If one uses home Wifi internet, then what is the point of a data plan?

[mammador]

Does a data plan only apply if you're using the Web via the mobile operator?

The carrier does not supply the internet, as this is an ISP not a mobile telephony operator. So how then would a data plan to the mobile operator apply?

I'm asking since I use my home wifi on my phone, and this is not run by my mobile carrier.

 

[zerocool84]

Any smartphone you get from any carrier is going to need a data plan. That's just how it is. If you never go outdoors then you really wouldn't need a smartphone anyways.

 

[Bateluer]

Does a data plan only apply if you're using the Web via the mobile operator?

The carrier does not supply the internet, as this is an ISP not a mobile telephony operator. So how then would a data plan to the mobile operator apply?

I'm asking since I use my home wifi on my phone, and this is not run by my mobile carrier.

You never take your phone out of the house? There's ways to get a smartphone without a data plan, but that means you either pay by the MB used or have no data at all, which is pointless on a smartphone.

 

[mammador]

OK, so when used outside what happens then?

 

[Pr0d1gy]

OK, so when used outside what happens then?

You find a network and stream movies to your phone via your Netflix app. Or stream music, download new apps, etc.....

 

[alkemyst]

If you never go outdoors then you really wouldn't need a smartphone anyways.

WTF?!

 

[boomhower]

If your only using it at home on wifi why have a smartphone? Just use your computer. Most people have a smartphone and data plan to use data as they go about their lives outside of their house. I'm seriously confused by the post.

 

[gorcorps]

So you've never been out and then wondered what movie times were? Or needed to pull up a map to find something nearby?

 

[basslover1]

Does a data plan only apply if you're using the Web via the mobile operator?

The carrier does not supply the internet, as this is an ISP not a mobile telephony operator. So how then would a data plan to the mobile operator apply?

I'm asking since I use my home wifi on my phone, and this is not run by my mobile carrier.

I would imagine it would be every time you're not on a WiFi network. Just a guess though.

 

[mammador]

I only bought the phone recently, but if I use wi-fi only do I still need a data plan?

 

[zerocool84]

WTF?!

I work with people that spend practically 99% of their time in front of their computers and never go out. They don't need smartphones.

I only bought the phone recently, but if I use wi-fi only do I still need a data plan?

If you bought it on contract then you're stuck with whatever plan you signed up with. Smartphones require data plans if you signed a contract with them.

 

[mammador]

No, it's on pay as you do/prepaid.

 

[MrX8503]

Having a smartphone without a dataplan is like buying a car without wheels.

If you're not gonna have a data plan you don't need a smartphone.

 

[basslover1]

I only bought the phone recently, but if I use wi-fi only do I still need a data plan?

If the carrier requires it, yes.

 

[v8envy]

As someone whose wife is using a smartphone on a prepaid "data plan optional" plan I have to say -- you *CAN* get by with wifi only, but it does limit you at inconvenient times. You can almost always find public wifi on the go (airports, eateries, libraries, etc) but you have to plan ahead. Not having pandora or navigation or email or web when you need (read: in the car) is not really worth the $10-20/month savings.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

carriers can only require a data plan for you to get SUBSIDIZED pricing.

you are always free to buy a phone at full price.

 

[Pliablemoose]

mammador, what do you want to use your phone for?

What carrier do you use?

What kind of phone are you using?

How much is your current phone plan costing you per month?

Give us some information to work with please...

 

[AnyMal]

carriers can only require a data plan for you to get SUBSIDIZED pricing.

you are always free to buy a phone at full price.

Even if you buy the phone at full price they'll still require you to get a data plan for smartphones.

 

[jaydee]

carriers can only require a data plan for you to get SUBSIDIZED pricing.

you are always free to buy a phone at full price.

Every smartphone I've seen requires a dataplan to use the actual phone. No dataplan means no phone. Of course you can use it for other stuff still.

 

[SunnyD]

Cause one isn't home 24x7?

 

[Ns1]

Because when timewarner cable drops your ass in the middle of buying that last three-prong dildo from Adam & Eve you'll be glad you have a 3G backup

 

[iahk]

Every smartphone I've seen requires a dataplan to use the actual phone. No dataplan means no phone. Of course you can use it for other stuff still.

T-Mo is a carrier that this does not apply to (obviously will go away eventually when/if ATT takes control). My friend went through the G1 and is now using a G2 with no data plan included.

 

[AstroManLuca]

carriers can only require a data plan for you to get SUBSIDIZED pricing.

you are always free to buy a phone at full price.

Even if you buy the phone at full price they'll still require you to get a data plan for smartphones.

Every smartphone I've seen requires a dataplan to use the actual phone. No dataplan means no phone. Of course you can use it for other stuff still.

Yeah. Buying a phone at full price simply allows you to avoid being in a contract. Meaning that, at any time, you can cancel your plan without penalty (no ETF). At which point your phone will be basically an iPod Touch - no voice service, no messaging, no mobile data, just WiFi.

Most (all?) carriers will not activate any smartphone on their network, even one you already own, unless you put a data plan on it. I think T-Mobile is the only one that will allow you to activate a smartphone without requiring you put a data plan on it, but I don't even know if they do this anymore. Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint for sure won't let you.

Either way, though, you want a data plan if you have a smartphone. Or do what a lot of people do and have a cheap dumbphone + iPod Touch (or equivalent WiFi only device).

 

[KentState]

He may of inherited a smartphone from someone. I know I have 3 or 4 devices sitting in my kitchen drawer that would make a good phone/mp3 player.

 

[subtraction]

Yeah. Buying a phone at full price simply allows you to avoid being in a contract. Meaning that, at any time, you can cancel your plan without penalty (no ETF). At which point your phone will be basically an iPod Touch - no voice service, no messaging, no mobile data, just WiFi.

Most (all?) carriers will not activate any smartphone on their network, even one you already own, unless you put a data plan on it. I think T-Mobile is the only one that will allow you to activate a smartphone without requiring you put a data plan on it, but I don't even know if they do this anymore. Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint for sure won't let you.

Either way, though, you want a data plan if you have a smartphone. Or do what a lot of people do and have a cheap dumbphone + iPod Touch (or equivalent WiFi only device).

I can confirm T-Mobile will let you have a smart phone without a data plan. They will even let you sign up for a contract and get a phone at subsidized pricing and not force you into a plan with data.