Dropping Data Plan

[crandroid]

Posted this on XDA, but figured I might get a good answer here too.

I'm thinking about dropping my $30/month unlimited data plan with Verizon. I love my eris, but I really only use data to check email and facebook a few times a day, and maybe a few other things like checking the weather, google calendar, etc. It's nice, but I feel like it's not worth paying $30 per month for the little amount that I use it. Especially when I'm around wifi a lot, too.

Is there any way to drop my data plan while keeping my eris (without incurring data fees of course)? I'd like to keep the ability to make calls, send texts (including MMS), but nothing else. Is this possible?

 

[nomarsgirl]

Verizon doesn't allow it. The data plan in mandatory for smart phones.

I would love to be able to drop it for my daughter as well. She mostly just texts. She likes the web access, but almost always has wifi. I think at her next upgrade, I will downgrade her to a regular phone w/ text plan. She can keep the Eris to use with wifi.

 

[Sawka]

If you find means to bring this to fruition, please share! I've wanted to do the same but VW reps always told me it isn't possible.

P.S. You could potentially convert the Eris to a Skype phone, but then you'd need WiFi connectivity or constant tethering to make calls. See the following website: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-interesting-spare-smartphone/#

 

[Gevis]

If my memory serves me correctly, if you do a factory reset, at the beginning of set up, it gives you the choice to enable it as Wifi or Wifi + Data. Not sure what functionality you would loss however.

 

[Gevis]

Verizon doesn't allow it. The data plan in mandatory for smart phones.

I'm really not sure how true this actually is. Yes, data plan is mandatory for the PURCHASE of a smart phone at the rebate price, but this is so they are sure to make a profit on the phone they're subsidizing for you to get it so cheap (well not THAT cheap, but cheaper).

The data plan is not actually mandatory for the USE or function of the smartphone, but some functionality might be lost, like access to the Market.

 

[doogald]

I'm really not sure how true this actually is. Yes, data plan is mandatory for the PURCHASE of a smart phone at the rebate price, but this is so they are sure to make a profit on the phone they're subsidizing for you to get it so cheap (well not THAT cheap, but cheaper).

The data plan is not actually mandatory for the USE or function of the smartphone, but some functionality might be lost, like access to the Market.

I believe that you are incorrect. If you try to activate (not just purchase) a 3G (or 4G) smartphone on Verizon, it will automatically add a $29.99 data plan, and you cannot remove the data plan - it is not optional.