[Discuss] Verizon wireless "mandatory" dataplan

[bogstad at pobox.com (Bill Bogstad)]

On Sun, Jul 8, 2012 at 11:20 AM, Jerry Natowitz <j.natowitz at rcn.com> wrote:
> We are currently one of the few families who have Verizon wireless service
> without a smart phone, or a data plan.  My daughter wants a new phone, but
> the only phones that she will consider are smart phones, which require a
> data plan, usually $30/month or more.  She doesn't want the smart phone
> features, she wants the higher quality keyboard.
>
> She did some research and found that the data plan requirement only applies
> to phones purchased from Verizon or an associated dealership. She found a
> place selling the Palm Pre, which it claims can be used on Verizon without a
> data plan.  I did my research and found people claiming that if you buy your
> own iPhone (but nothing about the Palm) and use it on Verizon, you will
> automatically be charged $30 a month for data.

I would suggest that you speak to Verizon directly about this.  I
would love to have a smartphone without a data plan on Verizon.   (In
fact, I've considered buying a Pre myself.)  Whenever I look into it
though, I find either old (or inconsistent) information.   Verizon
changes plans/policies all the time and I wouldn't believe any info
more then six months old.

Bill Bogstad