Using a Blackberry / Smart Phone without a Data Plan

[tennisguyak]

Random question, I know, but can anyone tell me if it's possible to buy a Blackberry or any other smart phone and disable all data functions so you can use it just like a basic phone.

The reason I'm asking.. I don't currently have a data package, and don't plan on spending the extra $20 - 30 / month to purchase one, but I want a phone with Wi-Fi features. I have Wi-Fi at home, at school, and it's pretty much anywhere you go now. It would be really useful to have that wi-fi capability.

So is there a setting somewhere that will let you disable transferring data and let you simply use it as a basic phone?

I called Verizon, and as I expected they said "No, there is no way of doing that," without any sort of explanation. But I would really be surprised if there's really no way to do that.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[zapvor]

there is. in blackberry you can switch modes. just turn it to the wifi mode

 

[tennisguyak]

And will this will keep the phone from transferring data so that there aren't any data costs?

 

[angharad]

Although it's possible, most carriers will require you to purchase a data plan for any smart phone. I haven't run across a single carrier that won't.


If you're able to change carriers, though, Virgin Mobile offers unlimited data/messaging with all of their pay-by-the-month plans. They seem to have some decent smart phones, as well.

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

You believed Verizon? They're just trying to sell you the data plan!

You can buy any smart phone and use it as a regular phone. If you don't have a data plan, it won't send/receive data or have 3G. But if you're connected to a wifi, then you can surf the web, send/get email etc.

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

If you want a cheap unlimited text/data plan, check out Virgin Mobile. I have a $25 plan that gives me 300 mins, unlimited text/data (using Springs 3G network) and NO CONTRACT.

You gotta buy one of their phones (check their website). I got the LG Optimus V. Happy with it, happy with $25/month.

 

[Hot Sauce]

There are better phones out there with Wi-Fi capability and more features than a Blackberry.

Yes, you should be able to purchase a Blackberry from a carrier without a data plan. I did it with my last phone, the HTC Touch Pro. However, it will cost you substantially more up front than purchasing it with a data plan, because all the prices they have listed on year contracts are with a data plan. It will be hundreds of dollars more. The only reason why I did it with my old phone is because I have a friend who works at Bell who was able to shave off $200+ on the cost of the phone, and also give me a corporate plan.

So I would have to recommend using an iTouch or something along with a regular phone. It is not worth the cost of buying a smartphone/BB on a contract without a data plan.

 

[Fee]

I have an unlocked Nokia n95 that was handed down to me. AT&T has no idea that I have it and I'm still on my decade old plan that costs less than $40 a month (so cheap it doesnt exist anymore). I use the wireless on the phone whenever it's available and just make sure I never click on the 'connect with AT&T' option. Pretty sure most phones can do that. Just try to find an unlocked phone somewhere and put your sim card in it.

 

[West Coast Ace]

If the OP is not still in a contract, can't he/she just buy a SIM card (if the smart phone takes one) for voice?

@HotSauce, it will cost more IF the OP buys a new one. Buying a used one shouldn't be expensive as long as he/she doesn't have to have one of the new trendy models. And mentioned BB - they aren't exactly well thought of these days.

 

[Hot Sauce]

If the OP is not still in a contract, can't he/she just buy a SIM card (if the smart phone takes one) for voice?

@HotSauce, it will cost more IF the OP buys a new one. Buying a used one shouldn't be expensive as long as he/she doesn't have to have one of the new trendy models. And mentioned BB - they aren't exactly well thought of these days.

Yeah! He can do that too.

 

[mrtrinh]

lol it seems not many of you are familiar with phone plans. I use to work for verizon and t mobile. It varies on the service provider as well as the phone. From the top of my head, tmobile is the only service provider that will let you use a blackberry without a data plan. Major providers such as Verizon, Sprint, and im not sure about at&t you have to have a data plan. Its just part of the contract of having a smartphone nowadays.

If you want to stick with verizon, I suggest looking for a windows phone. I know with a windows phone you dont need to purchase a data plan. I was once like you, I didn't want to pay the extra fees for a data plan but with the way technology is nowadays, almost everyone will have a smartphone within the next few years. Plus its convenient to have internet on your phone

Like hot sauce recommended, you're better off buying an itouch and using that