Cell Phones And Data Plans – Can’t Have One Without The Other

by David Risley on Feb 15, 2010 | 19 comments

This is a guest post by Frank Angelone.

It’s come to my knowledge that in today’s day and age, buying a cell phone requires you to buy a data plan. You see these new tech gadgets that you got to have, but you are being forced to buy the data plan as well. Even if you don’t want all the extra features, but you just want the phone…it doesn’t matter. So do you have another alternative?

Are these cell phone companies trying to extract every possible penny from you? My thoughts are yes, but people will front the money to have the phone they desire. Times are changing and so is technology! Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to get something we want. It may seem a little much to be forced into buying a data plan, but what else could be done?

To save people money, since these high tech phones are quite expensive to begin with; do you think they could incorporate the data plan as a one time fee? I think this would make for a more attractive option for customers investing in these types of phones. The data plan wouldn’t be viewed as a hassle to pay for and mobile carriers could still cover their costs.

This is a suggestion that I believe many people would be interested in. You want to bring in more customers? Do something that no other carrier is doing and be DIFFERENT! If these data plans continue to be monthly payments for the customer, it could become quite costly. This causes me to wonder…are high tech phones only for the high class market? What about the “tech geeks” and those just passionate about technology that want to be apart of something new? They can’t afford the investment because it breaks the bank. A cheaper alternative with cell phones and data plans needs to be made to benefit ALL customers. As a mobile carrier, you shouldn’t single yourself out to a specific market. You should focus on appealing to all markets to bring in the most revenue possible.

Overall, I understand that nothing will probably be done. I just recently bought the Motorolla Cliq phone from T-Mobile and had to get the data plan. Did I conform to what the rest of society does? Well, obviously, but that still doesn’t make me believe that others aren’t annoyed with data plans and cells phones being one in the same. This “you can’t have one without the other” is a poor form of business in my opinion.

What do you think? Do you have a problem with certain cell phones requiring data plans? What do you think of the prices these mobile providers are charging and is it fair?

Frank Angelone is the founder of Social Tech Zone. He helps individuals and businesses with news and tips to better themselves in social media and technology. Frank is also the author of the Computer Speed Blueprint where he helps PC users increase the speed of their slow computer. You’ll find him on Twitter as @FrankAngelone.

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Rob
I’m like you, I don’t want a data plan with my phone. I really don’t need one. Currently I am with AT&T and there is a phone I would like to get, but a data plan is required. When I called them to express my dissatisfaction with having to get a data plan, they didn’t care. Because of this I am thinking of leaving AT&T.

http://www.socialtechzone.com Frank
I believe that’s a big problem with companies – the fact that they don’t care. Granted the person you are talking to is probably just a representative and doesn’t care that much. They should care because they represent that company.
I think these data plans are just forced on the customer. Whether it’s right or wrong – it’s business. I don’t particularly care for it, but I gave in because I have to, to get the phone I want. If enough people complain, maybe cell phone providers will do something about it.
AC2SURF
there is a solution you can buy a simple small pc with a small screen (4.3 inches) that fits in your poket, with that you ad a usb wireless broadband modem, then buy data and voip eg; gotalk, freshtel voip cheap, there are many you can choose from, now you have cheap calls and pc that works like a phone, kool aye, yes of course there are drawbacks but it works

David Kennedy
100% agree. A while back, my wife was up for a new phone, and really wanted a Blackberry. She didn’t want any of the email/internet features, she just wanted the organizer. And also for phone calls, of course. But Verizon wouldn’t budge. No data plan, no phone. And she’s a housewife…no reason to pay extra for this silly data plan.

http://www.socialtechzone.com Frank
Your situation, or I should say your wife’s situation is a prime example of mobile carriers trying to get as much money as they can from the consumer. It’s wrong and I think they need to come up with a better system for buying cell phones. The data plan use to be optional, but times are changing and it’s an unfortunate circumstance that we can’t avoid.
I decided to get the data plan for the first time because the phone I wanted requires it, but I think it’s the principal of the matter. These companies are forcing people to buy something additional. It’s not like it’s Best Buy SUGGESTING you buy a replacement plan for your computer.

David Kennedy
Yep, you got it. I can’t be for any other reason than to milk the customer.
It can’t be so hard to just disable the data over cell features of the phone, and sell it with no data plan.
Truth be known, I would probably have a smartphone with wifi myself if I didn’t have to have the data plan. I’m almost always near wifi access. But instead, I’ll stick with my cell and separate pocket pc.

Phil Meyer
I have a Virgin Mobile phone which cost me $6.67 per month.
This is a pay as you go plan, so yes I have a plan, however at this cost I consider it acceptable.
This phone is used mainly as an emergency phone.
http://www.considerist.com Sean
Actually, you don’t HAVE TO have data plan for many phones. If you want iPhone though, yes data plan is required. But I recently signed up for at&t family plan ($59.99/month) and got 2 free Samsung Mythic (touchscreen) and bluetooth hands-free and 4GB SD card with no activation fee and NO DATA plan.
Sean
considerist.com

http://www.socialtechzone.com Frank
I see where you are coming from and I do know that some phones won’t require you to purchase a data plan, but if you have one of these high tech phones like an iPhone, Droid, or Android phone…you are going to need a data plan. However, you can avoid this and buy a phone that doesn’t require a plan.

http://www.bobspcworkshop.com Bob
My wife went through this hassle just recently. She wanted to upgrade her phone. She just needs it for a phone and some texting. We were already with AT&T and she had a heck of a time. The first slider phone by Nokia she got was nice but required a data package. She rarely needs to check email or Internet that often to justify the expense. It seemed if the phone had a QWERTY keyboard(which she wanted) it required a data package along with it. She finally found one by Pantech which doesn’t require the add-on expense and has a decent keyboard for texting.

http://www.socialtechzone.com Frank
It can definitely be an aggravation for those that aren’t looking to do too much with their phone. I’m glad to hear that you did find a phone that didn’t require a data plan was still within the scope of what she wanted.

DOS_equis
The manditory data plans are to help cover the cost of the bandwidth usage from the customers who are using it a lot. Mostly these are the iPhone users and Blackberry users. I remember reading an article recently that 3% of smartphone users were hogging up 40% of the bandwidth.
http://www.myce.com/news/att-to-restrict-cell-phone-data-use-23298/
They (AT&T) can’t keep up with the usage which is why they require the data plan and is also why they are capping usage on “unlimited” plans too. IMO, if they would invest in growing the network instead of lining their wallets, they would stand a good chance of keeping up.
Below are some decent articles relating to this stuff.
http://www.myce.com/news/att-to-require-data-plans-for-smartphones-19027/
http://www.myce.com/news/verizon-wireless-may-force-3g-data-plans-24933/

David Kennedy
Good point. However, why should those who happen to have a smartphone but aren’t using the bandwidth have to pay for that?

http://www.spaceponies.com Clint
This article is strange. Beginning with “I think this is way too expensive” and ending with “but I pay it anyway” is why these plans are the way they are.

http://www.socialtechzone.com Frank
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The reason why it’s expensive is because regardless of what people say, mobile carriers know the customer will stay pay regardless. When it comes to always being connected, those that are serious about their phones and its features will pay the money.

Rich
I feel the wifi integrated phones are good for those who don’t want to pay for the data plan but can stand limited access based on wifi access points. I have a Nokia E71x with wifi and it works wonderfully.
Brian
If enough complaints are filed with the Better Business Burea, something will be done
MD
I think this is the biggest bunch of crap ever! I too am with ATT and I have a new smart phone. I went to cancel my data plan, which I no longer need, and they told me I couldnt. I guess its somewhere in the fine print of the contracts that you must have a data plan with a smart phone!!! I expressed my digust with these terms and they told me it was because of other people running up their phone bills with data usage. So I said” Im having to pay for the ignorance of people who use the data features without buying a data plan!!! They said they did it to help out the consumer, well they are hurting this consumer. I have to use my crappy old phone until im ready to dish out 30 bucks a month for something ill never use!!! How is that helping me out?” They said thats the way it is! I let the FTC know how I felt, of course like you said there wont be anything done about it!
Jason
There is a few ways around this problem. I got myself a smartphone and so does my wife and neither of us have a data package.
The three ways to get around this is simple buy the phone with no comitment can be a little expensive at 1st but you own the phone pop that sim card from your old phone into your new phone.
the second way is if you don’t already have a phone line get the basic phone which is free and repeat step 1.
The 3rd way is the upgrade way, You already have a phone like what my wife and I did. Get the new smart phone have the data added and get the phone, After a week or so call them and tell them to remove the package because you went back to your old phone. Now this works for AT&T pull your sim card out of your old phone and pop it into your new phone. The phone works because client information is saved on that sim card.
And enjoy your new smartphone dumb company.