Database Info

[Q] NO data plan?

If i was to buy an Inspire from craigslist and pop my sim card in that has no data plan, would i stil be ablke to use the phone just without a data plan? thanks!

Probably, until att emails you and tells you they are going to upgrade you to a data plan when they do and imei check.

haha o man that will get me in trouble with the rents! haha, is there anyway i can be like no, you cannot do that, i didnt buy it from yall

Can't do that
ATT will detect which phone you are using and automatically add the data plan on.

i am currently using an iphone 3g for about a year now and they havent done that to me yet...before using the iphone however, my dad told them to cut off any access or ability for me to use data. is that why they havent made me add on a plan?

ThroughHymn said:
i am currently using an iphone 3g for about a year now and they havent done that to me yet...before using the iphone however, my dad told them to cut off any access or ability for me to use data. is that why they havent made me add on a plan?
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Click to collapse
Its possible you have a old smartphone opt out feature on your account. This was added for people that had a smartphone b4 data was a requirement and had to be grandfathered in.
I was under the impression that the iPhone overrode this but i could be wrong
Drew

ThroughHymn said:
If i was to buy an Inspire from craigslist and pop my sim card in that has no data plan, would i stil be ablke to use the phone just without a data plan? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've recently updated to the inspire from an original unlocked iphone 2g. I've been using it without a data plan for the past 3 years. At the start, they used to send me text messages about not having a data plan. That lasted about a month or two when I originally bought the phone. And I never heard another thing about it since then.
One little note I found in the contract of the new agreement. It states that "You realize that your smartphone requires a data plan, and if detected you allow AT&T to add the according data plan to your contract." I'm not really happy about that because I did infact not want to keep the data plan. To me it's a waste of money as I live in Philly and wi-fi is everywhere which is faster.
Anyways. I say that if you buy the phone from craigslist and pop in your old sim card, there is nothing AT&T can do. You didn't sign a new contract that has those agreements within. Therefore that can't just turn a data plan on for you if you didn't sign that contract/agreement.
So my answer from experience is that without a doubt you can use the phone bought from craigslist without a data plan. And provided that agreement isn't in your contract, AT&T cannot just turn on the data plan without you knowing.

I bought a capitvate off of ebay 6 months ago and put my sim card in without a data plan, and a month ago I bought an inspire and att has never sent me a message or nothing.

ooo ok i see, thakns guys! now ill just need to generate some money to go buy one! haha

If you unlock it, AT&T can't tell what phone you are using.....
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

[Q] Sidekick on AT&T

If I use a sidekick on ATT, will I be forced to get the att smart phone data plan? I really dont want it. I just want to use it for wifi. Hopefully one of you guys can help me. :x

Bump?
/10 char

I'm gessing ull use aq gophone plan? No u won't have to, but the data that comes on the 50$ plan is unusable for our phone.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda premium

No, Im on a family plan, unlimited talk and text, but im asking if data will be forced onto my line.

I used to work at ATT. Yes you will have to pay the price for data. Sorry
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

No you won't be forced into it, just keep your mobile data connection off... One of the big problems though is you wont be able to send or receive MMS messages. If you can find ATT's APN settings for just MMS go ahead and set up your phone with just that APN and not for Data as well... I'm not sure if ATT charges extra for MMS messages or if you even want it, but they cant force you into buying data if you don't want it.

eurohomie said:
No you won't be forced into it, just keep your mobile data connection off... One of the big problems though is you wont be able to send or receive MMS messages. If you can find ATT's APN settings for just MMS go ahead and set up your phone with just that APN and not for Data as well... I'm not sure if ATT charges extra for MMS messages or if you even want it, but they cant force you into buying data if you don't want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they can. Trust me. If you don't want to believe me thats fine. But trust me, they will.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

I've been on T-Mobile for about 6 Years, never even got a data plan since. using my sidekick now without data. Its not being forced on me, been on android since the g1. Even back then they said your phone was unusable without a data plan ...Att shouldn't force a data plan on you, my sisters on att with an unlocked blackberry tour. She can't access the internet but the phones still fully functional. They haven't forced that ridiculous bb plan on her for 3 years.

insanedrunk said:
I've been on T-Mobile for about 6 Years, never even got a data plan since. using my sidekick now without data. Its not being forced on me, been on android since the g1. Even back then they said your phone was unusable without a data plan ...Att shouldn't force a data plan on you, my sisters on att with an unlocked blackberry tour. She can't access the internet but the phones still fully functional. They haven't forced that ridiculous bb plan on her for 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

insanedrunk said:
I've been on T-Mobile for about 6 Years, never even got a data plan since. using my sidekick now without data. Its not being forced on me, been on android since the g1. Even back then they said your phone was unusable without a data plan ...Att shouldn't force a data plan on you, my sisters on att with an unlocked blackberry tour. She can't access the internet but the phones still fully functional. They haven't forced that ridiculous bb plan on her for 3 years.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I believe they can only force you into getting a data plan when signing up for a new contract with them.
In order to get the contract discounts on phones you need to sign up for a certain premium data plan or something stupid.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App

I buy my phones second hand for that reason, ebays your pal. The op sounds as he already has att. So if he unlocks his sk 4g there wouldn't be a need, just take out the sim card and exchange. I have been changing phones as they come out, no problems... I pay 100$ flat for 5 phones on a family plan. Most importantly, no DATA PLAN...
My sister has used all my android phones that I leave behind on her att plan, never had any problems being forced into a data plan . You only truely needed an internet plan to sign up or sign into google servers, once you're past that, your all gravy, and can survive on wifi. The only phones I've had that didn't allow you to skip the sign in/setup wizard were the g1 and the mytouch 3g. But then root came : ( 0)

I know that Tmo doesnt force data plan, but Att does. Im just really unsure of what phone to get, cause Ive been hearing different things lol.
I've heard att cant detect a g2x, cause its exclusively a tmo phone, and a sidekick is also, so I was gonna get that instead. But now im hearing that they can force you it with a sidekick. I am so lost. Lol

I know that you can use this on ATT without being forced into a data plan. That's precicely what I'm doing right now. Here's what I'm trying to find out though. ATT doesn't know what phone I've got. Their site lists my old non-smartphone. If I choose to add the cheaper unlimited dataplan for non-smartphones (which is the only option available for me to choose online) then will my phone work like that? Or will they then be able to recognize my phone as a smart phone and switch me over to the smartphone data plan?

i know that some carriers will lock down your wifi so you cant use it without a data plan. i dont know if att does or not. the only way around that i know of is to remove the sim card. take out the sim card, and you can use wifi. but who wants to take their sim card out just to use wifi? the only time they can make you get a data plan is for discounts on new phones or when entering a new contract.

my experience with att sucked on this phone, i went with the 25$ go phone plan with 25$ of data (turns out data on the gophone doesnt work with 4g phones from other carriers boo) also if i had 1 bar it would drop said bar if i tried to send a text or make a phone call. the sad fact is here in montana (no local tmobile) i get better service through tmobile monthly then att monthly (who has local coverage)

U don't need a smartphone plan u can get the media net $10 data plan or block the data and only use wifi
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

At&t will force a data plan if you have a 3g or higher phone.
The sidekick cannot run on at&t 3 or 4g, so it will not detect it, it will view it as a non-smartphone.
And to those saying at&t can't force a data plan at all, get a regular phone from ebay that's meant for at&t, pop your sim in, you will get a nice little text message saying you will not be charged $15 a month for data.

Chrimsonfire said:
At&t will force a data plan if you have a 3g or higher phone.
The sidekick cannot run on at&t 3 or 4g, so it will not detect it, it will view it as a non-smartphone.
And to those saying at&t can't force a data plan at all, get a regular phone from ebay that's meant for at&t, pop your sim in, you will get a nice little text message saying you will not be charged $15 a month for data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah and on monthly you cant even access 2g which is BS

insanedrunk said:
I buy my phones second hand for that reason, ebays your pal. The op sounds as he already has att. So if he unlocks his sk 4g there wouldn't be a need, just take out the sim card and exchange. I have been changing phones as they come out, no problems... I pay 100$ flat for 5 phones on a family plan. Most importantly, no DATA PLAN...
My sister has used all my android phones that I leave behind on her att plan, never had any problems being forced into a data plan . You only truely needed an internet plan to sign up or sign into google servers, once you're past that, your all gravy, and can survive on wifi. The only phones I've had that didn't allow you to skip the sign in/setup wizard were the g1 and the mytouch 3g. But then root came : ( 0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do first boot without the sim card. The phone will turn on wifi so you can connect to Google. I do this all the time when flashing just because the first sync is faster that way.
Sent from my Sensation using xda premium

[Q] AT& T require 4G data plan!

Hi Forum,
My wife bought a Iphone 4 last year with a 200MG/ month data plan. She gave her Iphone to her nephew. She told AT&T that her Iphone was broken. She has been using my old Samsung Vibrant with no issue from AT&T, for several months now. I got her a used Infuse yesterday and was using data. AT&T sniffed it and sent a text message.
( Did you know an eligible data plan is required for your 4G Smartphone? Pls call 611 to select a plan and establish your 4G data connection today.)
Do any one know what AT&T will do if she continue to use the Infuse?
Thank you in advance for your opinions, and knowledge!

They are going to add the data plan to your account. You have a choice currentley between 200mb/$15 @ overage rate of 200mb/$15, or 2gb/$25 @ overage rate 1gb/$10. if you dont call and choose a plan they will stick you with the 2gb/$25 rate.

Thanks!
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?

Romeo20 said:
So the options are pay more for data or back to the Vibrant! Do you think calling them and explain the situation would change anything?
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Click to collapse
Call them until you get a rep that does what you want. That usually does it, haha. I'm sure this situation could be no exception.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.

She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.

Romeo20 said:
She has data plan, 200 mg/ per month for $15. AT&T want her to have 4G data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well than your just on the wrong 200mb/$15 plan, pricing is same for 3g/4g devcies the feature code is just different. call and get it fixed so they dont change you to the $25 plan or somthing stupid

Thank you all!
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!

Tomdg07 said:
You can try calling and yelling all you want, theres always that small chance you may get sombody to bend a rule for you. However it is at&t's policy that with all smartphones you are required to have a data plan, so understand you are on the losing side of the battle and can only HOPE sombody bends the rule for you to allow you to continue with no data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back when I got my HTC Tilt I had a very annoying situation with them. At the time of contract signing I was told I had to have a data plan. 3 months later on a night I was not even around my phone I had a $200 data charge for megabytes upon megabytes of transfer charges. Complained to high heaven, and had ALL data service cut to my line.
Fast forward to this past Sept, got online to upgrade our two phones. Well it seems I got lucky and got an Infuse WITHOUT any data plan. Kind of annoying I have someone trying to text my photos...wink wink, that I can not receive. However our other phone AT&T was kind enough to automatically add the data plan (most expensive one of course) without indicating this. Only when we got the October bill that I saw this. *** I just hate these mobile carriers with a passion. Been years of bend over and take it up the arse with this fools. Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Honestly folks, with these phones how having Google Voice, we have actually talked about saying FU to ALL carriers and just using the internet. Yeah, so I cant call when I am driving...dont want to talk then anyways. Just anything I could do to give these **** the finger.

i wouldn't imagine they can do anything if you didnt buy the phone on contract. but if you are on an iphone unlimited plan they might try like hell to get you off of it.

ssa2204 said:
Actually had AT&T try to change terms AFTER a contract was signed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the terms and cinditions YOU signed, which actually state subject to change at any time without giving notice?
I also want to remind you, you can also leave att at any time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.

Truckerglenn said:
If you buy your smartphone outright, paid full price, they can not make you buy a data plan.
But, you then "can not" use your phone to access the internet or e-mail unless on WiFi. Or they can/will force a data plan on you.
Texting and MMS are part of the Phone plan not data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you have smartphone exclusion, get a dumb phone, put the infuse on that sim card and turn off data.

If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

FIX !!!
1. Get a.dummy phone put sim card in it and have att put your number on that phone
2. Have them remove data on that phone
3. Hang up with att
4. turn OFF DATA on the infuse(long press power button and turn mobile data off)
also delete att APN
5 enjoy your phone with out att adding data plan on your phone and still use wifi
Ive been using this method for years. Cheers

Justinfedor said:
If u are in contract with att and you buy a phone out of contract u are still required to have a data plan as long as its on an active acct.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.

Dani897 said:
not if you have smart phone exclusion. my brother uses my old captivate without mms or data on att. only if you lose smart phone exclusion do they force it on you, so if you have a number that never had a data plan you are good, if you had a data plan and got rid of it and bought another phone you need to change phone numbers and sign a new contract to get smartphone exclusion. also how many people are using iphone unlimited plans and arent forced to upgrade to a 4g plan? only people who are suspected of tethering are forced to change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The smartphone exclusion is being removed if someone has it on the acct and upgrades to a diff phone and data plan. So make sure he doesnt get data added on it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?

timf79 said:
I tryed to change the 3G to a 4G plan (switch from Captivate to Infuse) online.
This did not work right away and so I started a chat with an ATT representative and it was taken care of in no time!
I am jsut wondering, if ya'll ain't got no datat plan. What do you use your smartphone for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Media player and phone. Before I got my unlimited data plan, I didn't have much of a need for a data plan as I was always on campus using their wifi.

Romeo20 said:
I resolve the issue with AT&T. After over 30 minutes on the phone, AT&T rep said that I need to provide the SIM and IME number of the Infuse. The data plan is still the same which is 200 Mg/ month for $15. As first, AT&T tried to hook a new 2G data plan. I did not complaint or yell; in fact, I was very polite. I stated that the Vibrant was not getting Voice mail notification, and that my wife hardly use the 200 MG that she has per month. Anyhow, a bit of patience and gratitude seem to do it, this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case anyone comes here with the same question.. I started off with the 2 gig plan a year and a half after they canceled the unlimited plan. Popped my SIM card into the original iPhone set it up in iTunes and 20 minutes later had the unlimited data plan. Popped my SIM card in later that day and get that text every month. Just don't call or mention it. Hint: They don't really care.

verizon no data plan

My brother in law wants to get a smart phone that he can simply use over wifi and he doesn't want to get a data plan. He has verizon and from what I've been seeing online is that verizon forces you to have a data plan since 2008 on verizon branded phones.
Is that really true?
I have ATT and gave my dad an android and just turned off the 3g so he can only use wifi. I guess obviously its easy on this network cause you can just swap a sim card.
Does he have any options at all if he wants to get a phone but no contract?

Tmobile does not force a data plan when you swap SIMs to a smartphone, but Verizon and Sprint are CDMA so you have to activate the phone, in which they will figure out its a smartphone.
AT&T started forcing data plans a couple years ago (or sometime before this year ). Even if you turned off 3G on that phone they will discover its IMEI and it will be a smartphone IMEI so they will force a data plan. So even that AT&T trick won't work, they usually give you a text saying a data plan has been "added" to your account.
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium

gagdude said:
Tmobile does not force a data plan when you swap SIMs to a smartphone, but Verizon and Sprint are CDMA so you have to activate the phone, in which they will figure out its a smartphone.
AT&T started forcing data plans a couple years ago (or sometime before this year ). Even if you turned off 3G on that phone they will discover its IMEI and it will be a smartphone IMEI so they will force a data plan. So even that AT&T trick won't work, they usually give you a text saying a data plan has been "added" to your account.
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FML you're right ATT recently caught on and put a 2gb plan on my dads account instead of a 200mb. those bastards. This is so outrageous that they do this. That would be like the cable companies charging you extra to use your own tivo, say assuming you already owned your own cable card etc.
I'm extremely outraged by this

RobbieRobski said:
FML you're right ATT recently caught on and put a 2gb plan on my dads account instead of a 200mb. those bastards. This is so outrageous that they do this. That would be like the cable companies charging you extra to use your own tivo, say assuming you already owned your own cable card etc.
I'm extremely outraged by this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch, you can call to remove it but then they tell you to stop using the smartphone.
If you really don't want a data plan, Tmobile still doesn't force a plan, if he'd willing to bear with the lesser coverage and quality
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium

I am so glad that our big 3 here doesn't force data plans.
Sent from my MK16i using Tapatalk 2

RobbieRobski said:
FML you're right ATT recently caught on and put a 2gb plan on my dads account instead of a 200mb. those bastards. This is so outrageous that they do this. That would be like the cable companies charging you extra to use your own tivo, say assuming you already owned your own cable card etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I had a smartphone (on ATT), I had an unlimited data plan on my non-smart phone. It was grandfathered in to my account when ATT did away with the unlimited plans. Unfortunately, when I finally did get a smartphone, they "upgraded" me to a 2GB data plan because the unlimited plans are now only for non-smart phones. They suck, but they have the best coverage in my area, so I'm limited in my options.

Okay, so totally somewhat related question. Is 2gb/mo enough data? I mean, if you have auto-sync on, logged into facebook, twitter, instagram, and also using tapatalk. 'Cause he we have like subscriptions for how much data you want. Like 100mb for a dollar and you could use it up to for a month, then it will expire. I just can't het my head around the actual data android consumes.
Sent from my MK16i using Tapatalk 2

Not paying for data plan on AT&T?

I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?

Joe momma said:
I just re-purchased a Inspire again, after 1 year I needed a 2nd phone and I kind of missed my inspire. But I don't want to pay for the data plan. AT&T. Is there anyway to hide my IMEI from AT&T so I don't get slapped with a data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't turn on mobile data. You're good to go.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2

It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.

Joe momma said:
It didn't work. I had mobile data off from day one, and hours later I got a text saying they added a data plan. It seems like they know my phone's IMEI right when I put my sim card in. Gah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also need to remove ICQ (it's a build in software that communicate with att). Your best bet is root the phone install custom romvand keep your data off.
After all that - To fix your account, gave them an non-smart phone IMEI and insist you don't need data plan.
Good luck.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2

There is no way to hide your IMEI from the network. The only way not to pay is to have an IMEI that is not on their network like an unlocked T-mobile phone or something of that nature.

I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.

F2504x4 said:
I purchased a Galaxy for my son from CL and his account never changed from the non data plan his is listed as.., Just call At &t
as long as your current contact does not require data plan you should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget if the device is a none of Att devices or beeing rooted. ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
The ICQ is the bug on all ATT devices that reported to ATT you need a data plan. Read other thread how to take it off or easiest is use the tool to root your device. Install a custom rom just to make sure you don't have the ICQ installed.
Sent from my LT28i using Tapatalk 2

Guys ICQ is not gonna matter if it is removed or not. Each carrier can and for along time has been able to scan their network and see the IMEI numbers that are being used on it. The only way out is to have an IMEI that is not linked to an AT&T smartphone. This has been the case for many years now.

accts said:
ATT will make you add data plan if it is a smartphone regardless of your contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong!! if you are not under contract for having a data plan , then AT& T will not care what phone you use...
If you are under a Data plan via a contract , till that contract expires, you will have pay for Data services regardless of what phone you have...
You can also get At&T services with out a contract with no data plan , and not be charged for using a data capable phone.

BTW it is labeled as Data OPT- out, and as you can see, my old phone is shown (Tilt II) on the account which is what is currently being used since he busted the screen on his Galaxy S.

WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?

ai6908 said:
WM is a lot different than android. Is that your main line or secondary line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you see the Galaxy S that was listed ? it has been swapped back and forth between both phones..

OK there was a time when you could block out data even if you have a smartphone and were not on contract. This is no longer the case. About a year ago ATT changed the policy on smart phones. Now you are forced into a data plan if a. You have a contract that is not grandfathered in. B. If you have a smartphone that att has in its records. When WM was around you had the option to opt out of a data plan. Now it is no longer an option unless you are not on contract or you have a phone that shows up as unknown in the data base when ATT does its IMEI sweeps.
Sent from the BatCave

Okay i did more research on this, and things have changed , ( yes i concede Almight Zen) i was wrong about that, but I do still a have a no data lock on my sons phone, and regardless of the phone he uses , i still have not had a data plan added even though they are At&T branded phones. But there still are ways around this issue.
Some very good info in this thread...
http://androidforums.com/t/455064-t-wifi-only-no-dataplan.html
AN ANDROID SMARTPHONE WITHOUT A DATA PLAN IS POSSIBLE! In fact im doing it right now! I am on At&t using a Samsung Galaxy ACE. Awesome phone, and att does not recognize its IMEI so its all good! I have been data free for almost 2 months (recently bought the phone from amazon). Weather it will work with any carrier that uses GSM im not sure, although it does work flawlessly on ATT. So it is a perfect option for anyone looking for an awesome android smartphone with full features (wifi, bluetooth, gps, full android market, full hacking capability's) with no data plan. Also, if in the future when you want a data plan, all you need to do is enable att's non smartphone $10 data plan on your line and now you have unlimited data for only $10 a month, i have not tried this yet but plan too. I am also pretty sure any GSM phone with a model number not starting with an "i" for example the Samsung galaxy s2 which is "i9100" will be required to have a data plan by att because they recognize its IMEI number, where as the Galaxy Ace starts with an "s" (s5830) it works. Hope this helps, and remember anything is possible with A LOT of Google searching!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It's true that Carrier has the ability to scan for IMEI, however if you don't have mobile data on. IT will not raise a red flag for data plan. This has happened for one of my line in my account - Had my mobile data off and still get a message from ATT that automated add data plan. After research I known what caused it because ICQ required data to communicate with ATT, that's why I got hit with data plan. After root, give ATT an non-smartphone IMEI. I was good to go. Even when i login to my account online I do see my device is Inspire 4G - however the main registration IMEI is a non-smartphone. Weird but it worked.

Also you can just buy the prepaid minutes that reup off your credit card it comes out to be the same as most monthly bills if not cheaper for some and at&t don't care at all what phone you use on those
If you aren't sure then do it twice!