won't stop people from buying it.
I think whats even more crazy is forcing you to get a voice plan with a smart phone and data plan. What if you dont want to use your smart phone to make phone calls, as we all know we have other ways to communicate via our smart phone.