Do You Need a Data Plan?

[mth04]

the android works on the droid GOOGLE platform-- GOOGLE -- that requires interent -- of course this is going to require a DATA plan-- otherwise how would it be in connection with google:icon_ devil:

Because many argue that they would only use the data from a WIFI spot, not through verizon's network.

and then they would get pissed when they got thier bill and it was ridiculously high. The phone would be pulling the data anyways. The pay by MB isn't a great idea

 

[New2u]

the android works on the droid GOOGLE platform-- GOOGLE -- that requires interent -- of course this is going to require a DATA plan-- otherwise how would it be in connection with google:icon_ devil:

Because many argue that they would only use the data from a WIFI spot, not through verizon's network.

and then they would get pissed when they got thier bill and it was ridiculously high. The phone would be pulling the data anyways. The pay by MB isn't a great idea

No, data usage on WIFI is free (at least it used to be). It doesn't track usage done like that. That's why they were arguing they would just use the WIFI.

 

[space]

Howdy all!

I just ordered a Droid. The Verizon website claimed next-day delivery. We'll see.

In any event, I ordered it with the $30 data plan. This is indeed required, as many have already noted here. My plan is to drop the data plan after one month. I talked with Verizon reps about this, and it is permitted by my contract, BUT they claim the Droid will no longer function without the data plan. Hmm. That sounds suspicious, since the Droid has the option to turn off data access at any time ... if you're traveling outside the country and don't want to get hit with data roaming fees, for instance.

I'll report once I've gotten it and have tried this. If not, I'll sell it. They're going for $500+ on eBay! :icon_eek:

I just can't justify paying for a data plan when I spend 95% of my day bathed in wifi radiation.

 

[space]

No dice

I just spent an hour on the phone with VZW customer service and tech support. Everyone I spoke with claimed that Verizon will not, under any circumstances, allow you to use a PDA phone without a data plan.

Too bad -- it's a neat phone. Not neat enough to justify $360/yr for a data service I usually can't use, though. Off to eBay it goes!

 

[p.o.711]

Now is that only if you get the phone through verizon? Is it possible to say, get the phone from amazon or newegg or whatnot and just change your number over to that phone? I know you can change phones by calling a number and giving it the ESN number on the inside of your phone behind the battery. Then using the new phone to activate your number again. Know what i mean? Will this work if you can get the phone from somewhere besides verizon?

I am trying to do the same thing. Use the droid without a data plan. I was told at the verizon store that if i obtained a phone that usually requires a data plan when purchasing through verizon and tried to use it without the data plan, that as soon as connected to the verizon service the monthly data plan charge would be automatically added.
Has anyone found a way around this?

 

[p.o.711]

Isn't there a way to tweak it so that verizon won't know it is a PDA device and instead just a normal phone? Like with the iphone it is possible to use without a data plan by unlocking it! i know verizon doesnt use sim cards like At&t but there must be something similar??

 

[garrett]

Now is that only if you get the phone through verizon? Is it possible to say, get the phone from amazon or newegg or whatnot and just change your number over to that phone? I know you can change phones by calling a number and giving it the ESN number on the inside of your phone behind the battery. Then using the new phone to activate your number again. Know what i mean? Will this work if you can get the phone from somewhere besides verizon?

I am trying to do the same thing. Use the droid without a data plan. I was told at the verizon store that if i obtained a phone that usually requires a data plan when purchasing through verizon and tried to use it without the data plan, that as soon as connected to the verizon service the monthly data plan charge would be automatically added.
Has anyone found a way around this?

there is no way around it... unless you find a way to clone the esn/meid number as a razr or something. This is extremely illegal and will land you in federal prison with a boyfriend named bubba or tiny.

 

[JhankG]

There is no way around the data plan. Plain. And. Simple. The iPod Touch will probably fit your needs better if you can't pay for a data plan. You can play games, watch movies, listen to music, and surf the internet on the Touch without paying for a data plan. If you want a smartphone, you need a data plan.

 

[verakot]

I called Verizon today because I want the same thing - to have a droid without data plan. I want to buy a Droid on eBay and activate it without data plan. The VZ rep told that even though I bought it elsewhere, the data will be required "in order to activate it". I asked the rep twice and he still confirmed they will figure out that this is a Droid and the plan will be required. Any ideas on how to fight this (going to other provides is not an option)? Thanks!

 

[JhankG]

I called Verizon today because I want the same thing - to have a droid without data plan. I want to buy a Droid on eBay and activate it without data plan. The VZ rep told that even though I bought it elsewhere, the data will be required "in order to activate it". I asked the rep twice and he still confirmed they will figure out that this is a Droid and the plan will be required. Any ideas on how to fight this (going to other provides is not an option)? Thanks!

There is no way around the data plan. Plain. And. Simple. The iPod Touch will probably fit your needs better if you can't pay for a data plan. You can play games, watch movies, listen to music, and surf the internet on the Touch without paying for a data plan. If you want a smartphone, you need a data plan.

This reply was ONE post above yours...

 

[verakot]

Well, the difference with the previous post is that I want to buy the device - Droid - NOT through Verizon, and pay the price in advance. The Verizon sell it for $199 but wants the data plan, and I agree they want to recover the cost and get some profit.

I'm not interested in iPod since it does not support Android 2.0. Can I use the Droid with WiFi as a stand alone device without activating it with VZ (i.e. not using it as a phone)?

 

[verakot]

The Droid tax: Verizon doubles early termination fee to $350

I'll report once I've gotten it and have tried this. If not, I'll sell it. They're going for $500+ on eBay! :icon_eek:

I just can't justify paying for a data plan when I spend 95% of my day bathed in wifi radiation.

If you thought about canceling a Verizon contract after the first month in order to resell the Droid on eBay, think again.

The Droid tax: Verizon doubles early termination fee to $350 ? Cell Phones & Mobile Device Technology News & Updates | Geek.com

 

[space]

On the contrary, this worked just fine. The 2 year contract extension that one signs onto with the "new in two" does not require you to use the new phone or carry a data plan. It only requires you to continue to be a Verizon customer for the next two years. Which I will -- using my old phone.

Meanwhile, I'm about $300 richer from the sale of the Droid, less its original cost and eBay fees. I'm bummed that I no longer have it, as it really is a brilliant phone. But this was a nice consolation prize.

 

[raqball]

On the contrary, this worked just fine. The 2 year contract extension that one signs onto with the "new in two" does not require you to use the new phone or carry a data plan. It only requires you to continue to be a Verizon customer for the next two years. Which I will -- using my old phone.

Meanwhile, I'm about $300 richer from the sale of the Droid, less its original cost and eBay fees. I'm bummed that I no longer have it, as it really is a brilliant phone. But this was a nice consolation prize.

So you used your new every two to make a whopping $300??? The things people do to make a buck never ceases to amaze me... Now you are stuck with your old phone for 2 years and if you want an upgrade it's gonna cost you more than what you made...

Oh BTW... The whopping $300 comes out to $12.50 cents a month over the 2 year period...

Oh my...........

 

[space]

Ah, the Internet. :icon_rolleyes:

My old, relatively cheap phone works fine. If it happens to break, I'll get another old, relatively cheap phone. Not all of us need the latest and greatest gadgets. Fun, yes, but not necessary.

And that $12.50 per month effectively knocks 30% off of my monthly VZW bill for the next two years. That's not bad, seeing that I'd been planning to continue as a Verizon customer anyhow. Perhaps you have money to burn in this economy, but do not assume that others do.

In any event, we are now well off-topic. Please send me a private message if you have additional comments.