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Mandatory Smartphone Data Plans Seem Hypocritical
If paying for what you use 'is only fair,' why $30 mandatory data plans?

Sure, heavy wireless broadband users might call it pure madness, but there are some smartphone users out there who like to ditch the 3G data plan and simply use free Wi-Fi when it's available. To stop this utter insanity (well ok, to further bloat already plump revenues), Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and AT&T have decided to make $30 data plans for smart phones mandatory. AT&T only recently joined this party. The Consumerist noting how AT&T's deadline for ditching your 3G plan has been extended to October 31, but you'll need the following:

quote:
• You must have added data service before September 6th. Obvious.

• After making the change, you must have all data service shut off for your smartphone.

• No more a la carte options, kids. If you want pay-per-use data on a smartphone, you need to build a time machine and travel back to September 6th.

• iPhones aren't eligible.


Again, granted: most smartphone users prefer having uniform 3G access wherever they travel. But some wacky users simply wanted to save at least $30 a month. Taking that option away from consumers must be the kind of wireless industry pro-consumer awesomeness executives speak of so frequently. Here we have customers not only being forced to sign up for a 3G plan, but they're not even being allowed to only pay for what they use.

It's important that you notice something here. AT&T, like all mega-carriers, proclaims to love per-byte billing -- and consistently talks about how charging consumers only for the bandwidth they use is the fair thing to do. Yet here you have AT&T preventing light data users from actually paying a reasonable price for what they use (namely, little to no bandwidth). That's because the industry's version of metered billing has nothing to do with fairness.

In a pure and fair per-byte billing model, you'd have the heaviest users paying more for bandwidth, and the lightest users frequently paying virtually nothing. The problem? Light users make up the vast majority of most ISP's consumers, making it an unattractive business model for companies used to making billions from services like SMS that cost virtually nothing to provide. AT&T would still probably be profitable under a pure per byte model with reasonable per GB overages. Just not profitable enough for the company's investors.

In reality, the industry's ideal version of per-byte "fairness" involves charging millions of users for more than their fair share, and socking heavy users with steep overages. Carriers get to have their cake and eat it too, essentially pushing for prices that are higher than under the existing flat rate pricing model, while doing it under the pretense of "fairness." Keep mandatory $30 smartphone data plans in mind the next time you hear an incumbent ISP executive proudly proclaim that paying for what you use "is only fair."
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divefox
join:2005-08-15
Huntsville, AL

divefox

Member

Those fellas at the freakin' FCC

I hope the FCC shoves their foot up AT&T's rear end. "Pick one: Net Neutrality or Fair Billing."

Hah, not in this lifetime.

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

1 edit

longstreet

Member

hmm

Well, in light of this, I suggest those people that take issue with this decision find another carrier.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: hmm

Verizon requires data plans on anything but dumb-phones now. Sprint requires a data plan on thier smartphones. T-Mobile requires a data plan on smartphones.

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

longstreet

Member

Re: hmm

You can find a smaller carrier that doesn't force the data option, or you can get a different phone.

iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: hmm

I need a national carrier (school is 900 mi away from home) and want a carrier that has a decent network.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: hmm

There are a couple of logical pieces that nobody has mentioned.

1. You can use an old 'dumb phone' (or purchase a gophone, etc). And use it

2. When you want to use data, add standard 'data', and use your PDA phone again.

There is no 'contract' on data, and you can easily swap out phones.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: hmm

If you're on CDMA though, the carrier can disallow an ESN swap unless a plan is changed to that supports data for that particular device. On Sprint that means an Everything or Everything Data family plan. It's not the contract that bothers me, it's switching plans from the one I have now.

Yes, I'm on SERO, but I'd be willing to pay full price for a Samsung Moment if I could get it on my plan. By full price I mean $450...I'd still be saving money vs. giving up my plan and paying $180 for the device upfront.

I know some people may not share my feelings, but I feel that if someone buys their phone outright (no subsidy) they should be able to use it on whatever plan they want, though the carrier can reserve the right to say "you can't do that" when a user attempts to use a non-smartphone data package to power a smartphone.

The thing is, my $30 SERO plan has full data. I know this because it's powering my HTC Touch Pro right now. Just can't get an Anroid phone as far as I can tell...I have to upgrade my plan otherwise and there's no going back.

What's really funny is if I switch plans to an Everything plan, at $60 per month after a 15% discount from my school, Sprint is at that point obligated to let me upgrade at new customer price to a new phone each year, rather than every two years. At that point I'll be paying only $20 per month more than I am right now, so they aren't really getting any more profit than my po-dunk SERO plan, especially if I was willing to forego my upgrade credit to keep my plan (I am).

Telco_Tech
join:2009-05-18
Toledo, OH

Telco_Tech

Member

Re: hmm

said by iansltx:

The thing is, my $30 SERO plan has full data. I know this because it's powering my HTC Touch Pro right now. Just can't get an Anroid phone as far as I can tell...I have to upgrade my plan otherwise and there's no going back.
I feel ya amigo. I recently let go of my SERO plan which was up for renewal because no decent phones are going to be allowed on that plan anymore - the Touch Pro2 was the last, and that phone was a huge letdown in my humble opinion (returned mine within two days). Yes, I'm paying double what I was with my beloved SERO plan, but at least Sprint made the transition easier by instituting the "Any Mobile, Anytime" perk for free, and Sprint Navigation has also been much more useful than I thought it'd be. So, I get those two features plus the ability to run any phone I want now, and I'm STILL saving a fortune compared to the schmucks that throw their money away on AT&T and VZ.

Just saying, you can either have SERO and hold on to your aging Touch Pro, or you can pony up the extra cash and have cool new phones - you can't have both.

- Tate
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: hmm

Unfortunately true. I have SprintNav right now, hence the fac that i'd only be paying $20 more for service.

meister_sd
Premium Member
join:2006-01-29
La Mesa, CA

meister_sd to Telco_Tech

Premium Member

to Telco_Tech
Now you know why people what to clone their ESN to other phones.

djrobx
Premium Member
join:2000-05-31
Reno, NV

1 edit

djrobx to en102

Premium Member

to en102
said by en102:

There are a couple of logical pieces that nobody has mentioned.

1. You can use an old 'dumb phone' (or purchase a gophone, etc). And use it

2. When you want to use data, add standard 'data', and use your PDA phone again.

There is no 'contract' on data, and you can easily swap out phones.
What AT&T has become good at is associating the type of phone you have by IMEI. I think they perfected this process to ensure iPhone 3G users pay $30 instead of $20 for data. If you have the "wrong" data plan they text nag you and automatically add the "correct" data plan.

They can very easily do the same for other types of phones. Check the AT&T customer website after you insert your SIM chip into a smartphone. You'll see the phone type is updated within minutes.

AlexNYC
join:2001-06-02
Edwards, CO

AlexNYC

Member

Re: hmm

Kind of true, but not exactly....

AT&T has never heard of Nokia E75 or N series .... it doesn't show anything for my phones on their site and that's the way I like it. $15 unlimited data

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties to en102

Premium Member

to en102
I went with a dumb phone and iPod Touch. I can talk on the phone AND surf/get email/chat...on nearest AP.

Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02

1 recommendation

Karl Bode to iansltx

News Guy

to iansltx
Yes, so many choices.

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

longstreet

Member

Re: hmm

As they like to say in some places . . .'the choice is yours'

Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02

Karl Bode

News Guy

Re: hmm

Clearly.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList to Karl Bode

Premium Member

to Karl Bode
said by Karl Bode:

Yes, so many choices.
especially with verizon. there is just sooooo much crap to choose from

IT Guy
Ow, My Balls
Premium Member
join:2004-07-29
Las Cruces, NM
Cisco ASA 5505
Cisco Meraki MX64

1 edit

IT Guy to iansltx

Premium Member

to iansltx
said by iansltx:

T-Mobile requires a data plan on smartphones.
That's not exactly true. I had bought a G1 off of eBay and while I was required to use T-mobile's data network to register my device with Google's server, the G1 support tech. told me I was not required to have a data plan, although it was recommended since many of the functions of the phone relied to some extent on having a data plan to update and if an update caused my phone to request that I register the phone to Google's provisioning server, I would have to call into T-Mo's G1 support dept. and have them temporarily add my phone to the data plan again. Regardless, I shelled out the extra cash for the plan, but in retrospect and after several factors including my data usage being very low vs. my Wifi usage and being stuck on EDGE with no idea when 3g will be available in my area, I'm having second thoughts about shelling out that extra money every month that could be better spent on other bills..

Edit: This was back in March, so I know it's quite possible that policy has changed.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: hmm

i'm in a 3g area and i have a g1. i can't imagine not having the data plan. when I am at home I use the wifi (its just faster), but when i'm out i'm on 3g and it works great. I'm not sure what a heavy user is for mobile data, but I use about 400mb a month on the g1. honestly cannot imagine doing much more than that with the limited battery on this beast.

IT Guy
Ow, My Balls
Premium Member
join:2004-07-29
Las Cruces, NM
Cisco ASA 5505
Cisco Meraki MX64

IT Guy

Premium Member

Re: hmm

said by ArrayList:

i'm in a 3g area and i have a g1. i can't imagine not having the data plan. when I am at home I use the wifi (its just faster), but when i'm out i'm on 3g and it works great. I'm not sure what a heavy user is for mobile data, but I use about 400mb a month on the g1. honestly cannot imagine doing much more than that with the limited battery on this beast.
Yeah, I gotta say it's been a bit of a let-down, especially considering how much more this tacks on to my bill. EDGE is practically useless. El Paso just had 3g rolled out and I had my fingers crossed that they would extend it up my way, but it hasn't happened yet. What really burns me is that my Gmail app doesn't ever display new messages. I've rooted the phone and I'm using the JesusFreak mod, but I was having that problem before rooting. Also, it never displays images in messages. My buddy has a G1 and has the same problem with his gmail. Pretty lame!

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

1 edit

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: hmm

all i can say is keep hounding customer service.. but of course, be civil. they make notes of complaints and, if they get enough, will fix the problem.

excellent pic by the way! great movie!

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook to ArrayList

Member

to ArrayList
My girlfriend and i do about 1 gig a month per phone on our iphones. Family plan saves like 50 bucks a month over 2 individual plans. Sorry you have limited battery. I used to worry about 3G and battery, but it just isn't an issue, as some have foolishly made a huge fuss about.

Speaking of 2G and 3G and voice vs data... Has anyone here ever heard the difference between a 2G and 3G radio conversation? The 3G is hugely a lot more data per sec.

- A

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: hmm

said by FastiBook:

The 3G is hugely a lot more data per sec.

- A
thats the idea, 3g provides faster speeds on the data half.

i have the t-mobile g1, not the iphone. the iphone has applications that are LOT more data intensive than the ones that are out so far for android. I can't remember exactly how many applications are out for iphone vs android, but i do remember that there is lot more. of course this has a lot to do with the fact that the iphone has been around for a lot longer.
broccoli
join:2007-11-29
Portland, OR
Draytek Vigor2860Vac
EnGenius EAP600
Obihai OBi100

broccoli to iansltx

Member

to iansltx
said by iansltx:

T-Mobile requires a data plan on smartphones.
No.

I have 3 WinMo phones (only one was bought from T-Mobile, and without a contract) and one S60 phone (bought while vacationing in Asia), and 2 lines with T-Mobile, only one of which has a data plan. If I attempt to use GPRS/EDGE/3G on the line with no data plan, I am prompted to subscribe to a data plan first, but I can still connect to WiFi APs. I have never been forced to get a data plan.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: hmm

You're probably grandfathered, though I don't doubt it's the case.
compton
join:2002-02-08
Brooklyn, NY

compton to iansltx

Member

to iansltx
said by iansltx:

Sprint requires a data plan on thier smartphones. T-Mobile requires a data plan on smartphones.


I am not so sure about that. Maybe on some smart phones. I bought T -Mobile Dash earlier this year and even though it is a smart phone I didn't have to get a data plan. Maybe they changed their policy since then.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: hmm

only the BB is required from what I have seen with TM. They don't count that as a smart phone though. It's an enterprise phone according to them.

The Dash 3G to this date does NOT require a data plan but they tell you that you should get one to get the most out of the phone.
hottboiinnc4

hottboiinnc4 to iansltx

Member

to iansltx
TM gives you the option to cancel your data plan.

chasmn83
@comcast.net

chasmn83 to longstreet

Anon

to longstreet
I already switched my phone service to a little juke and purchased an ipod touch for the wifi... I even blocked my data so i dont get mb charges just to look at the verizon online store!!! Never had a problem with verizon service or customer service but not staying when contract over.

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536 to longstreet

Premium Member

to longstreet
said by longstreet:

Well, in light of this, I suggest those people that take issue with this decision find another carrier.
And where do you go when EVERYONE is doing the same thing?

N10Cities
Premium Member
join:2002-05-07
0000000
Asus RT-AC87

1 edit

N10Cities to longstreet

Premium Member

to longstreet
Oooooh... what an insightful post. Any other bits of wisdom you want to share with us? Hard to find another carrier when practically ALL of them do it.

Alltel did not do it until almost right before they were gobbled up by Verizon.

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

1 edit

longstreet

Member

Re: hmm

It's your choice to limit yourself to a large well known carrier. Maybe you don't realize you have more choices.

The great deals are had with smaller, local outfits.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Question? - for subsidized smartphones or all smartphones

Do these rules apply to all smartphones - even those bought at full price and not part of a subsidized 2 yr plan?

For subsidized smartphones I can see the telcos point of requiring a data plan. But if you went and bought an unsubsidized smartphone somewhere for $800, I think you should be able to buy whatever services you want at a la carte rates.

•••••

b1gdr3
I Blame Your Mother
join:2001-07-28
York, PA

b1gdr3

Member

I have an iPhone...

and I don't appreciate that text messaging isn't included in this mandatory $30 data plan. It's not like it's costing ATT loads to process these messages.

••••••••••

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium Member
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
Netgear WNDR3700v2
Zoom 5341J

1 recommendation

KrK

Premium Member

Market fail. Regulation is only way

When there simply isn't enough competition to provide consumers with choices they want to make, it's only fair to come in and control the carriers via Government regulations.

And they have only themselves to blame. Abuse and false claims of "The market will self regulate" leads itself to the outcome the carriers least want. Greed is not good. Not for consumers, and not for the long term profitability of the carriers.

I will not cry for them one bit.

•••

DaveDude
No Fear
join:1999-09-01
New Jersey

DaveDude

Member

Could i not have a voice plan ?

If this is mandatory, couldn't i just use Google voice, or whoever, and not have voice plan ?

•••••••
nonymous (banned)
join:2003-09-08
Glendale, AZ

1 edit

nonymous (banned)

Member

Yep, and $30 is only the start

For $30 you get almost no data then a per unit charge for any overages. So do anything besides read a few emails and the $30 easily turns into more. Think of the CEOs golden parachute. The USA is only number one in overpaying money grubbing CEOs with no real ideas except how to make their paychecks bigger.
Poetique
join:2007-08-05
Auburn, AL

Poetique

Member

Re: Yep, and $30 is only6 the start

Basically if you want to sidestep and not have to deal with this, start buying your own phones.

I can't recall the last time I owned an AT&T (or any other vendor's) phone, nor can I recall the last time they had one that interested me, so I'm not too concerned with the new policy, although I do think it is completely and utter bullshit.

Fortunately vendors tend to stay lightyears behind any of the devices I find myself buying. My last AT&T device was a Razr V3, and this is only about a month after they became popular, lol.

a333
A hot cup of integrals please
join:2007-06-12
Rego Park, NY

a333 to nonymous

Member

to nonymous
said by nonymous:

For $30 you get almost no data then a per unit charge for any overages. So do anything besides read a few emails and the $30 easily turns int more. Think of the CEOs golden parachute. The USA is only number one in overpaying money grubbing CEOs with no real ideas except how to make their paychecks bigger.
Huh? That's new, last time I checked, $30 covers unlimited data (5 Gig softcap of course) on all PDA's/Smartphones that are AT&T-branded or subsidized. If you have no $30 plan and you signed up before September 6th, then of course it's the $2/MB pay-per-use data plan. And considering most people use it on their phones only, I don't see how you'd rack up anywhere near 5 GB, even with occasional tethering.

By the way, does this $30 crap apply to non-subsidized smartphones/feature phones? I.e. I have a $10/month deal on Data Unlimited, since I'm on a "dumb" Sony Ericsson phone. If I swapped SIM cards to say a Nokia N900 or N97, would AT&T detect the IMEI and switch me to the $30 plan?

a333

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

1 edit

longstreet

Member

hmm

If they still offered al la carte services, i'm sure we'd hear 'oh these overages are such bs! it should be free'

At some point, you have to decide whether or not the service they provide is worth the money they are asking for. If it's not worth it to everyone, then everyone would call up and cancel

Obviously, Apple is enjoying record stock prices and iPhone sales, I don't see many people doing that.

•••••••
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

Did wireless providers management contract the Swine Flu?

Did the upper management of the wireless service providers contracted the Swine Flu or did some other force turn them into pigs? I wonder if the wireless service providers will refund the purchase price of smart phones to those customers that purchased smart phones and do not want to have the cost of wireless data plans shoved up their butts. It looks like a change in terms of service to me.

longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX

3 edits

longstreet

Member

Re: Did wireless providers management contract the Swine Flu?

I wouldn't count on it, those who purchased a subsidized phone also signed a contract that basically let's AT&T do whatever they want.

I have 2 iPhones, so i'm at nearly $150 + a month.

If I go to any other large provider and nearly any other smartphone, it's the same price.

I'll ride my contract out another 4 months and go with a smaller, local company that offers basic service and keep my wifi.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Did wireless providers management contract the Swine Flu?

uhhh? how many minutes do you have?

i have 2 g1's and i barely pay over $115/month.

NOCMan
MadMacHatter
Premium Member
join:2004-09-30
Colorado Springs, CO

NOCMan

Premium Member

Doing a Study

I have seen family bills and my own for 9 iphones and our average data usage is about 350megs a month. I find it bull that we have to pay 40 dollars a month when were not using any more than the 30 dollar plans are getting.

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup

Premium Member

This is the way you people wanted it.

Ma Bell is dead and yet the people bitch.

•••••••
bigjoesmith
join:2000-11-21
Peoria, IL

bigjoesmith

Member

Data plans not necessary for everyone.

No dataplan on my smartphone. I run a lot of apps on it, I do my media on it, and I look for wifi when I need net access. When I'm overseas, I use VoIP over wifi to make calls. The data plans are not worth it to me.

The Limit
Premium Member
join:2007-09-25
Denver, CO

The Limit

Premium Member

These are my thoughts and experiences thus far...

My sprint bill is right at $80 atm, of course that doesn't come with unlimited voice minutes, but I can call anybody's mobile number on any carrier and the minutes are free for that, provided that I'm doing this in the sprint network, which surprisingly seems to be a lot better than verizon's network. My gf has verizon, and I constantly compare my signal to hers, and I get better service out in the sticks than she does. Not only that, but my browsing speeds are way faster than what I was getting on verizon's network.

I have to say, I'm impressed with Sprint's performance thus far. I haven't had to really call customer service, and from what many say here, Sprint's customer service is not great. Yet, at the same time, it seems like billing isn't run by a bunch of monkeys either. This month's bill is correct; Verizon didn't even get my bill straight the first month. On top of that, I have called customer service about questions regarding the palm pre, and the technician I spoke with was very nice, and honest about sprint's network. She knew that Verizon's coverage was better in other parts of the states, and she didn't deny it at all, but the pricing is right, and some people really underestimate Sprint's network in terms of coverage. On top of that, the csr I spoke with before I spoke with the technician didn't try to sell anything to me; she was polite, and didn't badmouth other carriers like I've witnessed in Verizon stores.

Not only that, but Sprint has roaming agreements with Verizon. Big deal that you roam on 1x, but at least you still have voice services. Wifi is also available at many locations, so if you are roaming, then if you have a wifi-capable phone (which I do), then I can access wifi.

PS: Sprint does offer unlimited data for the phone. The only service that's capped is the data card. The technician I spoke with said that Sprint's 5 gigabyte cap is a softcap; I can tell you now, I haven't even gotten close to this cap on my phone, let alone if I decide to tether, unless I start downloading large files.

I do agree with this article though. It would be nice if I had the option to pay per gigabyte, but is that really going to happen?

How do I go about letting the higher ups know about how I feel in terms of paying by the byte? I'm sure it would be a heck of a lot cheaper if this were to happen.
bjbrock9
join:2002-10-28
Mcalester, OK

bjbrock9

Member

Two options...

One is either nationalize the broadband infrastructure, which is the least attractive, or divest the infrastructure operations from the rest of the operations provided by phone and data providers.

Every problem we have today regarding net neutrality and unfair monopolistic practices is facilitated by the fact that infrastructure service providers are also providing services that use this infrastructure. This is becoming the biggest customer abusive racket that has ever come down the pike.

The infrastructure needs to be completely separated from all services that use it. Things are only going to get worse exponentially. This change needs to be legislated and fast. The whole network neutrality issue would immediately go away. The infrastructure could still be provided under a competitive market. Actual ownership would not change so those that invested in the infrastructure would still own it.

This is the only way this issue can be solved in an equitable and completely competitive manner.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler

Premium Member

Am I the only one OK with this?

After reading on DSLR on the umpteen customers who roam the world, racking up the roaming data charges, and then plead ignorance when the bill comes, am I not the only one surprised by this move? Sure, it gets the wireless carriers a pretty penny, but on the other hand, how much of it is them to avoid the mass outcry when those that opt-out of data plan perform the inevitable "OOPS!"?

I can guarantee you, that if wireless carriers were to allow their data-intensive phones (iPhone, Pre, etc.) to run these phones without data plans, many people who shouldn't be opting out would...and then raise high holy hell when their bills skyrocket up another few hundred when they "accidentally" leave on the data services? I can guarantee you, even after only working a few years as tech support, there would be an even larger influx of people paying outrageous overcharges than there is today.

djrobx
Premium Member
join:2000-05-31
Reno, NV

djrobx

Premium Member

Re: Am I the only one OK with this?

You can turn off the data plan entirely. You don't have to go with pay-per-byte.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler

Premium Member

Re: Am I the only one OK with this?

Can, and do are two different things. People will get data-hungry smartphones, say they won't ever use the data, and then forget to lock-out the feature on the phone - or just use it because (insert wireless provider here) allowed the user to shoot themselves in the foot.

I mean, what about those data transit overages when data card users take their devices overseas, download "just a few emails", and then are surprized by a few thousand dollar bill because they left the card in the computer, passively downloading service patches (or torrents to be downloaded in queue, or whatever). From what I've seen of the average American wireless user, I highly doubt that most wireless customers can self-regulate their devices enough to not use something as prevalent as a data feature on a smartphone. (No bash intended to anyone in particular, I've just seen way too many people with insane overages because they paid the minimal service fee, yet talk/download on their devices like beasts)

In short, yes, it makes money for the wireless provider, but it also prevents the media hysteria involved when some idiot doesn't know their plan coverage and gets socked for a super-high bill.
QLR
join:2009-06-23
Tallahassee, FL

QLR

Member

I would like some flexibility...

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.

PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD

PGHammer

Member

Re: I would like some flexibility...

An optional plan (as opposed to the monthly data option, and this is certainly usable with Wifi-capable smartphones, such as the forthcoming Storm2) is the when-you-need-it data option at $3/day (VZW). The issue in reality is that there are few Wifi-enabled smartphones! Other than the iPhone and Storm 2, how many smartphones havve WiFi as standard fare without hacks? (The Storm 2 will be VZW's first Wifi-standard smartphone.) Given the prevalence of hotspots (either low-cost or no-cost) and the availability of legacy laptops, I have little respect (and no love) for those that insist on using a smartphone as a laptop-replacement. The very reason I have had little interest in a smartphone is because of the lack of WiFi (which is why there has been a data plan requirement). Until Wifi becomes standard on smartphones, that data-plan requirement will continue because it actually makes sense. Smartphones *invite* data usage, and if they lack WiFi (which is true of almost all of them), how else are they going to access it sans PC tethering? I like the Storm 2 (and original Storm) because it's a touch-enabled wireless phone that can sync with a PC; even better, it actually costs less than most other touch-screen phones.
QLR
join:2009-06-23
Tallahassee, FL

QLR

Member

Re: I would like some flexibility...

I agree with this!!! A la the VZNavigator, there is (was) an option where you can pay $2.99/day or $9.99/month. If there was some sort of a daily fee option, I would consider getting a smartphone. If any data is accessed, just bill the daily fee to the account (like the $1.99/MB charges on dumbphones)

Although the list of WiFi enabled devices are few (Ozone, Touch Pro2, Touch Diamond, Imagio), I think that the list is only going to grow.
IDriveForFun
join:2009-10-22

IDriveForFun

Member

Madness!

I went round and round with Verizon's customer support on this a month or so ago. My wife needed a new phone, so we went looking for one she could sync with our online calendar (or even Outlook, which is also synced). First type of phone to come to mind? Smartphones, of course! I argued about the mandatory data plan and was first told that they want their users to "be able to take full advantage of the phone's capabilities." (Discovered later that this argument was bull, since in the fine print, you are not allowed to "take full advantage of the phone's capabilities". You are not allowed to use an app to connect to the internet, such as Pandora, or download large files! If they find out you are doing this, they will cut your access! Read the fine print on the so called 'unlimited' data plan, that is capped at 5 gig!) When I told them that was not what I wanted, all I needed to do was to sync calendar and contacts, they came up with the excuse that "many customers have racked up large bills, and then want to not pay for them." OK, I said, then require either a block of all data, or the data plan. Once this reasonable request was turned down, they finally just gave up and said "well, you cannot activate the newer smartphones without the data plan. Sorry 'bout your luck". I even inquired about buying a phone elsewhere and then activating it. Nope- they won't allow that, either. I finally gave up. I found out that LG's new EnV phones, the touch and the III, have a utility you can download from them (LG), that will allow you to sync with Outlook. Hopefully, more manufactures will follow suite.

If you are in the same boat I am, please contact the customer service dept. of your carrier, and argue with them about it. If enough people do this, maybe they will change their policy. Maybe I will even sprout wings, and fly to the moon! It couldn't hurt, anyway.

dib22
join:2002-01-27
Kansas City, MO

dib22

Member

um...

nope, no collusion here.... nope its innovative services and devices, lowest prices, highest usage levels, and most choices in the world.

*sigh*

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536

Premium Member

Now a big backdoor. . . . .

For unhappy subs to jump ship from all the big boys ETF FREE!

rahlquist
Redeye
join:2001-10-30
Villa Rica, GA

1 edit

rahlquist

Member

This may get you off without an etf but what about

What if your phone was subsidized and the contract included requirements you have that data plan to avoid paying the extra $450 for the phone?

I honestly hate this myself, my wife is a moderate texter and I wanted to get her something with a keyboard so we got her a pantech matrix pro, nice phone, but, she has to have the $30 a month data plan and never uses a single byte. When you add to that my own phones data plan (which does get used) and the Family talk plan we have youre looking at over $130 a month before fees and taxes. In contrast the reaminader of my bundled phone bill including 6Mbps DSL, POTS and unlimited long distance is $100... WTH?!?!?

Honestly AT&T you cant shape my bandwidth on my DSL if you want. When I am using bandwidth on my cell you are welcome to subtract that from my avalible bandwidth on my 'unlimited' DSL. Once you fix cell reception in the area of Atlanta where I work that is....
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