Specific question re: wifi only

bob60626 · December 6th, 2012, 12:56 PM

I saw the two page thread in this forum, but it skirts around my specific question.

My parents have contract flip phones with AT&T. My dad doesn't care much about phones (I think he's actually had the same one for years and bought a used one to replace it!). I think they would be better off with prepaid but apparently their bill is quite low (talk, no text or data).

My mother loves her little flip phone. But it takes lousy pictures and isn't useful for much else than talking. I'd like to buy a full-price, probably used, smartphone for them to be able to use while traveling (better pictures, ability to check email over wifi without bringing her computer, calendar,... they already have a GPS unit for the car). They could also HDMI/MHL it to their house tv for Netflix and such.

-IF- we call AT&T and get data turned permanently OFF and I buy a phone for my mother to swap sim cards between (probably only for trips) is it possible that we'd have AT&T's "blessing" and not have any data charges or smartphone charges?

If so, what would be a good GSM phone I could pick up for around 150? 4-4.5" screen, good battery life when used only for the occasional call and PDA task,....
FWIW, I have a Captivate lying around in pretty good shape but I'm not convinced by it yet.

Digital Controller · December 6th, 2012, 01:09 PM

If you buy a smartphone via contract then they will force you to hop on a data plan, the only way is to buy a device full price. They shouldn't be able to access data if they do not have it in their plan, it will already be deactivated.

I would suggest picking up a pair of Nexus 4's, they're a great device and for only 350$ you can't get much lower on a Flagship phone.

lunatic59 · December 6th, 2012, 01:28 PM

It is against AT&T's TOS to allow any smartphone on their network without a data plan. If they "detect" one, they will add the plan and inform you it was added.

Quote:

An eligible tiered pricing data plan is required for certain Devices, including iPhones and other designated Smartphones. Eligible voice and tiered pricing data plans cover voice and data usage in the U.S. and do not cover International voice and data usage and charges. If it is determined that you are using a voice-capable Device without a voice plan, or that you are using an iPhone or designated Smartphone without an eligible voice and tiered data plan, AT&T reserves the right to switch you to the required plan or plans and bill you the appropriate monthly fees. In the case of the tiered data plan, you will be placed on the data plan which provides you with the greatest monthly data usage allowance. If you determine that you do not require that much data usage in a month, you may request a lower data tier at a lower monthly recurring fee.

Now the question becomes, will they detect it as a smartphone? There's been much discussion about if they can definitively. Here's the risk ... If the phone you buy is an AT&T branded phone, then most likely *some data* will be sent even if you turn mobile data off. IF it's not an AT&T phone, then there's less likelihood of that happening.

Do you really want to put your mom in that position?

TgeekB · December 7th, 2012, 08:02 AM

You would be taking a chance that none of us can tell you the outcome of. If they do detect it, you will be switched to a data plan and charged.

What about a used iPod touch? Can you do what you want it to do on wifi?

poriggity · December 7th, 2012, 06:54 PM

I wouldn't risk it. AT&T WILL find out and put them on a data plan.
Scott