<p>is that possible? Okay, I get to upgrade my phone next month. First time in forever as I usually end up giving one of the kids my upgrade. I’ve heard about people using smart phones with wi-fi, either in the home or free wi-fi spots. If that’s the case, I really don’t want to pay $30 a month for a data plan. I’m cheap! I look at things in terms of needs, wants and desires … and it usually takes a lot for me to move to the need category. LOL All I really need is phone and texting … I desire other options. Could someone please explain this to me. Do I have to purchase a data plan? </p>
<p>My D had a Blackberry with ATT. We did not have to purchase the data plan. She used it mainly for texting.
Don’t feel bad. I have been eligible for a new phone for a year now. I can’t decide what I want or need. I also just talk and text but do enjoy my H’s IPhone.</p>
<p>Most smart phones that I have looked into require you to get a data plan, but I am on T-Mobile, so I don’t know if the same is true for AT&T.</p>
<p>I would like to make a suggestion. Get a really basic phone with QWERT keyboard and use the money that you save to buy an iTouch. It connects to WiFi, and there are no monthly plans. There is no phone function, but you will be able to access the internet (excellent browser), email, apps, etc. over WiFi, and you can use your really basic phone just for calling/texting.</p>
<p>Mom60, I just looked at the ATT website, and it says under every smart phone that it requires a data plan. Did your daughter get her phone a while ago? They may have changed their policy.</p>
<p>zebes, I wanted the same thing on AT&T and everything had a data plan requirement. I’m eligible for an iphone upgrade for $100 , just didn’t want that extra $30 a month. I found a HTC Tilt on a local craigslist for $125 and I’m using it until I just can’t stand it anymore. It’s great for wifi web-surfing and the sound quality is much better than the cheapo phone it replaced but dang, it’s hard to dial without using that stylus. In fact, for me…it’s impossible. It also weighs about…54 lbs. ;)</p>
<p>Post #3 is a good idea. That was my plan B. I just couldn’t find a used ipod touch for $125 and didn’t need/want nor care about the greater music capability.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’ve been thinking of just getting a free phone w/ my upgrade, one that will allow texting and going the Ipod touch route, as i have a very old MP3 player. But then someone was telling me about “unlocked phones” that you could get at Amazon and how you don’t need data plans with these smart phones. Just wasn’t sure how that worked and if anyone had attempted it. </p>
<p>My son had a “spare” unlocked Android phone which he gave to my daughter. We have a family AT&T plan - her phone was a $10 line, and I was not about to pay any more for that. She just transfered her old Sim card into the new phone, and it works great as a smart phone any place where there’s a hot spot. You can still use it as a normal phone for calling/texting everywhere else.
I am sure that the new unlocked Nexus One will do the same, but it is pretty expensive.</p>
<p>I have an ATT family plan and I didn’t want to get a data plan but did want a full keyboard. I looked at phones for 6 months then finally got…the new Blackberry 9700 Bold with the data plan. I love it. I never thought I would use it but I am and now I am so glad that I sprung for both the phone and the plan. Best Buy has the phone for 99$ (and you don’t need to fill out any rebate forms). Best thing about Best Buy, the guy who sold me the phone spent about 40 minutes with me teaching me how to use the phone, programing in my numbers and customizing it to my needs. I am a fan of the Blackberry 9700 bold AND Best Buy!</p>
<p>My D got her blackberry 18 months ago. I did notice last time I looked that many of the phones require data or text plans but I think for all the phones aside from the iphone you can cancel the data at anytime.</p>
<p>I was in the market for one new phone - we have three on family plan for ATT. I was going to just kick myself if one of you found a smart phone without a data plan on their website. I was desperate (mine was no longer working) so I finally bought a simple LG. As I said on another thread, I just hate the mounting monthly fees. I am trying to whittle down ALL monthly expenses.</p>
<p>With the exception of the Iphone, it is my understanding (at least as of 3 months ago or so) you could get a blackberry without the data plan, you just pay full price (or less discounted price) for the phone.</p>
<p>You can also buy an unlocked phone off ebay or craigslist and stick your sim card into it.</p>
<p>Looks like the unlocked phones are the way to go if I don’t want to deal with a data plan, don’t want to carry around a cell phone and and Ipod, and want wi-fi access. Thanks everyone for their response.</p>
<p>Oh, lastminutemom196 … according to CNET, ATT in Aug 2009 began requiring all new smart phone users or new upgrades to have a data plan. You could grandfather in if you already had a smartphone, but you can’t upgrade to a new one w/o being forced to use the data plan. </p>