vB Easy Archive - TReo 650, Verizon and the Data Plan

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TReo 650, Verizon and the Data Plan
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Posted by: manta_ray

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about buying a Treo 650 (used) for the Verizon network. I have one question however.

I DO NOT want the data plan and will never use the email or web functions. All I want is a PDA that is also a cell phone. I'll sync everything through a corded connection to my laptop.

With that said, a Verizon rep is telling me that even if I don't have the data plan, "bits and bytes of data" will be transmitted and will cost you per kilobyte. He said I could run up a huge bill in the first few month. My question is, is this true? Can I "turn off" the "bits and bytes" transmission? If so, how?

I know the Verizon guy was scaring me to buy the Treo 700 and the data package but I don't need it. So I'm suspect of his truthfulness. Thoughts? I really don't want a huge phone bill the first month I have the Treo 650. But I want the 650!! Please help...

Thanks in advance.
Manta

Posted by: Rad Adam

That's bs.

Before I had a Treo I had Sprint take away my IP and my ability to use data at all to prevent people from randomly using it if my phone was sitting around at a party (yes, it did happen before that). There's no way Verizon can't do the exact same thing.

Posted by: manta_ray

Thanks - I've been searching around and it looks like I can request that Verizon blocks the data plan. I heard they kick and scream for you to not turn it off but if you persist, they will. I'll just use your excuse. That sounds like a good one!

Anyone else? Anyone else out there use the 650 with Verizon without the data plan (actually, it is the pay as you go plan). Is it possible to use it without incurring a huge bill?

The VZ rep said he personally knew someone who had a $10,000 bill because he "accidentally" downloaded his email and he didn't realize it. Gotta love the sales people.

Posted by: JasonBer

I am in the same situation. Ask them for a "National Access Block." You won't be able to use MMS (picture/audio messaging), but it completely blocks all data transactions. You can still use SMS etc.

Jason

Posted by: johncase3

Quote:

Originally Posted by manta_ray

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about buying a Treo 650 (used) for the Verizon network. I have one question however.

I DO NOT want the data plan and will never use the email or web functions. All I want is a PDA that is also a cell phone. I'll sync everything through a corded connection to my laptop.

With that said, a Verizon rep is telling me that even if I don't have the data plan, "bits and bytes of data" will be transmitted and will cost you per kilobyte. He said I could run up a huge bill in the first few month. My question is, is this true? Can I "turn off" the "bits and bytes" transmission? If so, how?

I know the Verizon guy was scaring me to buy the Treo 700 and the data package but I don't need it. So I'm suspect of his truthfulness. Thoughts? I really don't want a huge phone bill the first month I have the Treo 650. But I want the 650!! Please help...

Thanks in advance.
Manta

Sounds fishy to me. I have had a Treo 650 on Cingular Go Phone for 18 months and have never "accidently" used any data. I get charged 1c/kb.

Normally, if data is requested, you will get a pop up from the Palm OS asking you if you want to connect to the data network, which you can decline. In the case of Go Phone, you also get a system message from Cingular at the end of the session, telling you how much the data session cost. I can also look at a detailed log online to review my data sessions. I would notice any data "leakage".

I get the same pop up query on my new Sprint 755P. (I have unlimited data now so it doesn't matter.) I don't know how Verizon 650 works, but I would be surprised if it was different.

BTW, One can disable the query by using the "never ask me again" checkbox, so keep that in mind as a danger.

Posted by: broadwayrowe

I've been looking for this because I bought my 650 for the exact same reason as the originator of this post...as a phone/PDA and nothing else. After taking away my data plan, the next month my bill ballooned to $170. I called the VZ Rep and she explained that they will charge for any data that streams in and out of the phone minus the text messages that are included in your plan. Convenient that they didn't tell me that when I took the data plan off. I just called to have the National Access Block put on and it was taken care of in 5 minutes...problem solved. I confirmed that text messaging will still work with the block in place.

Posted by: FlavorD

I'm glad I found this thread. I've done two small data connections to see how big they were, but I made sure to disconnect from the network right away. You guys are saying that if you stay connected, your phone keeps sending "texts" and you get a huge bill?

Posted by: fishera

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlavorD

I'm glad I found this thread. I've done two small data connections to see how big they were, but I made sure to disconnect from the network right away. You guys are saying that if you stay connected, your phone keeps sending "texts" and you get a huge bill?

I don't think it keeps sending texts or any data because I remember I have AT&T postpaid also and I will stay connected but exit an application using data and it will tell me my balance, thus ending a session. Then again this is the GSM Treo 680 I am talking about- and AT&T's network. But it doesn't use data when im not in a data app.

Posted by: broadwayrowe

I have Verizon with the Treo 650...it does leak data and you will be charged for it if you do not have the data plan. Many apps on the phone utilize web data (excluding text) including the browser obviously, google maps, MMS pics, etc. If by accident you connect the browser and don't manually disconnect it, even if you return to the home screen, data streams and the dollars are racking up in the background. If someone sends you an MMS pic, you pay for that data to receive the pic, etc. If you don't get the data plan, call VZ to request a national access block, or the phone will find sneaky ways to leak data. Trust me, I'm a computer/phone geek and I couldn't plug all the holes in the boat.

Posted by: johncase3

Must be a Verizon thing because I have NEVER leaked data on Cingular PAYG Treo 650.

Posted by: TheHeffNerr

the block may interfere with texting (sms) it really doesn't "leak" data, it would have to be something you tell it to do. MMS no longer will charge you data, that is now fixed.. or at least should be.

and with the palm os, you cant kill the connection that the carrier puts into the phone... :/ well you can try, but it seems to always come back some how... O.o ninja dun's or something.