Is there a way to get Android and wifi only, no data plan?

[grweiss]

Is there an Android phone (with any carrier but preferrably Verizon) that I can buy that has wifi support but doesn't require a data plan? Which phones/carriers would offer that?

 

[Edaze55]

Is there an Android phone (with any carrier but preferrably Verizon) that I can buy that has wifi support but doesn't require a data plan? Which phones/carriers would offer that?

Im assuming since you mentioned VZ you're asking about carriers in the States.

That said, its highly unlikely that you would be allowed to purchase any Android device from any of the 4 major carriers without a data plan due to the fact its a datacentric phone.

Best bet would be to get service with T-Mo or AT&T and some cheap phone, buy a Euro HTC Hero, or other GSM Android and just swap the sim card. Cant promise they wont ding you for a data plan if they find out, but this is probably one of the few ways to acomplish what you want.

 

[MacMan]

Is there an Android phone (with any carrier but preferrably Verizon) that I can buy that has wifi support but doesn't require a data plan? Which phones/carriers would offer that?

What you need is a phone already activated. I picked my G1 up off of CraigsList, dropped my non data SIM card into the phone, and it worked fine for making phone calls, and jumped on available WiFi networks without problem.

The Android Market had been set up by the previous owner, and I didn't have the password, and was unable to change the eMail address. I did a 'factory restore' and was unable to use the G1 for ANYTHING until it connected to the Google servers via the data network.

That was fine for me, since i'd planned on upgrading to the data plan anyway. Just a word of caution to anyone wanting to use one of these phones without the data who picks one up used. DON'T FACTORY RESTORE AND MAKE SURE YOU GET THE PASSWORD FOR THE ANDROID MARKET!

Of course, there might have been a way to change that eMail address.. but I wasn't able to find it.. aside from the factory restore method.

 

[Frank]

I bought an unlocked HTC Magic. Brought it to China where I am living and put in a China Unicom sim card. I subscribed to the EDGE service. The phone is perfect. I can fully use all the features. I could use all the functions at a wifi coffee shop before I got the EDGE service.