Is it legal for Verizon to require data plans for smartphones?

[archcommus]

Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[iahk]

Perhaps it is just part of the requirement if you are getting the device with a contract. If you are willing, I believe you can get the device without the data plan if you buy the device without the contract. Not sure though, you may need clarification with the rep.

But ATT requires the data plan with the iphone too, but your blackberry issue with the data plan will be gone with att.

 

[pm]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

While this is an irritating policy, it's not illegal and there are, to the best of my knowledge, no pending lawsuits about it. They are selling you a subsidized device (you aren't paying the true cost of the phone), and they are requiring that you pay for a data plan for that device.

AT&T was sued over the flakiness of their 3G network and the fact that it didn't disclose that the phone was locked to AT&T's network - not that they require a specific plan to use the phone. http://news.justia.com/cases/f.../3:2008cv00948/200413/
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2008/08/apple.pdf

Neither case has gone to trial, nor has been settled. There are plenty of others out there, but they are mostly about the 3G network. Using Google, I couldn't find any case about the data plan requirement for the iPhone. T-Mobile has a similar requirement for their Blackberry and G1 phones.

Still, I'd be surprised that Verizon would require you to purchase a data plan for a phone you paid full price for. They are supposed to be an Open Network. You'd think that if you bought the phone on Ebay, and it was yours and it's unsubsidized that you could get whatever plan you want on Verizon.

Edit: iahk beat me to it - yeah, I agree. I think if you pay full price, you can do whatever you want with it.

 

[archcommus]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies, from what I've been reading though it seems Verizon now will not even let you activate a smartphone you bought yourself without the data plan. I understand they can add any rules and strings when they're subsidizing the cost for you, but requiring the plan for a device you already own - THAT I feel must be illegal in some way. Does it make any sense to you that this is going on and it's just accepted?

AT&T does not seem to require a data plan for a BlackBerry on their site, but it does require it through Amazon where the phone price is half as much.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hey guys, thanks for the replies, from what I've been reading though it seems Verizon now will not even let you activate a smartphone you bought yourself without the data plan. I understand they can add any rules and strings when they're subsidizing the cost for you, but requiring the plan for a device you already own - THAT I feel must be illegal in some way. Does it make any sense to you that this is going on and it's just accepted?

AT&T does not seem to require a data plan for a BlackBerry on their site, but it does require it through Amazon where the phone price is half as much.

That's why it's cheaper. If you're forced into paying for data then they get more money. Great deal if you want data anyway though.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hey guys, thanks for the replies, from what I've been reading though it seems Verizon now will not even let you activate a smartphone you bought yourself without the data plan. I understand they can add any rules and strings when they're subsidizing the cost for you, but requiring the plan for a device you already own - THAT I feel must be illegal in some way. Does it make any sense to you that this is going on and it's just accepted?

AT&T does not seem to require a data plan for a BlackBerry on their site, but it does require it through Amazon where the phone price is half as much.

That's why it's cheaper. If you're forced into paying for data then they get more money. Great deal if you want data anyway though.

Yeah that's for sure, only $150 AR. So data for two years would cost me $720. Buying the BB on AT&T's site where data is not required is $150 more than on Amazon. $300 is a lot to swallow for a phone, but I'm still saving all that money compared to getting data. So I guess my plan for now is to do that.

I still feel it's not right for Verizon to require data on a phone you didn't purchase through them, but the price of buying it independently is ridiculous anyway so that wouldn't be a valid alternative regardless.

 

[boomhower]

A co-worker of mine just got a Dare without a data plan on contract. I know its not a WM or BB but I would think it would still be considered a smartphone.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: boomhower
A co-worker of mine just got a Dare without a data plan on contract. I know its not a WM or BB but I would think it would still be considered a smartphone.

Dare for some reason isn't considered a smart-phone.

 

[uli2000]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hey guys, thanks for the replies, from what I've been reading though it seems Verizon now will not even let you activate a smartphone you bought yourself without the data plan. I understand they can add any rules and strings when they're subsidizing the cost for you, but requiring the plan for a device you already own - THAT I feel must be illegal in some way. Does it make any sense to you that this is going on and it's just accepted?

AT&T does not seem to require a data plan for a BlackBerry on their site, but it does require it through Amazon where the phone price is half as much.

No CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint) will activate a Blackberry without a data plan. The reason being is the Blackberry requires constant data access. If you were somehow able to add a Blackberry to you Verizon account w/o a data plan, you would get hit with a large bill for data at per kb rates ($.02/kb). Besides, why do want a data intesive device and not get a data plan? Its like buying a car but not wanting to put gas in it because it's too expensive.

 

[erwos]

Ditch Verizon and go to Sprint - coverage is almost as good, data is better/faster and MUCH cheaper ($15 a month).

I use the data plan on my phone _all the time_. WiFi doesn't even compare.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: uli2000

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hey guys, thanks for the replies, from what I've been reading though it seems Verizon now will not even let you activate a smartphone you bought yourself without the data plan. I understand they can add any rules and strings when they're subsidizing the cost for you, but requiring the plan for a device you already own - THAT I feel must be illegal in some way. Does it make any sense to you that this is going on and it's just accepted?

AT&T does not seem to require a data plan for a BlackBerry on their site, but it does require it through Amazon where the phone price is half as much.

No CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint) will activate a Blackberry without a data plan. The reason being is the Blackberry requires constant data access. If you were somehow able to add a Blackberry to you Verizon account w/o a data plan, you would get hit with a large bill for data at per kb rates ($.02/kb). Besides, why do want a data intesive device and not get a data plan? Its like buying a car but not wanting to put gas in it because it's too expensive.

Thanks, can you explain why/how it needs data access "all the time"? For example if I'm not browsing the web how would it be needing data access? The device is plenty useful without a data plan if it has Wi-Fi - I'm practically always in a Wi-Fi area (home, work, restaurants).

Originally posted by: erwos
Ditch Verizon and go to Sprint - coverage is almost as good, data is better/faster and MUCH cheaper ($15 a month).

I use the data plan on my phone _all the time_. WiFi doesn't even compare.

Yeah I have been looking at Sprint. Their "everything data" plan is like $70/month which isn't too bad. I was just leery about switching to them due to the news about their lawsuits and massive subscriber loss.

Can you explain why Wi-Fi doesn't even compare to a data plan? Anything to do with speed or just because you use it all the time on the go?

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Can you explain why Wi-Fi doesn't even compare to a data plan? Anything to do with speed or just because you use it all the time on the go?

Once you get used to just snapping open your smartphone to check your email, browse the web, or do whatever else with data... you can't go back to being tethered to WiFi. Screwing around with WiFi so that you can actually connect and get online where you physically are is a hassle and cuts back into the time you can actually do the stuff you want to do. WiFi is a bit faster, but it lacks the convenience of EVDO or HSDPA - not to mention that you may not always be near an open WiFi spot when you need data. More and more places are locking theirs down.

There is also the small problem that WiFi generally sucks down your batteries like there's no tomorrow, at least compared to 3G. Leave WiFi on, and you've got a dead phone within a few hours, if not sooner.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, I'm still having a hard time thinking about your question after reading it again. What law do you think they're breaking? It's not like they're forcing you to pick that phone, and of course you have other providers to go with. If you have a choice then how can it be illegal? You obviously know you have to get a data plan so they haven't hidden the requirements either, so it sound perfectly legal to me.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: archcommus
Can you explain why Wi-Fi doesn't even compare to a data plan? Anything to do with speed or just because you use it all the time on the go?

Once you get used to just snapping open your smartphone to check your email, browse the web, or do whatever else with data... you can't go back to being tethered to WiFi. Screwing around with WiFi so that you can actually connect and get online where you physically are is a hassle and cuts back into the time you can actually do the stuff you want to do. WiFi is a bit faster, but it lacks the convenience of EVDO or HSDPA - not to mention that you may not always be near an open WiFi spot when you need data. More and more places are locking theirs down.

There is also the small problem that WiFi generally sucks down your batteries like there's no tomorrow, at least compared to 3G. Leave WiFi on, and you've got a dead phone within a few hours, if not sooner.

You make really good points that do kind of convince me to just go with a data plan. Sprint seems to have slightly more reasonable prices.

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, I'm still having a hard time thinking about your question after reading it again. What law do you think they're breaking? It's not like they're forcing you to pick that phone, and of course you have other providers to go with. If you have a choice then how can it be illegal? You obviously know you have to get a data plan so they haven't hidden the requirements either, so it sound perfectly legal to me.

It's kinda like how Comcast cannot require you to have a box if you don't want it, or they can't force you to get their box, hence the introduction of CableCARD. It has something to do with the FCC's provisions of having to separate equipment from services. So say I buy an unlocked BlackBerry totally on my own on eBay or something. How is it legal for Verizon to deny activating it for me on a plan I already have? From what I've read they won't even do this, even if you didn't buy the phone through them.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: archcommus
It's kinda like how Comcast cannot require you to have a box if you don't want it, or they can't force you to get their box, hence the introduction of CableCARD. It has something to do with the FCC's provisions of having to separate equipment from services. So say I buy an unlocked BlackBerry totally on my own on eBay or something. How is it legal for Verizon to deny activating it for me on a plan I already have? From what I've read they won't even do this, even if you didn't buy the phone through them.

The part you're missing is that this stuff pertaining to CableCard isn't a general law - it was a very specific regulation made by the FCC as a result of the transition to digital cable. It _only_ applies to cable. This line of reasoning doesn't work once you've understood that simple fact.

 

[uli2000]

Originally posted by: archcommus
[
Thanks, can you explain why/how it needs data access "all the time"? For example if I'm not browsing the web how would it be needing data access? The device is plenty useful without a data plan if it has Wi-Fi - I'm practically always in a Wi-Fi area (home, work, restaurants).

blackberrys constantly ping the cell phone towers (about every 3 seconds) to maintain connection to the RIM servers so mail can be pushed to the phone. Imagine sending a kb or 2 every 3 seconds, that can really add up if you are on a per kb data rate. Also, I dont believe you can access RIM via wifi, so mail, bb pin messaging, and bb browser would be useless, though you could still access data via apps that dont go thru RIM (opera mini, google maps). But it doesnt really matter as there is currently no CDMA blackberrys with wifi avalible anyways.

 

[uli2000]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: archcommus
Can you explain why Wi-Fi doesn't even compare to a data plan? Anything to do with speed or just because you use it all the time on the go?

Once you get used to just snapping open your smartphone to check your email, browse the web, or do whatever else with data... you can't go back to being tethered to WiFi. Screwing around with WiFi so that you can actually connect and get online where you physically are is a hassle and cuts back into the time you can actually do the stuff you want to do. WiFi is a bit faster, but it lacks the convenience of EVDO or HSDPA - not to mention that you may not always be near an open WiFi spot when you need data. More and more places are locking theirs down.

There is also the small problem that WiFi generally sucks down your batteries like there's no tomorrow, at least compared to 3G. Leave WiFi on, and you've got a dead phone within a few hours, if not sooner.

You make really good points that do kind of convince me to just go with a data plan. Sprint seems to have slightly more reasonable prices.

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, I'm still having a hard time thinking about your question after reading it again. What law do you think they're breaking? It's not like they're forcing you to pick that phone, and of course you have other providers to go with. If you have a choice then how can it be illegal? You obviously know you have to get a data plan so they haven't hidden the requirements either, so it sound perfectly legal to me.

It's kinda like how Comcast cannot require you to have a box if you don't want it, or they can't force you to get their box, hence the introduction of CableCARD. It has something to do with the FCC's provisions of having to separate equipment from services. So say I buy an unlocked BlackBerry totally on my own on eBay or something. How is it legal for Verizon to deny activating it for me on a plan I already have? From what I've read they won't even do this, even if you didn't buy the phone through them.

All Blackberrys connect to RIM's servers for mail, pin messaging, browser, and Blackberry maps. Verizon has to pay RIM royalties for each Blackberry used on its network. You cannot have a BB, even unlocked, without a data plan because RIM requires the royalties be paid. Thats why VZW makes you buy the data because RIM gets a cut whether you use it or not.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: archcommus
It's kinda like how Comcast cannot require you to have a box if you don't want it, or they can't force you to get their box, hence the introduction of CableCARD. It has something to do with the FCC's provisions of having to separate equipment from services. So say I buy an unlocked BlackBerry totally on my own on eBay or something. How is it legal for Verizon to deny activating it for me on a plan I already have? From what I've read they won't even do this, even if you didn't buy the phone through them.

The part you're missing is that this stuff pertaining to CableCard isn't a general law - it was a very specific regulation made by the FCC as a result of the transition to digital cable. It _only_ applies to cable. This line of reasoning doesn't work once you've understood that simple fact.

Okay, I understand this. I figured it was a more general policy due to analogies I read in articles concerning why CableCARD was developed, but yes, it's not a standard rule for everything.

Originally posted by: uli2000
All Blackberrys connect to RIM's servers for mail, pin messaging, browser, and Blackberry maps. Verizon has to pay RIM royalties for each Blackberry used on its network. You cannot have a BB, even unlocked, without a data plan because RIM requires the royalties be paid. Thats why VZW makes you buy the data because RIM gets a cut whether you use it or not.

THANK YOU. That was the exact kind of explanation I was looking for, some kind of good reasoning of why it might even be slightly justified. Whether or not what you claim is totally accurate, it satisfies me enough. And your first message convinces me enough that I should probably just have a data plan. Maybe I'll think about the Palm Pre on Sprint, since I like their rates and the Pre should be out by then (June).

 

[ROPE]

:thumbsdown:

I'm new here. I have the same problem as below (previously posted)

Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, I'm still having a hard time thinking about your question after reading it again. What law do you think they're breaking? It's not like they're forcing you to pick that phone, and of course you have other providers to go with. If you have a choice then how can it be illegal? You obviously know you have to get a data plan so they haven't hidden the requirements either, so it sound perfectly legal to me.

I am currently with Verizon (Family Plan) and I have been looking to upgrade to a smartphone. At First I was looking at the BlackBerry Storm (Touch screen Smartphone), Verizon told me all BlackBerrys need a data plan (30/mo). I told them I do not need nor want interent (unnecessary). I have internet access at work and home.

Don't tell me to look at another phone. That's a stupid response. If I didn't want the phone I would not be looking at it.

However, I did start looking at and still reviewing the Verizon Samsung i910 Omnia (WI-FI).
Someone mentioned there are no CDMA available anyway.

Verizon now tells me all of the smartphones require a data Plan. I asked why is samsung requiring a data Plan. Verizon sales rep said it's not Samsung or BlackBerry, it's Verizon that requiring the data plan. Samsung i910 Omnia is a touch screen smart phone with lots of applications including version of excel, word, and power point, and allows you to display your videos (mpg4, H264, Divx), large 5.0 mp camera with large display.

Anyway, I believe it;s nothing but greed (monoply) ----- is why they can do this. They charge these data plans cause they can do it. Someone has to take them to court. I heard Microsoft is planning or trying to least computers to you in order to access the internet.
You will be required to have like a 2 year contract or pay like to high price for the computer just like the phone deals.

Years ago, when computer 1st came out. There was a scrink wrap law that said "if you unwrapped the software package, you agreed to all the terms). Yes, a stupid law, but it was valid until the lawmakers started using computers and found it to be dumb. Law changed.

So why do smartphones have to have data plans. Regular PDA's don't require internet.
Another point. This will be my 3rd upgrade. Each time my previous plan is no longer available. I had to get a higher price plan or pay full price for a buster phone.

I currently lost my job when my company merged, I'm not looking to feed Verizon. I have a LG 8000. It went bad after 1 month. Verizon send me a refubished LG 8000 (now that phone is going bad. I'm not into text. So I don't have a text package. I have to block text because people are texting me because they have unlimited plans. There is a charge per text. I had to block text. That should be the default (blocking text if you don't ask for it).

Anyway thats my food for thought. I found this sight because I too was seaching the internet to see if this was illegal (data plan required). I work with computers (was doing networking). A PING as mention by 1 person is not much over head.

 

[DivideBYZero]

It's as illegal for them to require that as it is for me to sell you a banana and demand that it includes a pair of Banana sunglasses that you must keep on it at all times. They can sell any way they wish and if you don't like it you can take a walk.

Harsh, but fair.

 

[bonkers325]

Originally posted by: ROPE
:thumbsdown:

I'm new here. I have the same problem as below (previously posted)

<Originally posted by: archcommus
Hi, I'm a current Verizon customer with a pretty normal flip phone. I'd like a BlackBerry but don't want to pay any money for a data plan because I don't need it when the device has WiFi, not to mention it has a lot of other abilities that don't even require internet. Verizon, of course, requires a data plan with any smartphone. My first question: is this even legal? I don't understand how they can require any particular service plan just because I want a certain device. Didn't AT&T get sued for that when the iPhone first came out and lose?

Secondly, it appears AT&T does not have this requirement (perhaps because of the iPhone debacle, not sure). Should I switch to them so I can get the BB I want without a data plan? Verizon's service has been fine but I think their phone choice is terribly poor. However with the Alltel acquisition I may be on a better network with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

<I'm sorry, I'm still having a hard time thinking about your question after reading it again. What law do you think they're breaking? It's not like they're forcing you to pick that phone, and of course you have other providers to go with. If you have a choice then how can it be illegal? You obviously know you have to get a data plan so they haven't hidden the requirements either, so it sound perfectly legal to me.

I am currently with Verizon (Family Plan) and I have been looking to upgrade to a smartphone. At First I was looking at the BlackBerry Storm (Touch screen Smartphone), Verizon told me all BlackBerrys need a data plan (30/mo). I told them I do not need nor want interent (unnecessary). I have internet access at work and home.

Don't tell me to look at another phone. That's a stupid response. If I didn't want the phone I would not be looking at it.

However, I did start looking at and still reviewing the Verizon Samsung i910 Omnia (WI-FI).
Someone mentioned there are no CDMA available anyway.

Verizon now tells me all of the smartphones require a data Plan. I asked why is samsung requiring a data Plan. Verizon sales rep said it's not Samsung or BlackBerry, it's Verizon that requiring the data plan. Samsung i910 Omnia is a touch screen smart phone with lots of applications including version of excel, word, and power point, and allows you to display your videos (mpg4, H264, Divx), large 5.0 mp camera with large display.

Anyway, I believe it;s nothing but greed (monoply) ----- is why they can do this. They charge these data plans cause they can do it. Someone has to take them to court. I heard Microsoft is planning or trying to least computers to you in order to access the internet.
You will be required to have like a 2 year contract or pay like to high price for the computer just like the phone deals.

Years ago, when computer 1st came out. There was a scrink wrap law that said "if you unwrapped the software package, you agreed to all the terms). Yes, a stupid law, but it was valid until the lawmakers started using computers and found it to be dumb. Law changed.

So why do smartphones have to have data plans. Regular PDA's don't require internet.
Another point. This will be my 3rd upgrade. Each time my previous plan is no longer available. I had to get a higher price plan or pay full price for a buster phone.

I currently lost my job when my company merged, I'm not looking to feed Verizon. I have a LG 8000. It went bad after 1 month. Verizon send me a refubished LG 8000 (now that phone is going bad. I'm not into text. So I don't have a text package. I have to block text because people are texting me because they have unlimited plans. There is a charge per text. I had to block text. That should be the default (blocking text if you don't ask for it).

Anyway thats my food for thought. I found this sight because I too was seaching the internet to see if this was illegal (data plan required). I work with computers (was doing networking). A PING as mention by 1 person is not much over head.

sign up with t-mobile for the samsung behold (GSM version of the omnia). search "t mobile" through live.com and get 25% cashback on your phone to boot. however you need to pay them a $10/mo fee to active wi-fi on the phone (i think).

 

[pm]

Originally posted by: bonkers325
sign up with t-mobile for the samsung behold (GSM version of the omnia). search "t mobile" through live.com and get 25% cashback on your phone to boot. however you need to pay them a $10/mo fee to active wi-fi on the phone (i think).

I searched all over and I couldn't find any mention of a $10/month wifi-activation fee for the Omnia on T-Mobile. I've never heard of a fee like this for T-Mobile.

Could you be thinking of their unlimited Hotspot@Home WiFi-VOIP-on-cellphonem $10/month service? http://www.t-mobile.com/promot...otathomelearnmore.aspx

 

[disports]

I have the Samsung SCH-i760. It came with a data plan, but after a month or so, I called Verizon to cancel the data plan so now my plan is just pay per KB.