AT&T to Officially Mandate Data Plans for All Smartphones
Why no more Pay Per Use
There's a very good reason why the Unlimited plan instead of PPU. PPU gets very expensive, as the phone has data usage with most of its applications. Too many customers call in complaining (I can use a stronger word but I won't) about mysterious huge charges for data because they forgot they only have the PPU plan.
So you want to block data? Not a good idea. This breaks a lot of the phone's features, including Picture Messaging.
If you are buying a smartphone, you are either Browsing the web a LOT, or you are doing Email a LOT. If you do neither of those, you do not need a smartphone, a normal phone will do the job.
It's like buying a full size Van (like Ford E350 full size) just to go to the grocery store and get a couple bags of p...
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So you want to block data? Not a good idea. This breaks a lot of the phone's features, including Picture Messaging.
If you are buying a smartphone, you are either Browsing the web a LOT, or you are doing Email a LOT. If you do neither of those, you do not need a smartphone, a normal phone will do the job.
It's like buying a full size Van (like Ford E350 full size) just to go to the grocery store and get a couple bags of p...
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Well Said!
So you as a car dealer (AT&T Rep) will tell me; "Nope, Im sorry sir, but because all your doing is going to the grocery store and barber shop once a week, I can not sell you that Ford E350 you been wanting. I can however sell you this Econobox!"
WH...
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Overmann said:
So you want to block data? Not a good idea. This breaks a lot of the phone's features, including Picture Messaging.
Not a good idea as long as you assume that I don't know what I'm doing. This...
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Im sure a dumbphone can browse the web alot and can read email alot. The difference is a dumbphone is just that dumb. Once you have owned a smartphone anything less is just uncivilized.
Riddle me this
I have a BB8320 unlcocked branded Tmobile currently on AT&T service.
AT&T COULD NOT activate any data on the phone. I actually wanted to pay for it. They could not get it to work. They tried. It wasn't happening.
So I was like cool. I'll use WiFi.
With that being said, how is this requirement going to work if I get another unlocked TMobile branded smartphone?
Will I no longer be able to pop my sim into another phone if they cant activate data?
AT&T COULD NOT activate any data on the phone. I actually wanted to pay for it. They could not get it to work. They tried. It wasn't happening.
So I was like cool. I'll use WiFi.
With that being said, how is this requirement going to work if I get another unlocked TMobile branded smartphone?
Will I no longer be able to pop my sim into another phone if they cant activate data?
I think unlocked phones will be the loophole for awhile, especially ones like yours where data activation wouldn't work. Their biggest issue is people buying new branded blackberries for 199 or whatever with contract, and then not using data.
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Holy cow....
I'm on verizon with my storm and very happy to pay my 29.99 and use my phone anywhere, and do anything in 3g everywhere, i can simpithize with these AT&T people because their 3g network is about the size of my back yard and this is also why people freak so much about wi-fi on the iphone and other devices, what I have to say is this...if you want a phone because it looks cool, buy a cool looking texting phone, or maybe you can join the iphone craze despite the ridiculous amount of features it doesnt have that low end devices can do on verizon like picture messaging...(dont think the upgrade came out yet, could be wrong) and learn that these devices are designed for people who need to be mobile and NEED or WANT the capabilities, so this is wha...
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xanadul14619 said:...
I'm on verizon with my storm and very happy to pay my 29.99 and use my phone anywhere, and do anything in 3g everywhere, i can simpithize with these AT&T people because their 3g network is about the size of my ba
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Why Have A PDA With No Data Plan...
I would often have customers with Treos and they would have data blocked. When I asked why even carry a pda the answer was usually because of the calendar and detailed phone book.
I also have a gorilla in the window to sell you sir... 🙄
That's the same answer I get. They need something that will sync with their calendar and for organization...
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The user should determine the usage. It's as simple as that.
And reading eBooks. And doing shopping lists. And writing trip notes. And viewing pictures. And running anything from myriads of available software titles. And running custom software. The list goes on and on. It's a mini-computer, it will do w...
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There are several reasons why a person would have a pda with no data plan.
1. They want the status of having a glitzy expensive phone but do not feel the 30$ for data is worth it.
2. They want the ability to sync there calander and there address ...
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1. They want the status of having a glitzy expensive phone but do not feel the 30$ for data is worth it.
2. They want the ability to sync there calander and there address ...
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What Happens when?
Someone runs into a tough financial time, and no longer needs the data for business or pleasure and needs to terminate the data plan? (and of course, still needs voice service on the high end phone)
Wireless COMPANIES ARE GETTING TOO GREEDY!!! If someone wants to pay more for a phone and not use the data plan just because they like the keybad and organizer...then let them....you cant keep forcing charges on customers.
I know a lot of sales people for att that throw 2 and 3 features on peoples accounts that they dont even ask for....enhanced voicemail, roadside assistance, phone insurance. its getting out of hand!!!
Screw verizon, att, sprint, and tmobile. they need some serious lessons in ethics.
Wireless COMPANIES ARE GETTING TOO GREEDY!!! If someone wants to pay more for a phone and not use the data plan just because they like the keybad and organizer...then let them....you cant keep forcing charges on customers.
I know a lot of sales people for att that throw 2 and 3 features on peoples accounts that they dont even ask for....enhanced voicemail, roadside assistance, phone insurance. its getting out of hand!!!
Screw verizon, att, sprint, and tmobile. they need some serious lessons in ethics.
How is requiring a data pkg on a smartphone unethical?!?! A customer knows they are signing an agreement for service. Please explain how it is a carrier's fault if you fall on hard times financially? Now as for reps adding on features to an acct.. Th...
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go try to buy a big house but not want to pay for the kitchen or bathrooms cause u dont want them but u want the living room and bedrooms.
/fail
/fail
discrimination
why is att introducing a policy which unfairly targets black people.
a person should be allowed to have a smart phone with out a data plan.
a person should be allowed to have a smart phone with out a data plan.
Please tell me you're kidding, right?
stevelvl said:
why is att introducing a policy which unfairly targets black people.
So you don't think black people can be smart phone saavy?
LOL u have to be the most idiotic person in the world. do u not understand by saying this u look like a racist since u think black people cant operate a smartphone.
ill state the main point again. if u dont want data DONT BUY A SMARTPHONE!
ill state the main point again. if u dont want data DONT BUY A SMARTPHONE!
Won't matter
people wont leave at&t for this cause they will lose their iphones. people will just suck it up i bet. noone will proactivly leave at&t cause people no a days are too materialistic.
i do disagree with the mandatory data plans. but then again it is at&t's choice of what plans u have to get. but then again its also the customer choice on if they wanna do business any further if they have to have something they dont need.
i still dont see people leaving at&t for this.
i do disagree with the mandatory data plans. but then again it is at&t's choice of what plans u have to get. but then again its also the customer choice on if they wanna do business any further if they have to have something they dont need.
i still dont see people leaving at&t for this.
Jumping off the bridge when there's a sidewalk.
I've seen very few 'sane' comments here. This is my 2 pennies about it. I only think this applies if you buy/purchase a phone with a two year agreement. It would not make since for people purchasing unlocked phones to have to pay for a data plan. Since the article does say it's only for new customers and renewing customers. I think its safe to assume that as long as you don't upgrade/ i.e take discounts then you are fine.
"Activating OR upgrading" is waht it says. That's cell phone speak for paying full retain, as well.
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Sorry, if you want a $99 smartphone, you gotta pay
It all comes down to cheap/free equipment. the carriers cant justify selling them for a hundred bucks and getting nothing in return.
maybe there needs to be a "no data plan" price and a "data plan" price.
maybe there needs to be a "no data plan" price and a "data plan" price.
A new can of worms
Why dont carriers stop selling phone altogether? Think about this for a second be for you answer. You dont buy your flat screen TV from you local cable company, or you car from the shell station. I say stop selling phones and do away with contracts altogether.
OK lets here it.
OK lets here it.
i got nothing. 🙂 Makes sense but it all comes down to subsidizing pricing to make it cheaper. I couldnt afford that 600 BB Bold alone.
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Are you freaking cereal? You realize how carriers make money right? Monthly service, accessories, features, insurance... The only thing the carriers lose money on is the handsets themselves, but that loss is negated by all the other revenue that se...
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The carriers tried slightly to get away from the subsidized model when they launched the PCS frequencies. I remember Omnipoint had no contracts in the beginning but, people want their free stuff. So, all it takes is one carrier to say "i'll give you t...
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Policy at Sprint and Verizon?
When I started working for AT&T, I thought it was strange that they allowed Blackberry purchases without a data plan. I do know that it is a requirement at Sprint. Any PDA that's sold has to have a data plan or no go. Is it the same at Verizon?
I dunno, I just thought AT&T was kind of late jumping on this bandwagon...
I dunno, I just thought AT&T was kind of late jumping on this bandwagon...
JeffdaBeat said:...
When I started working for AT&T, I thought it was strange that they allowed Blackberry purchases without a data plan. I do know that it is a requirement at Sprint. Any PDA that's sold has to have a data plan or no
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Your wrong, at sprint you can buy any sprint pda (except blackberry, pre, and instinct) do not require a plan. now the downside, if you purchase a pda and do not have a data pack, you will get denied when you submit your Mail in rebate.
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Can we clear this up
If you have a smart phone and have a data plan it will have to be a $30 and not the $15, if that it all they are saying than great. But what if you have a smart phone and do not have a data plan at all and DO NOT use any data will they force a data plan on you? And please no "why have a smart phone and not have a data plan" bull ****. just answer the question witch I know is hard for some off you on here to do with out getting of topic 🙄
Read the article. If you didn't have a data plan before then they aren't going to impose it on you. At least until the next time you upgrade to another smartphone. At that point it will be a requirement in the contract you sign (any contracts for smar...
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ATT has always had this mandate
Whats new? if ATT has always had this mandate just like all the other carriers. Are they are just restating it now to make it more clear to new consumers.
This mandate was only on the iPhone before
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No... it wasn't mandated for anything but the iPhone up until now. You either had PPU or an unlimited plan (though a while back you could buy it in terms of MB- like 5 MB for $5 and so on but that has been phased out now). If you didn't have either of...
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marufio said:
Whats new? if ATT has always had this mandate just like all the other carriers.
Um no you are wrong. All the other carriers do not require you to have a data plan. I can not speak for Verizon or tmob,...
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No More chargebacks
Yay!
Verizon has been doing this for a while.
This is good for att sales reps. No more dropping the PDA/BB feature because you got your rebate back. We all know PDA/BB subsidy is horrible.
I wish they would have done this sooner.
Good by pay per use option!
Will
Verizon has been doing this for a while.
This is good for att sales reps. No more dropping the PDA/BB feature because you got your rebate back. We all know PDA/BB subsidy is horrible.
I wish they would have done this sooner.
Good by pay per use option!
Will
YEEEEEEAAAAAA!!!!!!!! 😁
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Verizon requires a data plan on all blackberries and all smartphones they began selling since November 2008. So if one has a TREO 700WX or XV6800 then one may subscribe to the Pay Per Use plan, for example.
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yes they do. they require it for all there smartphones
