Using iPhone 3GS as a "dumbphone" on AT&T

[eyeseeyou]

I'd like to use a 3GS as a dumbphone, no data connection, on my family plan.

Can this be done? Any input?

 

[Sedrick]

I've got my son trying the same thing. Everyone says ATT will eventually detect the phone and sign you up for the $15 data plan. Could be days, weeks, or months..

Turn all data off in settings and rely on WiFi.

 

[Jordan921]

It can but once At&t detects the phone on your account they will force a data plan on you.

 

[vitzr]

Cannot be done. Just read terms of service clearly stated on their site.

 

[Ashin]

How could they force you to get a data plan if you don't use data?

Only in America I guess

 

[Munkypoo7]

How could they force you to get a data plan if you don't use data?

Only in America I guess

Maybe it was in the 50 some page User Agreement no one really reads and just signs off to get their phone? Only in America... such simpleminded-ness is cute

Anyways, as many have said eyeseeyou, you can't use the phone without the high probability of ATT noticing and tacking you with a $15 a month data plan.

To my knowledge, the only two things you can do is either one, use it as a full fledged iPhone with data costs and the whole package, or two, essentially turn it into an iPod Touch by hacktivating and removing the sim card [which obviously means absolutely zero possibility to make calls].

 

[eyeseeyou]

The sales rep also said this can be done. Just wanted to see if anyone was successful.

The "dumbphone" plan is $9.99 and it's for my 9 year old. Just figured it it would be nice for her to have all the apps, specifically a gps app, but no data fees.

Thanks.

 

[wordoflife]

It really depends on the account. It can be done, but it rarely works.
It's not going to work on a new account. Only old accounts that were upgraded to smartphones without a data plan (when AT&T didn't require them) and haven't been upgraded since.

 

[forcetactic]

Even though it most likely won't work for a long time, feel free to try it. Worst case scenario is you'll be charged $0.66 for 1 days worth of data