At 28 Dec 2008 01:24:11 -0800 tscottme wrote:
> I seem to remember from reading similar threads in this NG that there
> is a way you can use a smartphone as a phone only and avoid a data
> plan. IIRC, rather than choosing a monthly data plan, in addition to
> the monthly phone plan, you pay as you go for the data. After you do
> this you have Verizon turn off data to your device, or block data to/
> from your device or something like that. If all of that is the case
> you could still use the device as a phone, but no email etc.


That was true previously, but Verizon changed the rules mid-November. Now
all smartphones and even certain models of feature phones (those with
QWERTY keyboards, I believe) are required to carry the appropriate data plan.



The success of the iPhone, and its mandatory data plan, has unfortunately
given other carriers the idea to replicate that business model. Verizon
has done it with all smartphones, and T-Mobile has done it with their
"Google phone", the Android-based G1.