I'm not sure if this is a mistake on AT&T's part or not, but the option to remove your iPhone data plan is now available. Previously, this was something you could not change.
Benefits do doing something like this is that you wouldn't pay $20 (or more) for data if you don't enjoy EDGE or use it sparsely. Also, some refrain from using it because of the slow speeds.
This wouldn't be great for someone who checks the weather on the go, or doesn't use WiFi a lot.
So, if you just hate EDGE and have always wanted to get rid of it, now you can. Just go to your AT&T myAccount page and click "Add/Manage Features".
Also, a note: this will additionally remove text messaging, you should add a text messaging plan if you don't want to pay by the message.
Update: Something else I forgot to mention is that you will no longer have access to Visual Voicemail if data is removed. You'll have to call for voicemail just like any other phone.
December 23, 2009
#1
I just bought a new 3GS today – and in ALL (and EVERY) “contract” I got , AT&T says I MUST have a data plan —
And, it even goes as far to say, if they “find out” that I do not have one, not only will they ADD ONE BACK IN, but they will retro the charges….
This of course is not a jailbroken phone…. nor do I intend to –
As a regular Cell Phone – iPhones SUCK — so I don’t get why you all are dumping all the goodness (apps, maps, GPS, mail, etc) just to have a regular phone??
Like my old man always said, if you can’t afford it – don’t buy it….
December 26, 2009
#2
How do you get past Itunes, or does the jailbreak get you through that??? without regustering with ATT….
January 1, 2010
#3
Hi Falcon,
If you have been following the development of iPod’s, you would know that the iPhone was intended to be the iPod of the future. You can’t really compare an iPod to a cellphone. For example, a Nokia N73 is a Cellphone with a (limited) feature of playing music, but an iPhone is a WiFi enabled music player with a (limited) feature of taking calls.
I know several people who rarely use their data plan, because WiFi is faster and more responsive. I also have friends who don’t have a data plan at all and they are happy with their iPhones. If you had WiFi at home, school, work, library, and most other places you go, would you pay extra for spotty or limited internet in your phone?
To answer your question, all the goodness (apps, internet, etc) still work in a WiFi zone. We would like to dump GPRS not to have a regular phone, but to have a more affordable and practical iPod without the need to carry a cell-phone.
This message was meant to be informative and not offensive. I hope I was able to help clear things up. My opinions and views do not represent the opinions of all iPhone shoppers and owners.
January 26, 2010
#4
John, I am with you, but still dont know if i HAVE to have data plan?
January 26, 2010
#5
Do I need the iphone data plan if i already have an unlimited data plan for my phone? I mean its 59.99.
February 5, 2010
#6
ATT edge network doesnt have enough bandwith to support all the iphones as is.
February 8, 2010
#7
so i know this may be a dumb question i thought since this is the only page i can find with comments actually recent to this year lol
i have an origional iphone from a friend i currently own a samsung solstice with unlimited texted and the family plan calling blah blah blah i do not have a data plan on the samsung because i dont need internet i own a ipod at home with Wi Fi i was wondering if and how i would manage to 1. Activate the iphone 2. use it as a phone without the data plan and 3. would it charge me just for activating an iphone on my itunes computer? please reply soon thanks in advance to anyone willing to help
March 26, 2010
#8
ok so i heard there was another way to avoid paying the data plan, jailbreaking it, i have a 3g and i no if u jailbreak it u void the warranty, but if i pay 30 or 40 a month for it like att and apple want me to thats over 350 a year, i f i break the phone i could get another one for the same price from ebay or something, but if i do jailbreak it will i not have to pay the monthly fee?? ps i have not registered my iphone yet, att does not no i have it.
March 31, 2010
#9
Do you need a data plan can’t I just buy the iPhone for 100 and work like my old phone?
April 2, 2010
#10
Here is an excerpt from AT&T’s Terms and Conditions, that will set some of these rumors straight…
Data Plans: An eligible data plan is required for certain devices, including iPhones and other designated smartphones. Eligible data plans cover data usage in the U.S. and do not cover international data usage and charges. If it is determined that you are using an iPhone or other designated smartphone without an eligible data plan, AT&T reserves the right to add an eligible data plan to your account and bill you the appropriate monthly fee.
For information, the carrier can always detect what kind of phone their SIM card is installed in.
April 4, 2010
#11
I have the same story but this what happaned. I have nokia e90 the damnthing stopped working on me but I have unlimited data w it. 1500 text and 10$ data which is btw 3g.
They just started seeing iPhone becuz of the imei, they also sent me texts about that I need to change the plan. I don’t want I’m fine w paying 10$!instead of 30 or 40.
April 8, 2010
#12
I was about to do the same because I don’t need the data and then a mate downloaded an app which gives me freecalls on a VPN though my 3G or wifi.
I’ve not gone a month yet but money wise I’m saving well beyond my costs for data.
Get to call my ma in the UK for free coz she’s got the app too! Not recommending it until I see my final phone bill but so far so good.