vB Easy Archive - VerizonWireless PDA Data Plan Policy

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VerizonWireless PDA Data Plan Policy
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Posted by: Meir Elazar

My Samsung i730 is having problems with the touch screen. So I visited the Verizon Wireless website and store. The phone which looks like the best option to replace my PDA is the Samsung OMNIA. It has Blue Tooth, Wifi, and all the feature that I require. I currently use my i730 at home to connect to the internet via my Wifi network but do not connect and am not required to connect to the internet via Verizon Wireless' data service. With the new Omnia from Verizon Wireless, I was told by the internet and store reps that if I buy this phone or any phone after the i760 that is "data capable", that they will charge me $30 per month for the data plan WHETHER I WANT IT OR NOT. I explained that I have a trailer hitch on my SUV but no one puts a gun to my head to force me to haul a boat or trailer if I don't want to. I like all the other features and capabilities of the phone and I like the idea of being able to add the data plan (Although $30 is way too much) if I should ever want to add it but I do not wish to have Verizon Wireless force it down my throat against my will. I wonder how many people with marginal English, elderly, or others simply don't understand the terms and pay $30 per month to get all the other features of the PDA smart phone and never use the data plan.

I have complained to the CEO of Verizon Wireless and other agencies. I strongly believe that the American educated consumer is entitled to the choice of their products and services and should not have unnecessary services forced upon them against their will. As such I would suggest that anyone who is considering a PDA Smartphone from Verizon but does not require the data plan, voice their opinions very loudly to Verizon, govt. regulatory agencies, consumer protection agencies, etc. and protect us against unethical monopolistic business practices. Together we can stand up for consumer rights and promote ethical business practices in America.

Posted by: UrbanBounca

If your handset was released AFTER November 16, 2008, which the Omnia obviously was, you're REQUIRED to have a data plan. You can complain all you want, but in the end, no one is sticking a gun to your head to keep VZW.

Posted by: azjerry

What's this $30 data plan?

I have a Treo 700P currently still on the pay as you go and a bogus network setup to ensure I don't actually use any data. I went this way as I couldn't justify the $45 VZW was charging for the "unlimited" data plan. At $30 minus my corporate discount I might be interested.

Posted by: dynasty82

The data plan is going to be required if you like it or not. I doubt complaining will do much considering verizon makes more money by requiring the data plan then if they didnt require it. it also cuts down on the customer who buy pda's and then want credits for usage because picture messaging uses data and if you dont have the data package you will be charged for MB usage. also some applications will automatically try to access the web for updates. If you want a PDA and it was released after Nov. 16th 2008 then you have no choice. No matter how much you complain. Verizon isnt forcing you to buy a pda either so you have other options. Most phones that are not pda's can do the same things a pda can. they have calenders and memo pads. calculators and all the other features that most pda's have that dont require you to use data. Maybe you need to look into a different type of phone because there's no way your going to be able to get around the data package being required unless you want to buy the palm centro or another device released before the data package was made a requirement. Writing letters to the CEO isnt going to get you anywhere. Most likely his secretary read it and threw it away. if service provider whats to charge you for something that they provide then there is nothing the government can do regardless of complaints. no one is forcing you to buy a specific phone or even making you stay with any specific carrier.

Posted by: Meir Elazar

1. The CEO passed my complaint to some woman who called me and basically said that that's their policy and they were not going to change.
2. As stated I stand by what I wrote that this is highly unethical business practice to force someone to pay for a service they don't need or want.
3. I also checked out AT&T and Sprint. AT&T does not require a data plan except for the Iphone. Sprint, according to the rep I spoke with, gives you the messaging and internet service for free with the 1500 minute plan which may be cheaper than Verizon. AT&T has the roll over minutes.
4. I do not subscribe to the philosophy "when raped just lay back and enjoy it". I am a fighter - not a Frenchman who in the face of a conflict "runs, hides, surrenders, and collaborates". This country has a long tradition of fighting for right and justice. America led the way with Anti-Trust and Anti-Monopoly. We have recently seen corruption in govt., huge bonuses for failure in various industries, etc. We see the consumer refrain from buying cars watching to see which companies will survive. The American consumer holds the future of American corporations in their hand and can exert their rights through voting, voicing their concerns to govt, consumer advocacy groups, and through spending or boycotting. This is our democratic right and I for one, will continue in spite of the negative responses I have read here, to advocate proper ethical and moral business practices.

Posted by: OrganHero

Yeah this is total garbage. I am gonna stick to my old plans of getting the Touch Vogue and use a modified SD slot for WiFi. I wanted the Omnia, but another thing is the screen resolution is 240X400, that is stupid.

As for the person with the Treo, the 45 plan is for phone older than the 6700. The 6800 on up can use the 30 dollar.

Posted by: SCTelephoneMan

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjerry

What's this $30 data plan?

I have a Treo 700P currently still on the pay as you go and a bogus network setup to ensure I don't actually use any data. I went this way as I couldn't justify the $45 VZW was charging for the "unlimited" data plan. At $30 minus my corporate discount I might be interested.

Yeah, no joy on the 700P. The only Palms that can use the $30 plan are the Centro and the 700wx.

However, the voice and data plans would work with your device, which are subject to the employee discount. What price plan are you on?

Posted by: azjerry

Well that stinks. Different prices even though the phones are essentially the same. Currently on the 1400 family select plan with total of three lines, mine being the primary.

Posted by: Meir Elazar

I have now begun to look for alternatives. The two directions of research are: Can I purchase a Omnia (or other suitable phone) and transfer the esn from the i730 to the new phone? (If they don't play fair, why should I?) Originally when I had a Motorola E815 and Verizon crippled it, I found instructions on Howard's as to restoring the functions that Verizon crippled.

2. Research unlocked phones. (I am hearing that GSM is a good thing to have and that more of the identity and control moves to the SIM card which can be moved from phone to phone possibly). As such I have begun to encounter i9 clones (Chinese) of the iphone for around a hundred bucks which is not too much. Don't know about quality, capabilities, reliability, etc. But it may be worth looking into. Next is finding a carrier that will accept you. I hear that AT&T will, possibly TMobile but not Sprint. The objective is to get the best reasonably price phone and a carrier with reasonable service, rates, and will accept you with your choice of phones.

Looking forward to leaving Verizon and hope to take as many people with me as possible. When it really hurts, businesses get the message.

Posted by: dynasty82

Well sounds like you better go to AT&T or sprint. If they offer what you want then go get it from them. NO ONE is forcing you to get anything. you have your choices to pick from. Don't like it then go somewhere else. Not to be ride but theses nothing unethical about a product or service that is provided as a choice. I don't go out yelling at samsung cause they don't offer a 50 inch plasma for 500 bucks. I guess it's there fault that they don't provide me with what I want. That's so unethical since it doesn't provide me with my specific needs. You should study ethics a bit more so you know the difference between ethics and wants.

Posted by: Meir Elazar

When you buy tickets to the theate, ball park, etc. No one forces you to buy the fast food at inflated prices. You decided on what products and service you wanted. Here too, I research all the features on the specific phone and exactly which service I required along with all of the cost factors. I required wifi, blue tooth, WM6 with active sync, WM applications, etc. From the phone. From the carrier I checked out the coverage, phone service characteristics (It does work at stations in Washington Metro system), and the economics. The problem arises when the phone is fine but I want only the service that I require and I DO NOT REQUIRE THE DATA SERVICE and Verizon will not sell me their services on THAT PHONE without the data plan which I DO NOT WANT AND WILL NOT USE. Do you wish to go to the ball park and be forced to pay a mandatory "HOT DOG FEE" for every member in your party if for example you were a vegetarian? The Hot Dog is not an integral part of the experience. For some it is a convenience and for others it is extreme heartburn. The Data Plan is not an integral part of Cell phone service and is one of two viable methods to get Internet on the PDA. I will only use the wifi and they want to force me to pay for their data package even if I don't need it or want it. I don't pay for it today. I don't is today. And the phone capabilities of the new OMNIA as for all practical purposes identical with respect to internet connectivity to my current phone. The ONLY difference is that Verizon picked out some arbitrary date and decided on a business practice of forcing customers to pay for a service that they do not want or need. If you can't follow this straightforward logic, buddy I don't know how much simpler I can make it for you.

In conclusion, forcing people who opt for a certain class of phones that happen to have a certain capability that they do not require to pay an exhorbitant fee for a service that they do not want and will not use is unethical and immoral. I have voiced my complaint directly to Verizon, to FCC, FTC, BBB, and various TV, Radio, and Newspaper consumer advocacy programs. In other countries products and service are controlled by the state and people have far fewer rights than those of the greatest democracy in the world. Fighting for our rights is an integral part of the greatness of this country. I will not cower to business giants when I believe that they are operating unethically. I also am not afraid to lead the battle. But I will not behave like the French who cower and collaberate with evil.

I look forward to any information that will help me and others proceed to make good intelligent choices about products and services. I hope that a very large group will be leaving Verizon en masse.

Posted by: UrbanBounca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meir Elazar

I have now begun to look for alternatives. The two directions of research are: Can I purchase a Omnia (or other suitable phone) and transfer the esn from the i730 to the new phone? (If they don't play fair, why should I?) Originally when I had a Motorola E815 and Verizon crippled it, I found instructions on Howard's as to restoring the functions that Verizon crippled.

No, that's completely illegal. VZW is not doing anything illegal at all.

For the last time, you've come to the wrong place to argue about the data plan policy. The majority of us don't agree with it, but we also understand we're not forced to stay with VZW. You talk about America and choices, why don't you listen to your own advice?

Posted by: dynasty82

Voice your complaint to whoever you want. It will fall on deaf ears. No one forced you to buy that hodog just cause you went to the ball game. Look at it this way then sice you don't want to even listen to the own words your saying. If the device requires a data plan and you don't want that part of the package then it's not the device you are looking for. Clear and simple. If I want to buy a samsung tv but In order to get one I have to buy dish netwrk service. Guess what I do. I buy something else. Simple solution to a simple problem. If it's that big of a deal to you to leave verizon then apparently it's not that important to you. Like everyone has said. If you don't want it then don't buy it. Your playing the "I can't get what I want" card, and the industry doesn't care. Enough people pay for the service to make it an apparent benefit. You should just go to sprint and complain to them when your service sucks.

By the way buying an omnia and activating it without a data plan won't work.it's gonna make you add it. You can't add a PDA without the data feature. No if ands or butts. Regardless if you buy it off eBay or anywhere else or if you try to activate it online or over the phone, or in a store. You can't activate a PDA without the data feature. The system won't let you

Posted by: metropolis

Is it true I shouldn't have to buy a data plan for a phone from 2005, i.e. my Samsung SCH i730 because of it's age? I've been using this phone several months after buying it off ebay and activating it via the VZW website. The VZW website wouldn't let me NOT buy a data plan, is it true that I can get around this for an older phone? Do I need to go to a Verizon store? I never access the internet except for WiFi, I just figured I needed the data plan to have this phone, which I LOVE!

Posted by: UrbanBounca

Quote:

Originally Posted by metropolis

Is it true I shouldn't have to buy a data plan for a phone from 2005, i.e. my Samsung SCH i730 because of it's age? I've been using this phone several months after buying it off ebay and activating it via the VZW website. The VZW website wouldn't let me NOT buy a data plan, is it true that I can get around this for an older phone? Do I need to go to a Verizon store? I never access the internet except for WiFi, I just figured I needed the data plan to have this phone, which I LOVE!

You should be able to select the "Pay Per KB" plan, which technically, is choosing a data plan, but you don't actually pay anything unless you use data.

Posted by: dynasty82

Quote:

Originally Posted by metropolis

you need to call customer service or go into a store. A lot of things cant be done online. You can activate any PDA that was released before Nov. 16th 2008
without requiring the 29.99 data plan.

Posted by: Aixelsyd

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynasty82

By the way buying an omnia and activating it without a data plan won't work.it's gonna make you add it. You can't add a PDA without the data feature. No if ands or butts. Regardless if you buy it off eBay or anywhere else or if you try to activate it online or over the phone, or in a store. You can't activate a PDA without the data feature. The system won't let you

I'll beg to differ there as I have a WinMob device activated with no data plan, I also have another one that works off of using the Vcast vpak to cut the data plan fee in half so it is only $15/mon. Just have to know the right people to get it done is all.

Posted by: dynasty82

you have a windows mobile device that was released before nov. 16th of 2008. you can get those without data plans all day. but no new pda's will let you do that. the feature code is required for the phone to be activated.

Posted by: prberg

I had a quick question about this data fee. What if I buy a used phone (or unlocked phone) on ebay. I was looking at the new HTC phones (touch, touch pro). Will they still charge me the fee? Or will they only charge me the fee if I buy a phone from them? I just want a phone that has a full address book. Alot of the non pda/smartphones don't have address books with an address field. Is this too much to ask? I hate carrying my phone and my old palm pilot too.

thanks,
Peter

Posted by: SCTelephoneMan

Quote:

Originally Posted by prberg

I had a quick question about this data fee. What if I buy a used phone (or unlocked phone) on ebay. I was looking at the new HTC phones (touch, touch pro). Will they still charge me the fee? Or will they only charge me the fee if I buy a phone from them? I just want a phone that has a full address book. Alot of the non pda/smartphones don't have address books with an address field. Is this too much to ask? I hate carrying my phone and my old palm pilot too.

thanks,
Peter

There is no possible way in the universe to activate an HTC Touch Pro or HTC Touch Pro Diamond on Verizon's network without a data plan. Cannot be done. 100% impossible.

Posted by: whimp

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCTelephoneMan

There is no possible way in the universe to activate an HTC Touch Pro or HTC Touch Pro Diamond on Verizon's network without a data plan. Cannot be done. 100% impossible.

Actually there is! I managed to buy a Sprint touch pro and activate it on Verizon's network without having to buy a data plan!

For most of the sprint ESN's Verizon's system cannot identify the phone, so it will not force you to buy the data plan

I used this tutorial: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44663

In the long run, the price of full retail for the phone will pay itself

Posted by: maxnix

Quote:

Originally Posted by metropolis

True! I ditched data on my phone and went with an Rev. A card.

Posted by: rocketsilence

This is the most ridiculous thread I've ever read. But to be honest, wasn't it Patrick Henry who said "give me a data-centric phone without a useful data plan, or give me death?" This is an issue about our inalienable rights! To piss and moan about a data plan on a smartphone on the internet!

These colors don't run, Verizon. I will be contacting the International Court of Justice at the Hague to settle this dispute. Cheerio!

Posted by: yonkersguy

i think the guy is 100 percent right,
the whole bell system att monopoly was broken up and divested in 1981 due to att forcing you to rent their answering machine, you were not allowed to connect your own answering machine or phone to the line at the time. You had to rent it from them.
Best bet is to contact your states attorney general , it is a unfair business practice, the pay as you go plan was fine.

Posted by: crain

I voted with my pocketbook to get what I want at a fair price. Not just with VZW. I am usually aware of it when I am being hosed.

Remember the old commercial slogan, "I'd rather fight than switch." Well, I'd rather switch than fight. Start by looking for a fifty-dollar unlimited plan.

[ironically, I have a vested financial interest in Verizon Communications.]

Posted by: beeslk

it seem like to me majority of you are OK with verizon data plan along with there Pda phones. only one or two are against it. to me that is strange. the cost is outrageous for an additional $30 a month with a total of $360 a year. i dont hear anyone saying the cost is almost the cost of residential broadbrand. no one!!! some of you are either loaded or working 2 jobs for it.

Posted by: azjerry

Count me as one that thinks VZW's data plans are too much. I have a Treo 700p. VZW still wants to charge me $45/month for "unlimited" data.

Instead I've kept the pay as you go plan and defined a dummy network to ensure that I don't use any data.

Posted by: C DM

There have been far too many complaint threads and posts about the data features/plans, their price, and the fact that they are essentially required for BB and most PDA phones. There are a whole lot of them here, even if there's not much about it in this particular thread (which is just one of the smaller ones out of very many on the subject).

That being said, happy or outraged, it doesn't really make that much of a difference given that the policies are what they are and aside from essentially voting with our wallets there's usually not much more that could be done.

Posted by: Vatothe0

Wirelessly posted (out there: BlackBerry9530/4.7.0.141 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonkersguy

i think the guy is 100 percent right,
the whole bell system att monopoly was broken up and divested in 1981 due to att forcing you to rent their answering machine, you were not allowed to connect your own answering machine or phone to the line at the time. You had to rent it from them.
Best bet is to contact your states attorney general , it is a unfair business practice, the pay as you go plan was fine.

I was unaware that Verizon was the only wireless carrier available and therefore making this argument remotely applicable.

Posted by: mooler

I have a question. I recently upgraded to the EnV Touch and upgraded my plan to Nationwide Connect 450 for 69.99 and it includes unlimited messaging and unlimited web as you all probably know. Now what If i bought an old Palm 700w off ebay? Could i activate it on my nationwide connect plan without paying for a data plan since my plan already includes this? I had one about a year ago that I activated on my old Americas Choice II plan and i had to select pay as you go. Just wondering.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooler

I have a question. I recently upgraded to the EnV Touch and upgraded my plan to Nationwide Connect 450 for 69.99 and it includes unlimited messaging and unlimited web as you all probably know. Now what If i bought an old Palm 700w off ebay? Could i activate it on my nationwide connect plan without paying for a data plan since my plan already includes this? I had one about a year ago that I activated on my old Americas Choice II plan and i had to select pay as you go. Just wondering.

No, the Connect and Premium plans are not compatible with PDA or BB phones--if you tried to activate/use a PDA or BB phone you'd be asked to switch to a different plan, like down to a Select plan, and then pick an appropriate data feature related to the PDA or BB phone you are trying to use.

Posted by: mooler

thanks! I figured as much but wanted to make sure. good to know.

Posted by: ChaosMan1014

Sorry if this completely de-rails the thread. I'm also looking at getting an enV touch because I don't need a lot of the things associated with smart phones i.e. email push.

From what I just read, and from what I perceive my local VZW store told me, if I get the enV touch, with the Vcast pack ($15/mo.), does that include not only unlimited mobile web browsing, but unlimited use of the full HTML web browing enabled on the phone data charge free, or is there still a per MB fee associated with that?

For background information, I mostly intend on checking Gmail and general surfing.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosMan1014

Sorry if this completely de-rails the thread. I'm also looking at getting an enV touch because I don't need a lot of the things associated with smart phones i.e. email push.

From what I just read, and from what I perceive my local VZW store told me, if I get the enV touch, with the Vcast pack ($15/mo.), does that include not only unlimited mobile web browsing, but unlimited use of the full HTML web browing enabled on the phone data charge free, or is there still a per MB fee associated with that?

For background information, I mostly intend on checking Gmail and general surfing.

The V CAST VPak will cover all and any data usage on a feature phone (like the enV Touch), so whether you use data through a web browser, or through some application, or by some other means (not counting tethering/DUN), it will all be covered by V CAST VPak without any additional charges.

Posted by: Greg B

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosMan1014

Doesn't the enV Touch use a HTML browser?
What is the difference between "mobile web browsing" & "HTML web browsing"?
The non-Vcast Verizon Connect plan says it includes "Mobile Email & Unlimited Data for Mobile Web and Get it Now/Media Center".

I thought you only needed Vcast for smart phone data or the other Vcast options such as TV, etc.....???

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

V CAST VPak is just a feature that covers all data usage (be it from an application or using the internet on the phone--no matter what kind of browser it has) on a feature phone. For PDA phones there are separate/different data features, as is the case for BB phones.

Posted by: Greg B

Just so I understand....If I get the enV, I will have unlimited web browsing with the connect plan. If I get a "smartphone/BB, then I would need Vcast. Is this correct?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

Just so I understand....If I get the enV, I will have unlimited web browsing with the connect plan. If I get a "smartphone/BB, then I would need Vcast. Is this correct?

The first part is right, since enV is a feature phone if you are either on a Connect or a Premium plan or simply have the V CAST VPak feature the data used on the phone (be it from mobile web or anything else) would all be covered.

For a PDA or a BB phone you'd need a separate appropriate data feature (generally at least $30/month) to cover the data usage on the phone--there are some specifically for PDA phones and some similar ones specifically for BB phones, but they are different from those that are for feature phones, like the enV (and you can't have a PDA/BB phone on a Connect or a Premium plan either).

Posted by: melisma0620

How is it unethical for a business to charge you for something and tell you that if you choose this phone, you will be charged for a data package because it's a DATA phone??

[QUOTE=Meir Elazar]
2. As stated I stand by what I wrote that this is highly unethical business practice to force someone to pay for a service they don't need or want.[QUOTE]

Posted by: melisma0620

Unfortunately, no. PDA phones, such as the Treo, would not be compatible with the connect plan, so you would be downgraded back to select for 59.99 and if you chose to have data it would be 44.99 (I'm not sure but I think the 700w isn't capable of having the 29.99 data plan, but I may be wrong about which Treo it is.) Either of those data plans would be unlimited, otherwise you can either pay as you go or block data services on the Treo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooler

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melisma0620

How is it unethical for a business to charge you for something and tell you that if you choose this phone, you will be charged for a data package because it's a DATA phone??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meir Elazar

2. As stated I stand by what I wrote that this is highly unethical business practice to force someone to pay for a service they don't need or want.

Unethical probably wouldn't really apply, but it's not exactly playing fair--quite a few people really just want or even need a PDA phone for other reasons that don't involve data at all, even simply to have an actual fully featured addressbook where they can store addresses and other additional information. To require a data feature for someone who has no need for it and will not use it is, well, not exactly fair game. That being said, business certainly can set their own requirements and all that--this is just to say that in some cases it's not exactly all that fair/right for at least some group of people who might be affected without a good reason really.

Posted by: RyRy_M

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjerry

I have a Treo 700p. VZW still wants to charge me $45/month for "unlimited" data.
.

azjerry: This is NOT true. I have the 700p and have had the $29.99 email and web feature for some time now. It may be that you cannot select that option via the MyVerizon website, but a quick *611 call to CS can get this going for you. You just need to ask for the "Email and Web for Smartphone" feature - and you can use your corporate discount on it, as well.

Posted by: azjerry

Well the last time I talked to CS I specifically asked about this and was told that I needed the $45 plan for my Treo. That was awhile ago, though. I may have to call again.

Posted by: crystalamp

I just called CS today about the difference between the 30/mo and 45/mo data plan for the BB. They are both unlimited data usage, the only major difference seems to be the 45/mo plan allows pull and push of files/emails using advanced email servers. The CS guy basically told me to get the 30/mo plan unless my company requires the additional feature.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalamp

I just called CS today about the difference between the 30/mo and 45/mo data plan for the BB. They are both unlimited data usage, the only major difference seems to be the 45/mo plan allows pull and push of files/emails using advanced email servers. The CS guy basically told me to get the 30/mo plan unless my company requires the additional feature.

Yes, the $30/month data feature for BB is BIS and is generally good enough for most consumers, while the $45/month data feature is BES and is mainly needed for some corporate users, but that's mostly it. It's fairly similar when it comes to PDA data features.

Posted by: redronin

Quote:

Originally Posted by whimp

can anyone verify if this still works, or if it was killed?

i have read of people bricking sprint phones, and the original tutorial is gone. (although i found a secret hidden copy, took some searching)

Posted by: Vatothe0

I found a video of how to get it working.... Check it out

Posted by: yonkersguy

due to the data plan requirement for thje smart phoes, i qam rethinkinh the whole verizon thing.
'i rarely use my phoe for voice calls, email and text i don'tneed during the day, so started thinking of a iphone or maybe a android phone,
my hope is to be able to find a low priced data plan, .or wifi capable phone,
maybe use skype or other wifi hot spot for my voice calls .
i reallly would like the ability to have a wifi phone that could maximize all the cheap features like google voice, skype, plus services like reqall or jott to remind me.
a phone that would let me know when i am near a hardware store, when i have hardware designated items on my to do list is my goal now, i figure a iphone or android phone would do that.
i am just not going to pay these rip off charges, but i havent kept up on what is available to integrate with googlevoice and a couple others,
is there a forum for this type of discussion?
my contract is up and my phone needs replacement badly, but want to make a informed decision.
i guess what i need is a pay as you go voice plan, with a wifi phone

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonkersguy

due to the data plan requirement for thje smart phoes, i qam rethinkinh the whole verizon thing.
'i rarely use my phoe for voice calls, email and text i don'tneed during the day, so started thinking of a iphone or maybe a android phone,
my hope is to be able to find a low priced data plan, .or wifi capable phone,
maybe use skype or other wifi hot spot for my voice calls .
i reallly would like the ability to have a wifi phone that could maximize all the cheap features like google voice, skype, plus services like reqall or jott to remind me.
a phone that would let me know when i am near a hardware store, when i have hardware designated items on my to do list is my goal now, i figure a iphone or android phone would do that.
i am just not going to pay these rip off charges, but i havent kept up on what is available to integrate with googlevoice and a couple others,
is there a forum for this type of discussion?
my contract is up and my phone needs replacement badly, but want to make a informed decision.
i guess what i need is a pay as you go voice plan, with a wifi phone

Well, with an iPhone you need a data plan as well, so no real savings there. If you do go pre-paid, that's a bit different, but data there often costs a fair bit as well, unless yous simply stick to WiFi all the time (which can be practical for some at least some or even most of the time, but not so much for many others). Take a look around HoFo, there are definitely general pre-paid discussion, general carrier and phone discussion forums that you might be looking for when it comes to this kind of thing.

Posted by: jfkaufman

I have one major gripe with the data plan. I was looking at a smartphone for the advanced calendar and such. I was going to switch my plan from select to connect because we just got 2 enV Touch phones and the connect has web and email. To have to pay more to have a smart phone is BS. Those phones will use probably as much data as I will. I can understand a data charge for SP's if you are not getting a plan that includes "data" services such as email and web, but come on, I can't see how I would use so much more "data" just because it is a winmob or bb phone. I could get a similar plan from Sprint that includes bis and smartphones in it. So, why does Vz charge more for those phones.
I would switch myself but am held to VZ by the women in my house. I am not going to have 2 diff plans on 2 networks. We would end up killing our minutes just talking to each other.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfkaufman

I have one major gripe with the data plan. I was looking at a smartphone for the advanced calendar and such. I was going to switch my plan from select to connect because we just got 2 enV Touch phones and the connect has web and email. To have to pay more to have a smart phone is BS. Those phones will use probably as much data as I will. I can understand a data charge for SP's if you are not getting a plan that includes "data" services such as email and web, but come on, I can't see how I would use so much more "data" just because it is a winmob or bb phone. I could get a similar plan from Sprint that includes bis and smartphones in it. So, why does Vz charge more for those phones.
I would switch myself but am held to VZ by the women in my house. I am not going to have 2 diff plans on 2 networks. We would end up killing our minutes just talking to each other.

Well, the phones do use more data more often, that's basically what's behind it. Sure, in case of some people who are very limited in their use of the phone and don't much beyond calling/messaging that might not be as much of a case, but for most who actually use PDA/BB phones to a more full extent in terms of data, they have different applications running usually and use browsers that handle more of the web in better ways, so more data gets used up more often than it would on more basic feature phones.

Posted by: wolfen42

Do what I'm planning on doing, I'm taking my Omnia over to Page Plus since my data usage has been well under 20meg per month....