Not wanting data plan

[UssjTrunks]

The manufacturers wouldn't lash out against carriers as it really doesn't affect their sales that much, since the carriers buy from the manufacturers. There are plenty of alternatives, such as an iPod touch, Samsung Galaxy player, etc....

Either pay for data, or don't. The carriers make the rules. Like I said, if you didn't pay for data or got a data plan with a smartphone, not only would it be really expensive, but you couldn't use some of the features the OP wants, like a GPS.

Why should the carriers get to make the rules for users who use unlocked phones? That type of control should not be allowed in a free market.

And there are plenty of offline GPS services available.

Not everyone can afford data, and smartphones are perfectly usable with wifi only.

 

[ironkhalid]

Actually Verizon has at least one phone that uses a SIM card:
HTC Thunderbolt, i know because i have one.
and they have a 300 mb of data for $20. which i have.

 

[namoroman]

Verizon Wireless has two main networks 1 -CDMA which uses EVDO and/or 1XRTT for data and 2 - 4G LTE. CDMA does not use/need a SIM card. 90% of their phones still use this technology. 4G LTE requires a 4G SIM card to function. Your Thunderbolt has one because its a 4G device.

Some CDMA devices are also "global phones" and have a GSM SIM card for use only outside the US. The SIM in these phones is never used when you're in the states.

I love being a phone nerd.

 

[chanchan05]

Why should the carriers get to make the rules for users who use unlocked phones? That type of control should not be allowed in a free market.

And there are plenty of offline GPS services available.

Not everyone can afford data, and smartphones are perfectly usable with wifi only.

They can make rules for everyone who uses their network, because that's the service they provide. Even if you did not get the phone from them, you're getting their services.

 

[Saltine713]

Why should the carriers get to make the rules for users who use unlocked phones? That type of control should not be allowed in a free market.

And there are plenty of offline GPS services available.

Not everyone can afford data, and smartphones are perfectly usable with wifi only.

It is a free market, what are you talking about? It isn't like there is only one cell phone company demanding money.....they are many to chose from to suit youre needs.

 

[Yeahha]

@OP, as has been discussed if you want to use a smartphone on VZW you will need to purchase a data plan per their guidelines

Smartphones require a 2 GB data package or higher. When using 4G Smartphones, 4G speeds will be available within 4G coverage. When traveling in the 3G Coverage Area, you can expect download speeds of 600 Kbps-1.4 Mbps and upload speeds of 500-800 Kbps. When traveling in the Extended 3G Coverage Area, you can expect download speeds of 400-700 Kbps and upload speeds of 60-80 Kbps.

I would suggest you look at some of the smaller carriers to see about getting a smartphone on a cheaper plan. For most US carriers you will need to purchase a data plan of some sort but some carriers offer cheaper plans than VZW.

Some carriers I know that offer cheaper plans include
Boost Mobile
Cricket
metroPCS
Page Plus
SIMPLE Mobile
Virgin Mobile

Not all of these may be available in your area but they should all offer less expensive solutions for you even if they require you to have a data plan of some sort. You can also look at the feature phones VZW offer many of them will serve as a media player but I do not know if any allow for wifi connectivity and I believe if they offer a GPS it will be VZ navigator which requires a data plan but not the 2 GB plan.

As for the rest of the thread, the US carriers that require a data plan for smartphones are not doing anything the FCC has barred them from doing. If you want to use a smartphone it is a premium device and you must be willing to meet their requirements for using it. You are in no way required to use a smartphone or their service. Yes it is a free market and there are other options out there which include just using a basic phone. If you don't like the policies of one carrier then you can look at the policies of many others.

 

[rui-no-onna]

They can make rules for everyone who uses their network, because that's the service they provide. Even if you did not get the phone from them, you're getting their services.

Think of it this way, it's like your cable service provider forcing you to pay an extra $10 per month for each HDTV in your home regardless of whether or not you actually watch HD channels on the HDTV.

Manufacturers can't lash out on carriers because the carriers provide the bulk of their sales. How many people actually buy unlocked phones as opposed to those who get their phones as part of 2-year service agreements?

However, given that most postpaid plan prices are already inflated since they already include the phone subsidy (regardless of whether or not you actually get a subsidized phone or pay full price for an unlocked phone), it's unfair that carriers are getting away with adding data plans to your account regardless of whether you use the feature or not.

The problem in the US is in most cases, you're buying the device and service as a package deal. In other countries, you get the device and the service separately, which, imho is the better way to go and would encourage carriers to compete on providing better services and fairer pricing.

 

[chanchan05]

Think of it this way, it's like your cable service provider forcing you to pay an extra $10 per month for each HDTV in your home regardless of whether or not you actually watch HD channels on the HDTV.

Manufacturers can't lash out on carriers because the carriers provide the bulk of their sales. How many people actually buy unlocked phones as opposed to those who get their phones as part of 2-year service agreements?

However, given that most postpaid plan prices are already inflated since they already include the phone subsidy (regardless of whether or not you actually get a subsidized phone or pay full price for an unlocked phone), it's unfair that carriers are getting away with adding data plans to your account regardless of whether you use the feature or not.

The problem in the US is in most cases, you're buying the device and service as a package deal. In other countries, you get the device and the service separately, which, imho is the better way to go and would encourage carriers to compete on providing better services and fairer pricing.

In some countries, cable companies actually do that.

As for the others, yes, sure, the US telecoms may be unfair in that regard, but that's what you live with. Whining here wont make a difference. Its still their service, and theirs to decide how to separate you from your money. If you dont like how those particular carriers do their thing, then don't get their service.

 

[blazer743lazer]

hey guys
i just had one question..
if i were to buy an android phone and use it like an ipod will everything work correctly?
ive had this question for a couple of months and ive been wanting to buy an android phone. the thing im worried about is if i buy a android htc phone will it display a no sim message on the lock screen at all times instead of the weather (with wifi). so my 2 questions are about if everything will work correctly and if it will display the no sim message on the lock screen at all times.
plz reply ASAP
will +rep
Thanks...

 

[Yeahha]

If you keep it in airplane mode I believe it will not display a message regarding no SIM. You will be able to use it for anything that doesn't require a carrier, so there will be no way to make calls or texts but everything else should function as normal

 

[Saltine713]

hey guys
i just had one question..
if i were to buy an android phone and use it like an ipod will everything work correctly?
ive had this question for a couple of months and ive been wanting to buy an android phone. the thing im worried about is if i buy a android htc phone will it display a no sim message on the lock screen at all times instead of the weather (with wifi). so my 2 questions are about if everything will work correctly and if it will display the no sim message on the lock screen at all times.
plz reply ASAP
will +rep
Thanks...

Yes it will always display the message. Just get Widgetlocker or something.

 

[Granite1]

Yes it will always display the message. Just get Widgetlocker or something.

My old Hero didn't display any messages when I booted it up in airplane mode while deactivated. I used it as a WIFI-naught device for several months. Worked fine. Even was able to load info into the native navigation app, and use it without data while driving. As long as I didn't deviate from set course requiring a reroute, turn by turn worked great.

 

[georgie3]

Hi, there seems to be a lot of misinformation on this thread. I have an Android phone with no data plan here in Toronto with WIND. It costs me $16 per month, period, including 50 texts. WIND is flexible enough to disable data usage for you if you ask, but even if they didn't any data usage would be paid per megabyte. Android OS has an option to disable data at the phone unless your greedy carrier disabled it.

GPS can be used perfectly well without data, e.g. any app which just needs location like Google Sky Map. For mapping and navigation there are several good apps which let you download map files to the phone over WiFi and then use them offline, e.g. MapDroyd, and Navit for GPS navigation.

So find yourself a carrier who's willing to charge data per use, then keep your data disabled (except for WiFi).
G