Thread: AT&T to require data plan on ALL smartphones

Our AT&T source just sent me an email about a new requirement that will be going into effect September 6th. The first few lines read :

Starting 9/6/09 all new activations, upgrades and equipment swaps (moving SIM cards between a non-Smartphone and a Smartphone) will now require the customer add the $30 PDA/BlackBerry Connect Data Feature attached to that line.


So after the 6th of September if you plan on switching over to AT&T and think you can use a wifi enabled device and not have to pay for a data plan, you may want to reconsider this. I know there are a lot of you guys out there who are already doing this but you guys don't need to worry because you are grandfathered in.

Smartphones activated/upgraded PRIOR to 9/6/09 that do not have the appropriate Smartphone data plan will be grandfathered and not required to add the $30 feature for as long as they continue using that device.


AT&T will perform monthly sweeps of each account who shows having a smartphone. If your account does not show you have a data plan (if purchased after 9/6) then they will automatically put the data plan on your account.

Also, starting 11/1, you can not remove a data plan unless you switch your phone to a non smartphone.

Crappy. Hope they have a cheap email plan you can choose from.

Originally Posted by sunkast

Crappy. Hope they have a cheap email plan you can choose from.

I agree....that plan better be unexpensive

Originally Posted by sunkast

Crappy. Hope they have a cheap email plan you can choose from.

Originally Posted by Seanren78

I agree....that plan better be unexpensive

Sounds like your not going to have a choice in choosing.

Starting 9/6/09 all new activations, upgrades and equipment swaps (moving SIM cards between a non-Smartphone and a Smartphone) will now require the customer add the $30 PDA/BlackBerry Connect Data Feature attached to that line.

I think they are hunkering down in preparation of losing exclusivity of the iPhone.

Originally Posted by Shane

Sounds like your not going to have a choice in choosing.

ughhhhhh

Yeah it sucks but why would anyone have a blackberry or any other PDA without a Data plan

That's a big turn off to AT&T.

Originally Posted by dchandler

Yeah it sucks but why would anyone have a blackberry or any other PDA without a Data plan

Very easy. I was given an iPhone 3GS from a client. Never activated it or anything. But since I am surrounded by WiFi 90% of the time I can still use all the functionality of the phone for free, with no data plan. Use fring or skype for calls, internet over wifi, email over wifi etc. etc. And I am not the only one doing this. While this is not a BB just an example of how one can get around a data plan.

Originally Posted by jlevy73

Very easy. I was given an iPhone 3GS from a client. Never activated it or anything. But since I am surrounded by WiFi 90% of the time I can still use all the functionality of the phone for free, with no data plan. Use fring or skype for calls, internet over wifi, email over wifi etc. etc. And I am not the only one doing this. While this is not a BB just an example of how one can get around a data plan.

Don't forget good 'ol google voice! That really pisses att off.

That is sad, i guess they don't have enough money....

I realize this comment will cause many to become irritated or even cause the trolls to come on out... But i must say that if your buying a "smart phone" or a blackberry you need data.. I understand many people like having the calendar and things like that, i'm totally good with that.. Dumb phone calendars are horrid.. But in all honesty.. What is the point of having a blackberry/iphone and not having a data plan? Now i can also understand that for many people its much more convenient to sync everything up with the device and many may not be able to afford the +30 a month additional or cannot justify it because of a lack of a need for it... But i must admit that i find it hilarious when i see someone with a blackberry (have only seen one person so far) without a data plan and cannot use half of the features of the device.. like i mentioned before i understand the argument of sync'ing the calendars and things like that.. But i must say i found it quite funny seeing someone bragging about having a blackberry without data, not using it to organize their life.. Just to look "Cool" but whats cool about carrying a phone that you cannot afford to truly use? seems to make you less "cool"

I've come close to canceling my data plan due to not being able to afford it (unemployed).

Originally Posted by sunkast

I've come close to canceling my data plan due to not being able to afford it (unemployed).

my comment was not supposed to be a cheap shot at anyone... obviously situations arise and bad things happen (sorry to hear about yours)... But my point was that someone who purchases this kind of device should be aware of the additional cost.. You use your device, you have a data plan, but due to a situation it would be more cost effective for you to be able to remove it and i'd def agree that its good for that option to be there.. I personally find it stupid for those who buy the device to be "cool" and look bad ass but dont get data because its too "expensive".. No sense in complaining at&t is now just following verizons model on data and advanced devices

Originally Posted by xplode

my comment was not supposed to be a cheap shot at anyone... obviously situations arise and bad things happen... But my point was that someone who purchases this kind of device should be aware of the additional cost.. You use your device, you have a data plan, but due to a situation it would be more cost effective for you to be able to remove it and i'd def agree that its good for that option to be there.. I personally find it stupid for those who buy the device to be "cool" and look bad ass but dont get data because its too "expensive".. No sense in complaining at&t is now just following verizons model on data and advanced devices

I agree. And is a good question I would like to hear how AT&T would handle. If that sort of situation arises, would they allow you to remove it?

There is certainly nothing wrong with AT&T doing this, that is of course there choice to do so. That being said, I really don't know anyone using a smartphone without a data plan, but that's just me. The only time I have done so is with my paperweight of an iPhone and use wifi to browse the internet during a layover at the airport.

Originally Posted by sunkast

I agree. And is a good question I would like to hear how AT&T would handle. If that sort of situation arises, would they allow you to remove it?

it wouldnt hurt to ask. they would probably require tons of paperwork and proof of this.. but im sure they could make an exception on a case by case basis.. unless theyre going to be like verizon.. verizon wouldnt remove a data plan period.

Originally Posted by jlevy73

There is certainly nothing wrong with AT&T doing this, that is of course there choice to do so. That being said, I really don't know anyone using a smartphone without a data plan, but that's just me. The only time I have done so is with my paperweight of an iPhone and use wifi to browse the internet during a layover at the airport.

Paperweight mode is an amazing feature!

Originally Posted by xplode

Paperweight mode is an amazing feature!

Haha it sure is

i dont understand why people are complaining about ATT doing that, hasnt VZW been doing that for a while now?? Dont mean to be rude or nothing. But if you get a Iphone or BB or any other PDA, isnt it common sense that you will need data on the phone to use it for what it is supposed to be for? I understand about money and people losing jobs and stuff, but its how things work. If you buy a 200,000 dollar car, then make payments on it, and then get fired, they dont allow you to pay less and still have the car. <====crappy comparison i know. lol