Avoiding the Blackberry data plan on AT&T?
Question by Zahnen G: Avoiding the Blackberry data plan on AT&T?
So I’m looking into the Blackberry Curve, for AT&T Wireless because my contract is up. I was just curious about the blackberry additional data plan. I hear that you NEED to purchase it when you first buy your Blackberry, but it can be canceled after that first month. Is this true? Can I avoid that first cost all together?
Also, how functional is the phone without the data plan? I would definitely still be getting a texting plan, so I’d be utilizing the full key-board. That’s pretty much the reason I got it. I really don’t need the internet, although it would be handy.
Can I still use its features like music and video?
Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by clintmax2006
All PDA phones have the ability to check your e-mail, surf the web, send MMS messages (except the iPhone) and other things that make them the device they are. Without a data plan, all those features will not work and you basically have a very expensive crippled cell phone.
If you were to start with the data plan then cancel it a month later, you would automatically go to pay per use at $ 0.01 per kb used. This may not *seem* like a lot, but those cents will add up VERY quickly and you could end up with a bill of several hundred dollars which you will be responsible for paying.
If you told the rep when you got the phone that you didn’t want a data plan, again, by default, pay per use would be enabled on your account and you could rack up some hefty charges.
MMS messages (multi-media text messages) have to have the internet to work. So with no data plan, you would have to keep from sending any pictures or videos through your phone.
The only way to guarantee no data charges from your phone is to have the rep put a “wix block” on your line which will prevent any internet activity whatsoever on your line.
If you have your heart set on the Curve, just go ahead and get the data plan. You will be much happier getting to use your Blackberry to its fullest, trust me. Otherwise, you may just as well get a regular ol’ cell phone.
Good luck which ever way you decide to go!
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