I've always just wanted to use my BB as a phone and PDA, but not a web browser/e-mail client. Don't need it for that. So with my last BB, Verizon was able to remove the pay as you go data feature. But that phone turned out to be defective. They sent me a replacement and when I activated it, an unlimited data plan was added to my features. Very clever Verizon. They didn't even notify me of the extra $45 charge per month. So when I called to ask if they could remove that, the software didn't allow them to and their data tech support guy said whoever took the pay as you go plan off my previous phone did so 'in error'. Wonderful.

So I stuck with the 10mb for $24.99. But still, I have no use for the data features. Once my contract is up in January 2008 I think I'm going to switch carriers. Do you guys know if T-Mobile or Cingular allow you to use PDA phones WITHOUT having to get a data plan? Thanks!

PDA phones - Treo, etc - yes. BB - no.

Just call and cancel your data plan. Your device will still work as a phone. T_Mo just took advantage when replacing your phone.

T-Mobile will aloow you to use a Blckberry as a phone only. My son is doing it right now.

Just get a regular voice plan and don't choose the Blackberry add in option.

It was VZW actually and that's precisely what I tried to do. I told them to remove all data access from my phone but the software wouldn't even allow the representative to do it (I heard the error message sound over the phone). So the rule is all BB's must have a data plan, apparently.

Looks like I'll be going with T-Mobile. Either that or if I've forgiven VZW after two years I might upgrade to the Treo 700p which they'll let me use without a data plan.

That's BS. My first BB was given to me. All I did was drop my SIM in and go with no data plan attached (same carrier). I didn't get a data plan until my second phone.

Wirelessly posted (NakedBerry: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D052; Blazer/4.5) 16;320x320)

Did you try calling back and talking to another rep? Some just don't know what they're doing.

SIM? I thought VZW doesn't use SIM cards. What I think happened is VZW must have updated their software so that it will not let you activate a new BB without a data plan. Gangsta.

LOL, I did exactly that. I figured if I get a dumb enough rep he won't know the difference. But like I said, the software won't allow them to do it anyway.

There are a couple of reasons why they do this. For one, some carriers need the data plan to be on your plan because text messaging among other things will not work because the phone is linked through the blackberry servers. Also the phone functions by always being connected to the servers. And two, it is for the customers own safety because everyone will be tempted to use the internet once or twice and check email a few times and then bills are over $500 a month and people ***** and moan. So, it is a safety net the customer. If a person wants to have a organizer they should get a nice pda or carry a cell phone and a pda. Carrying two devices is not bad, I do it every day.

Actually, they WERE able to take off all the data plans from my BB including the pay as you go. My phone was treated exactly like any other phone and there wasn't even a category for data usage in my account information online. I was still able to send text messages. And there was no linkage between my BB and any servers. I completely removed the browser too. So it's technically possible, but for some reason VZW won't allow it.

It's not for the "safety" of the customer. If you don't have a data plan, you can't use the internet or check emails at all. Without a data plan, the device will say "data connection refused" next to the signal.

I would keep harping on VZW. The reps have the power to do more than you think. Tell them you feel you've got a bum deal and you want to leave.

whats the point of having a blacberry then?

one time i had a 7280 with no data plan from cingular....no problems at all.....I just told them to take off the bb add on. and the did. although....the bb was just a huge phone then.

Like I said above, I still use the PDA/organizer stuff like the memo pad, the calendar, the password keeper and a few applications I've downloaded. I've just never needed to receive e-mail or browse the net from my BB.