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AT&T to Officially Mandate Data Plans for All Smartphones

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Show your greed guys....

flip mode

Aug 21, 2009, 1:11 PM
keep showing your greed and I'm sure it will generate more business. These idiots think that by forcing people to buy a data plan will make them stick around or will make people want them anymore. READ MY TEXT CARRIERS THAT DO THIS GREEDY PRACTICE: NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD OR WANTS AN OVERPRICED DAMN DATA PLAN! Oh and for the corporate tools who have some snide remark for me, stick a roll of toilet paper in your mouths. ;)
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Disrespect

Aug 21, 2009, 1:21 PM
I agree.

This will cost a lot of customer to migrate other places. alot of older people that dont care about price but care about service and freedom will pay the ETF and choose another carrier just to prove a point. sucks for AT&T.
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Cellinovation

Aug 21, 2009, 3:19 PM
Not much of a point to prove as every other carrier already requires this as far as I know. I understand some people will move on principal, but just doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. If someone can't afford it, they need to buy what they can afford. If they can't deal with that, they need to work harder to afford more. I can't afford to drop 20k on a new car, so I spend 6k instead and live within my means. If i can't pay cash for it, I don't buy it.
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Disrespect

Aug 21, 2009, 3:33 PM
No sprint doesn't. and no I'm no I am not trying to brag on sprint but just to answer your question. You can get the talk 900 minute plan or even the talk 450 plan and have your internet blocked. 😎
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aidan11

Aug 21, 2009, 5:58 PM
sprint sure does mandate data on certain handsets. the samsung instinct is required to have the data bundle. if you want a high end phone, then pay for the data. why would you get a phone with all those neat features, and never use them? it doesn't make sense. it's not as bad as you make it out to be. all that this will do is educate the consumer, and restructure the way that carriers right fit customers. you don't need a black berry if all you are going to do is make calls. that is ridiculous! there are plenty of phone first devices that give you some of the great features of the smart phones that will not require this data bundle. this is more about a fashion statement than anything. people are brainwashed into thinking they have to have t...
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ElTriste

Aug 24, 2009, 5:33 PM
Yes, on 2 high end phones. The palm centro DOESN'T the HTC touch pro DOESNT, the HTC snap, DOESNT, ANY black berry DOESN'T. The Iphone does and the instinct and pre does. THat doesn't mean EVERY phone. Att is saying ANY SMART PHONE, even if someone grabs a centro, or a curve (that isn't even 3g) they HAVE to pay 30 bucks for Slow-ass edge? come on
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flip mode

Aug 21, 2009, 6:38 PM
your response sickens me cellinovation
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:21 PM
As a former AT&T customer service rep I am glad to be out of this business.

@flipmode: On the other side of things... why own a smartphone if you have no intentions of using the full web browser? Just get a regular damn phone and save yourself the trouble.
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 1:32 PM
I can answer that, first let me say that I DO NOT buy my phones from the carriers, I will only buy never locked and unbranded phones, with that said, my wife has a Nokia E63 and I am pretty sure that AT&T would say this is a smart phone but we do not have a data plan at all with this phone, because she only likes it for the qwerty keyboard so she can text not for email and we will not pay for a $30 data plan that we will not ever use just to have the phone that we want, that we did not even get from AT&T anyway. We would probably go with T mobile.
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marufio

Aug 21, 2009, 1:38 PM
$30 data plan is necessary for new smartphone lines or new smartphone purchases from ATT. This is what I am reading from the article.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 1:48 PM
What my eyes read when I read this article is better to buy from ebay or Amazon and NOT ATT. Who charges twice the price for the same *exact* internet you get for $15.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:53 PM
Just to clarify, Smartphones use data in ways OTHER than the browser. So no, it's not the 'exact' same experience.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:34 PM
How bout some more clarification. What exactly is different in the web browsing experience? Do webpages look any different? I have both Opera & Skyfire on my N95.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:54 PM
They can display more on the screen overall, for one example, because having a fully functional OS is going to allow for much more RAM capacity. Ever owned a BB? The ability to receive your email LIVE is a very valuable tool for businessmen. Some phones have GPS and aGPS functionality that goes well beyond the scope of normal phones, allowing them to interact with various applications and provide some truly stellar experiences. Much beyond that and you'd have to consult an actual smartphone owner (I'm still stuck on my old Verizon Blitz...)
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Phoner

Aug 24, 2009, 10:43 AM
Let me run this through my BS-meter

Chaotix86 said:
They can display more on the screen overall

ding-ding-ding (You mean, like weather and stock quotes? How often is that useful enough to compensate for the additional battery drain?)

for one example, because having a fully functional OS is going to allow for much more RAM capacity.

DING DING DING! Wow, this one is a whopper! Remove data-related apps, and you free the memory and prolong the battery life. And btw, the OS is "fully functional" no matter what programs are added or removed on top of it. The data apps run on top of the OS.

The ability to receive your email LIVE is a very valuable t
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Cellinovation

Aug 21, 2009, 3:28 PM
https://www.phonescoop.com/news/discuss.php?fm=m&ff= ... »

Live connection to email, higher Ram capabilities mean faster browsing. More internet intensive applications.

Not to mention people puchase smart devices for the purpose of using all the available features. I don't care what anyone says.

If you want to good keyboard to text there are plenty of devices that are not smart phones that have a great keyboard. If you want good organization, then get a PDA (yes they still exist) I just don't feel sorry for people that HAVE TO HAVE something then don't want to pay the fees for it. Stop complaining and pony up, or use another option. The cost is the cost is the cost is the cost. And incase anyone didn't get the The ...
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doomtroll

Aug 21, 2009, 5:31 PM
"No amount of complaining is going to make it any better."

you do realize these forums would close down if people didn't complain.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:15 PM
Hey Marufio! I haven't seen you on Phone Scoop in a long time.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:39 PM
Well... alot of phones are close to being smartphones (my family has Verizon and both of my brothers have the EnV Touch which is so close it's scary) but actually aren't. There are plenty of options for folks that just want a full qwerty texting board, they just won't get the best bang for their buck. If you want that then you have to go with the upper echelons of phone-dom (aka Smartphones).

Your way of circumventing the standard carrier's markups is great, until it turns out you need a warranty exchange. Probably best to go with another carrier, as you mentioned.
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mrpmpfan

Aug 21, 2009, 2:07 PM
If your wife is texting from her phone only and doesn't want a data plan, why not buy an unlocked Xenon or Impression? Both are not smartphones they have a full qwerty keyboard and even if you want data its only $10/month (if you have the shared unlimited text)

People who are complaining about this are just being difficult there is no good reason to buy a PDA/Smart Phone if you have no intentions of having half the features activiated.
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marufio

Aug 21, 2009, 2:10 PM
Umm the blackbery is superior in every way to the xenon or impression. faster texting, better screen, and better speakerphone for starters.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:15 PM
AKA a Smartphone? The point to this was to offer alternative options for those that can't/don't want to pay for the premium services offered with such a device. If you want top of the line service then expect to pay a little bit more, kinda like a lapdance on Amatuer's Night at the local strip club.
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marufio

Aug 21, 2009, 2:19 PM
The features of the blackberry have nothing to do with internet usage its just a better phone than that samsung crap. I do regular browsing on the internet just like any other fellow certainly no iphone junkie.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:22 PM
Blackberries remain connected to the Blackberry network at nearly all points in time (assuming they have the data plan and connectivity) so of course you're expected to pay for a smoother interface and instantaneous email/messaging/gps. Remember, half these features don't work at all unless you subscribe to their service.
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SunYam

Aug 21, 2009, 2:43 PM
I understand wanting a phone with a full qwerty keyboard. But there are non-smartphones that have them that doesn't need a data plan at all.
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marufio

Aug 21, 2009, 1:33 PM
Once you go blackberry anything less would torture but the data plan of $30 is way to much to spend on internet for a phone unless you are streaming TV or songs then I see the justification.
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looch_himself

Aug 21, 2009, 5:30 PM
The fact is, AT&T charges waay too much for it's Blackberry/PDA data packages. Why pay $50 for unlimited data and messaging a month when T-Mobile charges $35? It's ridiculous.
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PhonemanJ

Aug 21, 2009, 1:36 PM
Right now, ATT offers at least 10 models of phones with full keypads that work very well for texting. You do not need a Blackberry, Windows Mobile phone or any of the others listed in order to text and do some internet stuff on. There is really no reason to get a smart phone without the data package. You would not be able to take full advantage of what a smartphone does without one.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:43 PM
Also known as the iPhone clause. 🤣
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 1:40 PM
Thd *point* is internet is *NO* different on a Fuze or a Bold that it is on a regular phone. That's the reality of it. The $30 experience is no different than the $15 experience.

I'm an honest real world consumer not someone who is brainwashed by corporate policies.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:42 PM
Appearances are fine, but have you actually LOOKED at the amount of data an active smartphone user accumulates in a month? I've seen upwards of 400,000 KB per month from people who weren't even AWARE they HAD a data plan (though to be fair, these folks typically had an iPhone). At pay-per-use rates that translates to $4,000.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 1:53 PM
I have an N95 and I used just under 3GB last billing cycle. And btw, data usage varies depending on the *USER* not the device. Even if I had a regular flip phone my browsing habits would be the same as if I had a Bold or a Fuze.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:56 PM
Not surprising in the least, and I agree with you on the point that it depends on the user. Typically speaking, if you plan to shoot and upload videos to YouTube all day long... you're gonna want a data plan.
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branchc

Aug 21, 2009, 2:31 PM
And email is another big data hog if you are talking about a full HTML email capable smartphone as opposed to just a regular handset.
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Tmogeek

Aug 21, 2009, 1:58 PM
I understand all your grief, Im the same way, if you want data get it if not then don't. With that being said though, since Tmo made data a requirment as of june 3rd for all BB and Winmo phones except BB Pearl/Pearl flip and the Tmo shadow, Ive actually not lost any sales because of it and our Churn rate actually decreased last quarter, so to say that there going to lose a ton of customers is wrong. Now thats from a Tmo rep talking about Tmo service, Who knows though about At&t.
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Azeron

Aug 21, 2009, 2:02 PM
Damn, if T-Mobile has a similar policy, where can a customer go?
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Tmogeek

Aug 21, 2009, 2:07 PM
I know it sucks that it's becoming standard practice, but at least our data is kinda reasonable, $25 for unlmtd data or $35 for unlmtd data and sms/mms
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:16 PM
I think that's like a $15 savings over ATT.
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looch_himself

Aug 21, 2009, 5:33 PM
Indeed it is. With AT$T, it's $50 for unlimited data/messaging.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:36 PM
Yeah well I get a bit of a discount. Employee discount through my job, family plan discount $10 internet instead of $15, and $30 unlimited msg'g on a family plan.
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looch_himself

Aug 21, 2009, 5:41 PM
The family messaging is nice, but you can't get the discounted $10 shared data on a Smartphone/PDA/Blackberry device. Not compatible. And individual customers are boned.
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 6:04 PM
that 15 savings equates to 15% less 3G, and then some
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chapster

Aug 21, 2009, 4:34 PM
To say that internet is no diffrent on a fuze or Bold than on a regular phone is crap. I have a Bold and a Xenon. I use both regularly and am often frustrated with the web experience on the Xenon. IT WILL NOT do most of what my Bold will do. PERIOD.

Sorry, guys but I thinks the $30 a month is worth it. If you don't need email, if you don't want FULL WEB, don't get a Blackberry.
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 4:43 PM
whatever your an idiot they are exactly the same, don't make me reach out and punch you 😈
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chapster

Aug 21, 2009, 4:45 PM
Whatever, you can't touch me! NOBODY can touch ME!! 🤣
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:00 PM
Didn't RIM improve the browser on the Bold compared to previous BB's? I've used a Curve before, a Blackjack also both using Opera Mini no different experience on either including my Nokia N95.

This is just the wireless companies being greedy trying to raise they're ARPU.
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chapster

Aug 21, 2009, 5:42 PM
Yes, RIM did upgrade the browser for the Bold and all 4.6 OS. If you're using a nokia N95, that's as close to a smartphone as you can get without actually having a full keyboard! Of course the browsing experience will be close. The argument was that internet on a smartphone is no different than on a *dumb*phone. Try using Opera Mini on the Samsung Propel. There is absolutely no comparison to a Bold or other high end phone (including your N95)... even using Opera Mini!
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:47 PM
Hmm I thought Opera Mini would work on any Java enabled handset?

With reguards to a keyboard, yeah that's the only feature I wish my phone had. Recently I've been thinking about the Nokia E75.
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chapster

Aug 21, 2009, 6:02 PM
Yeah, opera mini will work on all java enabled phone... but a lot of the times, the processor in the phone severely limits the speed and capability of the browser.
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STEELRIK

Aug 21, 2009, 4:52 PM
"@flipmode: On the other side of things... why own a smartphone if you have no intentions of using the full web browser? Just get a regular damn phone and save yourself the trouble."
--------------------------------------------- --

I dont agree on this one Chaotix86, let me tell you that I have a Nokia N70 an S60 2nd edition 8.2 . The reason that I bought the phone for the universe of apps for the S60 phones, that was my reason & I dont have any regrets. There are people who buy these kind of phone for various reasons & right now I have this phone in prepaid & the web also in prepaid. I know that you experience a lot difficult calls with old people with Blackberries & HTC, but remember people like me always look for ways to do more stuff ...
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asLeepLessman

Aug 21, 2009, 4:57 PM
This is the same argument many people have been making for years now. Yet, what people like YOU don't seem to understand is; The Customers Should Get What The Customer Want!

Are you telling me that a car dealer is going to decline YOU on a Ski Rack because you told him you'll never go Skiing?

Would a contractor decline you the Swimming pool in your back yard because you told him you don't know how to and don't want to swim?

How about the Lady in the Suit and Tie store, you mentioned to her you don't like Ties and don't plan on wearing one but you want one, would she decline you too?

Can you picture the a women at a jewelery store telling you that you CAN NOT BUY A RING unless you get insurance on it?

My point is simple, If I w...
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looch_himself

Aug 21, 2009, 5:45 PM
Would a contractor decline you the Swimming pool in your back yard because you told him you don't know how to and don't want to swim?

This would make more sense if the contractor refused to build your house without putting in a swimming pool. But I see what you're trying to get at, and I totally agree.
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asLeepLessman

Aug 21, 2009, 6:10 PM
Yeah you right. I got lost in thought. lol...
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cwc24

Aug 24, 2009, 11:41 PM
I am so excited to not work for the corporate thieves anymore also. They are horrible.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 1:31 PM
This is why I don't buy my phones from ATT. ATT doesn't need to know what phone I have nor do they need to be telling me what needs to be on MY acct! Recently I have had both a Blackjack & BB Curve with the same $10 internet that I use on my Nokia N95, so Booyeah!

And to flip mode: We need more ppl like yourself on Phone Scoop! Honest real world consumers!

There are way, way too many fanboys that are brainwashed by corporate policies on Phone Scoop, and they forgot what it means to be an actual real world consumer!
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:46 PM
I highly doubt you had full access to the BB network with a $10 data plan. Sure the browser would work, but you still lose half the functionality. It's a specific BB data feature that enables your phone to connect so if you use the phone for email/PIN messaging there'd be no point...
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:01 PM
I can care less about BB email, I already do email on my Nokia N95 (or BB if that were the case). It's called myphonenumber@mms.att.net
I can send emails to computer email addresses and then respond on ANY phone BB or non-BB. In my case my Nokia N95.

If I don't respond immediatley it's cause I'm watching District 9 @ the movie theater. It seems like a cool SciFi flick.
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 2:19 PM
kinda made me sick. It was very humanitarian. Kinda tugs the emotional strings. The gore was great though 🙂

1 thumbs up
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:26 PM
So you seen. Damn you then, you beat me. Im enterin the theater now.
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 2:32 PM
lol I'm just saying. I wish I had been prepared. Very entertaining, lots of strange camera angles.... ok thats all i'm going to say. Enjoy 🙂

also movies are $2 during the day where I live so I see everything on my day off, tuesday
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chapster

Aug 21, 2009, 4:46 PM
That's cause your movie theater suxx. I overpay.... and I like it that way!!
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:04 PM
Ah, I wasn't impressed. The aliens looked like 6-8ft tall ants.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:07 PM
WoW $2!!! I paid $7.75 and that was for a 12:30pm showing. It was @ the Palms movie theater, that's the one I always go to. It's in Las Vegas.
Where do you live?
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 6:15 PM
small town, stephenville Texas(cowboy capital of the world). The later movies are $4 so I get myself and wife in for what those big theatres pay. Its not the latest whatever, but I like it 4 rooms about 40 seats per room. People are nice, smile and waive still. I call it home
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 9:27 PM
Your not even 80mi.'s from the Ft. Worth/Dallas area. I like Texas. One of the few places in the west I'd consider moving to.

Whenever this data stuff comes up on Phone Scoop it saddens me how many people side with the corporations and completly forget what it's like to be a consumer trying to find a good deal in this greedy world, appearently except for where you live isn't greedy. It just seems like so, so many people on Phone Scoop represent the corporations rather than the common consumer.

By the way I don't know Tx all that well, I just looked up Stephenville Tx on Google Maps, zoomed out and saw Ft. Worth. Google Maps is a perfect example, some fanboy would probably side with the wireless company and say I'm ripping ATT off becau...
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ecycled

Aug 22, 2009, 10:10 AM
man you get around. Ty Murray and Jewel live somewhere around here they have a ranch. 🙂

The europeans call us all yankees. I call everyone that lives here american. I'd like to think we all have the common goal of living a good life and not giving ppl crap for their personal choices. Thats what I think the difference between the USA and every other country (except maybe Canada, I don't know what they are aboot lol).

Take it easy, see ya around.
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bwag717

Aug 21, 2009, 1:48 PM
I really can't wait till you get an unlocke phone and they slap the data plan on it. If you think ATT doesn't know what phone you're using you have major problems. ATT is just doing what VZ and Sprint have done for years. Grow up and deal with it.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:54 PM
The funney starts when these folks that refuse to provide the correct phone information call in wondering why they have a bill large enough to make the national debt blush. 🙄
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bwag717

Aug 21, 2009, 1:55 PM
Thanks Snooper! 🙂
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:59 PM
Thanks Snooper? That tool doesn't really do too much since they removed all ability to interact with the relevant parts for both CS and TSD... it's more like some macabre private channel which allows reps to watch the trainwreck at a distance. 🤣
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mrpmpfan

Aug 21, 2009, 2:09 PM
And you sure are the exact reason they are making this their new rule. You are using a ton of data usage and using a low data plan meant for phones like the Razr. Congrats for being a leech on a company.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:18 PM
As I've been trying to say the user determines how much data is used not the device.
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mrpmpfan

Aug 21, 2009, 5:38 PM
But the device if of a certain make and model can help the user access at a much faster rate and quanity. On a Blackberry Bold I can easily download 1 GB, but on a Motorola Razr it would be difficult to say the least. Not to mention on a Razr you can't have 13 email accounts routed directly to it.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:42 PM
Really I'm going to say is if someone needs 13 email accts then they should hire a private secretary.
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ecycled

Aug 21, 2009, 6:20 PM
ways to get to 1GB on a razr, hmmm..... if it is the new 3G razr you could watch Cellular Video(every single clip they have), or stream radio using moodio.fm, or download songs I used to use allofmp3.com so I'm not sure its still there, browse the web for 14 days straight and never hit the same page twice.

None of those are really constant that do it themselves. Automated programs that kick in automatically: OTA updates and email, are why you NEED the unlimited data plan.
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mrpmpfan

Aug 21, 2009, 6:22 PM
Exactly my point, smart phones like the Blackberries, Windows Mobile Devices, and Nokia have email accounts pushed to them constantly, have programs like Slacker, Myspace, and Facebook that also can access the web constantly. See where this is vastly different than a standard flip phone.
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doomtroll

Aug 21, 2009, 7:01 PM
"There are way, way too many fanboys that are brainwashed by corporate policies on Phone Scoop, and they forgot what it means to be an actual real world consumer!"

And likewise there are to many people who want to "have it there way" in an industry that is heavily regulated and filed with policies...

have fun hiding from the man...
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 9:01 PM
Corporations are extremely greedy in this country and so many of you on Phone Scoop side with the corporations constantly. That's sad and it makes those like yourself bad consumers.

It's ppl like yourself who will pay ANYTHING your told to pay that prices are so out of control in this country. 20oz soda being $1.79 is a perfect example. You look out for the corporation so you probably think $1.79 for a 20oz soda is reasonable. Me, I'll leave an overpriced product on the shelf.

It's because of people like you that corporations care more about stock holders in Manhattan than customers in Main Street USA. Lawyers, insurance companies, and stock holders come before consumers because of people like yourself.

Even when LTE is out I will...
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doomtroll

Aug 24, 2009, 10:23 AM
The higher cost is due to these devises consuming higher bandwidth. Its simple really, its not even about sticking up for the "Companies", its called common sense.

And there is also that simple matter of choice and not buying something that is beyond what you need. People who want more then they need are the only ones who complain.
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je2345

Aug 21, 2009, 1:37 PM
Verizon already does this and actually I sign more people up for blackberry's with this requirement than what i did before it was mandated. If you CANT afford the damn data package then get a regular dumb phone that doesn't require one! It's that simple. Blackberry's are for the advance user so if you cant afford it then dont get one!
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PhonemanJ

Aug 21, 2009, 1:43 PM
You are correct, but that does not seem to fit the thought pattern of the American consumer today. The "I want the best, and because I can't afford it, you better give it to me cheap or free" theme runs rappant among the American consumer. I know that this happens to us all the time, but I bet you have a bunch of parents coming in to get their 13 year old a Blackberry Storm or Tour because the kid thinks he needs one to be "cool". We have the same thing with the Blackberry Bold and the Iphone.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 1:47 PM
Agreed 100%
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carlsberg

Aug 21, 2009, 2:01 PM
This is crap and not crap at the same time.

Obviously there are too many kids with Iphones and fancy grown up phones and this is a great opportunity to generate revenue for AT&T.

I also understand that some adults want a smartphone or a blackberry just to check their emails and not waste hours and hours streaming videos or watching youtube. Frankly, some adults may complain most smartphones' screens are too small for any extended viewing.

It doesn't make any sense to require new customers with UNLOCKED smartphones to sign up for a data plan. Isn't this against the fundamental freedoms for which the forefathers fought???? An unlocked phone means not bound by any carriers. So, the carrier has no right to demand a customer to sign ...
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:05 PM
carlsberg said:
So, the carrier has no right to demand a customer to sign up for a data plan. The only right a carrier has is to demand a customer to sign up for voice plan since that's what is needed to operate a phone.

The logic here is flawed in that technically you aren't supposed to use unlocked phones on a carrier's network. The line of acceptability becomes hazy around this part of the company's legal stance but I wouldn't expect much from any carrier as far as support or sympathy.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:13 PM
4yrs: That's how long I've been using an unlocked handset, Sharp V903 & Nokia N95-3. Always Unlocked 4 me!
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:18 PM
Have you ever had a situation arise where the phone bricked up or otherwise became unusable and required replacement? If so, have you ever received any support from your carrier?
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 2:30 PM
I'm on Phone Scoop, I'm kind of a phone geek like most here, I take care of my own phone problems. It's called hard shocking the phone.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:50 PM
Then you're a little bit above what you can expect the typical customer to have the ability to do. Anyone can buy an unlocked phone, and if you can service such a device yourself then why aren't you cashing in on that skill? (kudos if you are!)
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Azeron

Aug 21, 2009, 2:08 PM
They are begging the FCC to kick the door down and begin regulating all the carriers. It's coming... Between the pay per use text and pix rate and now this... Just a matter of time...
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marufio

Aug 21, 2009, 2:16 PM
First $20 for unlimited texting and now $30 for data plus Voice looks like the carriers are making a fortune.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:20 PM
Yeah... because they don't to pay the folks who have to sit on the phones all day and LISTEN to people complaining about all of this anything at all...
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ygbhen

Aug 21, 2009, 2:35 PM
I am not a corporate tool and you can keep your tp to wipe your bum with. There are many phones being sold by ATT, VZ, Sprint, and TMobile devoid of this option. If the policy is not to your liking, then try MetroPCS, Boost, or Cricket. These companies probably got tired of people without plans running up bills then calling CS talking hostile to their employees. If you want a top of the line phone and the carrier requires for you to purchase a top of the line add on then that is what you have to live with. Since it is there network and they do have other options, then you should chill out and accept it for what it is. If it is too expensive, choose a cheaper option.
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SunYam

Aug 21, 2009, 2:39 PM
I think it's over-all a good idea. People get smartphones with no data plan, yet they still want to use data. They get their bill and when it's hundreds or thousands of dollars they call or go into the store throwing a fit. Then the company has to put of with that when it wasn't their fault.

Also, whats the point in have a smartphone with no data plan? One of the main reasons of a smartphone is data. So if you don't want a data plan why not just buy a plain everyday phone and use that?
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 2:46 PM
Because this is America and I can buy what ever God Damn phone I feel like. 😁
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:48 PM
You also have the right to pay for the services rendered.
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 2:53 PM
And I have and do and will. but I will not pay for serves that I do not need.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 2:56 PM
Okay... let's take a different approach. Do you agree that you NEED a cellphone?
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 2:58 PM
I could live with out it but I would not like it.
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Chaotix86

Aug 21, 2009, 3:07 PM
Okay, so we've established that a cellphone is a want, not a need. At no point in time are these cellphone companies forcing you to do anything. If you WANT service, that's a different thing. They have something you want, you pay for said service and then receive it. If you end up signing a contract that states as a part of your service that you need a $30 data plan because of the type of service you requested, then you run into all sorts of problems if you don't want it. Sure there are ways around them, but there's always risks involved, especially since it's YOUR money.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 10:08 PM
But the service is twice the price as the $15 internet, and it's the same damn internet. So you say pay for the service rendered when it's the same service as the price point below it. There is *NO* other way to explain this than GREED. ATT is yet to say it costs us more so it costs you the consumer more. The $30 pdaconnect price is whats called an unjustified price, and to me the consumer that translates into greed.
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 9:43 PM
That's right!!! And you should be able to buy whatever phone you want and not have to pay a frinkin !!whopping!! $30 that doesn't include tethering or wifi at Mcdonalds & hotels.
$!5 is just fine!
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PhonemanJ

Aug 21, 2009, 3:54 PM
Sun, you are doing a terrible thing. Your statement about having a smartphone with no data plan is way too logical for most people on this site. If what you want is a phone to text with, ATT has at least 10 models of phones with full keyboards that do not require any type of data plan to be put on them. Get one of those.
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doomtroll

Aug 21, 2009, 3:40 PM
if you can't afford a data plan don't buy a data phone
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 3:49 PM
I have not heard anyone say that they cant afford this but rather why pay for something that you are not using.
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PhonemanJ

Aug 21, 2009, 3:51 PM
Because the phone is designed to do more. Using your logic, why buy a phone that is more than you need and costs more to use?
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 4:04 PM
The only reason it cost more to use is because the carriers charge more. 🙄
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Jayshmay

Aug 21, 2009, 5:28 PM
It's not up to you to tell the OWNER how to use something they OWN and bought with THEY'RE $money$ It's up to the USER to determine how to use the device that they OWN.
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asLeepLessman

Aug 21, 2009, 6:08 PM
https://www.phonescoop.com/news/discuss.php?fm=m&ff= ... »

Thats no different then McDonalds creating a new policy.... NOBODY Can Buy A Burger With Cheese WITHOUT French Fries as of Sept 6th. If you DO NOT want French Fries you will have to get a Burger WITHOUT Cheese.
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stephen5688

Aug 21, 2009, 7:30 PM
Damn now I am hungry 🤣
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asLeepLessman

Aug 21, 2009, 7:43 PM
Due to recent changes in the menu, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, Unless you also get French Fries the kid at the register can not sell you a burger with cheese. If you absolutely want a burger but do not want fries please try one of our other burgers without cheese.

You are willing to pay extra for the burger with cheese? But do not want French Fries? I am so sorry sir. Unfortunately the kid at the register can not do that. Please sir, pick one of the burgers without cheese to opt yourself away from also purchasing French Fries.

I Understand you have been shopping at McDonalds for 6 years now and have never missed a Monopoly moment. I also understand that all you wish to do is upgrade from a Burger without cheese to a Burge...
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doomtroll

Aug 21, 2009, 8:02 PM
🤣

That was awesome!
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ExploderBlade

Aug 27, 2009, 4:56 PM
Terrible analogy...food is so little related to a celluar device that these analogies are just nuts....
And tell you what, McDonalds, if they did do that, are ALLOWED. They are a BUSINESS. Don't like it, go somewhere else. If Mikey Dees loses enough sales, they will revert back to their old method. But, if they get increased sales from this, then guess what, they are gonna contiue their new policy. It's called capitalism. Look it up, and find out how it works. Find out how that you, as a free -market consumer, are technically entitled to NOTHING and a business can run itself anytway it wants so long as it delivers on the promised product.
If they change their policy in an effort of greed, nothing you can do can stop them, except not doing ...
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