I had data plans on VZW for 20 months (I had a optional data plan on the Q and the mandated plan on the BlackBerry). I didn't mind paying for it since I was using it a lot. However, as time wore on, I was using the data less but I was stuck with the $24/month fee. Then, it hit me! I downgraded phones (since I couldn't kill the BB data) with the early/annual upgrade program. I eventually got an unlocked and unbranded Nokia E63 and placed a AT&T PAYG SIM in it. Although I only get 100 MB for $20 (lasting for 30 days), it is enough for my light usage. I just carry over my remaining data by buying 1MB for $5. Lousy proposition, but it works
Verizon does have a mandated data plan for their most recent smartphones, all BlackBerry phones, and the dumbphone Samsung Rogue; however, it is optional for smartphones that launched before November 18, 2008. VZW does sell 2 older smartphones that don't require the unlimited data plan: the Touch XV6900 and the SMT5800. Users of those phones can select a pay per KB option or call in to block data.