Hi everyone,

I just wanted to start by introducing my self, Im new here and new to blackberries. I just picked up my new BOLD and am really looking forward to getting to know it.

I have a major question. I'm using ATT and I got the BOLD because it has wifi...and I cannot see my self dishing out $30-50 extra a month for data.

So I intended on only using wifi, and NOT a data plan. I called ATT to block any type of internet access from my phone when Im not in range of wifi. They did this, but now my wifi wont even connect. It recognizes networks but the browser wont work. What's going on here? I think they may have completely shut the radio off?

I find this odd because a couple of weeks ago I got my girlfriend a curve for tmobile, and the wifi was working fine without her SIM card even inserted. Something that this bold wont do, even with the SIM card out.

Can anyone help me please!!! I really would like to use Wifi, but dont want to pay for a plan, or have "pay per use" and risk using the ATT network when I think I'm using free wifi and have them jack up my bill.

PLEASE HELP!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

So you got a $550 device but $30/month is too much? I'm sorry, but I don't see your logic.

I bought it from craigslist for much cheaper than it wouldve been to buy from ATT w/ upgrade and everything. I just dont see the logic in paying so much a month when I'm already paying ATT for internet service in my home.

I wasnt intending on using this phone for real heavy data usage since I have a laptop, I just thought it would be nice to have the capability when I'm near wifi.

Unfortunately, the only way to possibly use data features on the device without a data plan is through unsupported workarounds, and things may or may not work. WiFi is one of those things. BlackBerry devices are meant to work with BlackBerry data plans.

And you will not get the native browser working over Wi-Fi without a data plan. I suggest you look into Opera Mini for your Wi-Fi browsing needs.

I don't believe you will get push email working without a data plan either... with our without Wi-Fi access.

Would you be able to point me in the direction of those workarounds? What do they entail? Hopefully NOT taking apart the phone and cutting and soldering things correct?

I was thinking Opera Mini as well, but how do I download it to my phone with no capability? Can I do that through my computer and the desktop manager/application software?

Sorry I'm really new here...Thanks for your help

You don't need to take the device apart.

From our FAQ:
What do I need a Data Plan for? - BlackBerryFAQ

Personally, I don't think you wil be very impressed with a BB without a BB data plan. Not having it really limits what you can and cannot do. For example, the main purpose for a BB is generally email, and without a BB data plan, you won't have that.

There are work arounds, Opera Mini as mentioned above is a decent enough browser, but there are those who like it and those who hate it.

I suggest you read the FAQ and do a few searches to see the limitations of the device w/o the BB data plan.

Good luck.