So So AGAINST the $30 data charge that applys to monthly cell phone bill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bpeugh]

I have wanted a blackberry ever since I activated my first phone with Verizon but I REFUSE to pay the $30 monthly add on charge to the bill. I think that it is a shame that Verizon charges it!!!!!! AT&T does NOT!!! I have several friends that refuse to get a blackberry thru Verizon because of this....they have in turn deactivated their phones and switched to AT&T which is what im about to do.  I feel helpless like one voice will do NO good against Verizon but what else can I do except post a lame blog about it!!!!  I think that it is a shame that in this economic downturn that Verizon has not made more of an effort to bring in and keep new customers...not only draw new customers in but give them incentive to keep their services...i believe offering the blackberry plan without the 30 monthly charge would boost not only their current sales but new sales as well!!!!!!!

[StreetDocRN]

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bpeugh wrote:

I have wanted a blackberry ever since I activated my first phone with Verizon but I REFUSE to pay the $30 monthly add on charge to the bill. I think that it is a shame that Verizon charges it!!!!!! AT&T does NOT!!! I have several friends that refuse to get a blackberry thru Verizon because of this....they have in turn deactivated their phones and switched to AT&T which is what im about to do.  I feel helpless like one voice will do NO good against Verizon but what else can I do except post a lame blog about it!!!!  I think that it is a shame that in this economic downturn that Verizon has not made more of an effort to bring in and keep new customers...not only draw new customers in but give them incentive to keep their services...i believe offering the blackberry plan without the 30 monthly charge would boost not only their current sales but new sales as well!!!!!!!

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Hi,

I am sorry to call you out on this one, but what you stated above about ATT is incorrect.  ATT, like all of the major carriers, requires a $30 dollar/ month data charge on all smartphones, including the Blackberry.  You can check their website for confirmation of this fact.  The data charge is actually in the customer's favor since it prevents you from getting an unwelcomed bill of several hundreds of dollars.  I saw a post here in the forums a few days ago about a person who received a bill for a huge amount due to data.  I'm not sure of the circumstances, but all new activations on Verizon and other carriers require a data plan that is separate.  It is not a conspiracy on the part of the carriers but a way to regulate data charges.  The $30 dollar charge gives the user unlimited data for web, email, and other data intensive apps.  I just wanted to clear this up before this thread continued on any more.

Doc

[Laohu]

While there are some people on this forum stating that "ALL"  carriers require a $30 data plan on Blackberry's, I must respectfully disagree with you, because T-Mobile does not! 

Of course, there are many things that Verizon does that other carriers don't do, such as restrict downloads from sites such as www.freeformobile.com, which Sprint and At&t customer are allowed to download tones and videos from for free!

Of course, you can get around that by having someone with Sprint or ATT download it for you, and then share it with you by text; however, Verizon also sets a ridiculously small limit to the size of file that can be shared.  I think it's like 300k, which is really petty when they design the phones to hold 8GB micro sd cards.

Verizon needs to stop trying to force its customers to purchase everything from them, and let them enjoy the phones and services they want too, and are paying good money for!!!

IF THEY DON'T, I'll be an ATT customer when my contracts up, because despite all the hoopla about "spotty coverage maps," my family have ATT and have great service!

[StreetDocRN]

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Laohu wrote:

While there are some people on this forum stating that "ALL"  carriers require a $30 data plan on Blackberry's, I must respectfully disagree with you, because T-Mobile does not! 

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Hi,

To quote from TMobile's web site, pricing for new service for a Blackberry Bold:

BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700

This premium device gives me the cutting edge technology to keep me productive and “in the know” in work and life when I am away from my computer without trading off style. A BlackBerry data service is required.

As you can see from their web site, TMobile does require a separate data plan.  All of the major carriers do.  This has become a popular topic of conversation, not only here, but in other carrier's forums.  Data plans are required for all new Blackberry devices.  The reasons have been told before in this thread and in other threads of similar topic.  I agree that a customer can be against the separate data charge, and that can be a reason not to buy a Blackberry.  That is a customer's choice.  Let's stop "beating a dead horse" to coin a phrase. 

Doc

That's all I have to say about this topic.

[SydneyK]

I know it's a lot to pay, but I've never heard of anyone being allowed to activate a BlackBerry without a data plan, on any carrier. That is a RIM requirement, so I'd check into that before switching. And you really do need a data plan on this device -- between web browsing, apps, e-mail, BB Messenger and the other things you can do, like streaming radio, it uses a lot of data. There is no reason to even get a BlackBerry without a data plan, unless you want it as some kind of status symbol but don't want to use it the way it was meant to be used.

[supitsmike]

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SydneyK wrote:

I know it's a lot to pay, but I've never heard of anyone being allowed to activate a BlackBerry without a data plan, on any carrier. That is a RIM requirement, so I'd check into that before switching. And you really do need a data plan on this device -- between web browsing, apps, e-mail, BB Messenger and the other things you can do, like streaming radio, it uses a lot of data. There is no reason to even get a BlackBerry without a data plan, unless you want it as some kind of status symbol but don't want to use it the way it was meant to be used.

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I agree. There's no reason that you should even have a smart phone without the data plan period. However, under the customer agreement and "Can Verizon Change my Plan" section, if any changes they make have a 'material adverse' on you then you can leave without paying an ETF.

[sadie85]

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supitsmike wrote:

I agree. There's no reason that you should even have a smart phone without the data plan period. However, under the customer agreement and "Can Verizon Change my Plan" section, if any changes they make have a 'material adverse' on you then you can leave without paying an ETF.

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A data package for a blackberry wouldn't be considered to have an adverse effect on your plan since it's been a requirement for...ever?

Since Verizon grandfathers you on your existing plan whenever they make changes you wouldn't be able to say it was an adverse effect  and get out of your contract. To use that clause to get out of your contract Verizon would have to say starting today all blackberry plans are $50/mon and everyone on a $30 plan must change to $50.

[Droid2010Foreve]

I was about to also add my .02 on this topic.  Most carriers do require a separate data add-on for smartphone type devices.  Yes, it is more money but considering the amount of data they can eat, it's not all that much.  I think the only carrier that may not charge additional is Sprint but they do also have their requirements in other forms.  Namely, you must be on Simply Everything or some type of plan that incorporates data which cost slightly more.  All-in-all I don't think its that much of an additional surcharge.  And with reduction in fees for some plans it probably kinda balances out.

[SFObrien]

I don't mind the data fee but I do feel the VZW should reconsider its other pricing on extras.  For example VCAST Videos and VZ Navigator.  Both pretty good extras but if you subscribe to both and a data plan that money would pay for another cell contract!

[StreetDocRN]

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SFObrien wrote:

I don't mind the data fee but I do feel the VZW should reconsider its other pricing on extras.  For example VCAST Videos and VZ Navigator.  Both pretty good extras but if you subscribe to both and a data plan that money would pay for another cell contract!

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Good point. 

Doc

[flygirl727]

so, this dictates what kind of phone someone can have. "There's no reason that you should even have a smart phone without the data plan period."

Why? The picture features are better, the keyboard on some are better. Because I don't want data means I shouldn't have a higher grade phone! That's just ridiculous!

BTW, they are not 'changing' the plan...they are too smart for that. They are implementing it as of 1/18/2010. SO, if you now purchase a 'smart phone', you HAVE to purchase the data. And you think this is fair? There is no reason for it! Disable the web feature for those that don't desire it. For what technology can do now, that seems pretty easy. Either of you have no right to say that someone shouldn't get a phone because of what it does. That's just an opinion...

And yes every carrier has a data package...question is do they MAKE you purchase it? And it should depend on the phone you get. Personally I don't want a blackberry....but other phones have features I do want...just not web, or streaming radio...I have a iPod...don't need a streaming radio for goodness sake!

"There is no reason to even get a BlackBerry without a data plan, unless you want it as some kind of status symbol but don't want to use it the way it was meant to be used".  wow

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supitsmike wrote:

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SydneyK wrote:

I know it's a lot to pay, but I've never heard of anyone being allowed to activate a BlackBerry without a data plan, on any carrier. That is a RIM requirement, so I'd check into that before switching. And you really do need a data plan on this device -- between web browsing, apps, e-mail, BB Messenger and the other things you can do, like streaming radio, it uses a lot of data. There is no reason to even get a BlackBerry without a data plan, unless you want it as some kind of status symbol but don't want to use it the way it was meant to be used.

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I agree. There's no reason that you should even have a smart phone without the data plan period. However, under the customer agreement and "Can Verizon Change my Plan" section, if any changes they make have a 'material adverse' on you then you can leave without paying an ETF.

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[crimedoggies]

Flygirl, if I were to go out and buy a Ferrari today, once I report the purchase to my insurance agent my rates are going up. I can't say to my agent; I know it's a Ferrari but I'm going to drive it just like a Toyota Prius so why don't you lower my rates? The higher insurance premium is part of the cost associated with owning a Ferrari. The insurance agenet surely doesn't care that you insist you will never test the 0-60 speed. You bought the Ferrari because you like the way it looks and the status that comes with it. Same rules apply to smart phones and now 3G multi media phones. Nobody forced you to buy the Ferrari and pay higher insurance rates. The customer chose to do so knowing the costs.

[nmchileman]

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crimedoggies wrote:
Flygirl, if I were to go out and buy a Ferrari today, once I report the purchase to my insurance agent my rates are going up. I can't say to my agent; I know it's a Ferrari but I'm going to drive it just like a Toyota Prius so why don't you lower my rates? The higher insurance premium is part of the cost associated with owning a Ferrari. The insurance agenet surely doesn't care that you insist you will never test the 0-60 speed. You bought the Ferrari because you like the way it looks and the status that comes with it. Same rules apply to smart phones and now 3G multi media phones. Nobody forced you to buy the Ferrari and pay higher insurance rates. The customer chose to do so knowing the costs.

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I love this analogy and have used it before. WIN

[CellTalker]

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nmchileman wrote:

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crimedoggies wrote:
Flygirl, if I were to go out and buy a Ferrari today, once I report the purchase to my insurance agent my rates are going up. I can't say to my agent; I know it's a Ferrari but I'm going to drive it just like a Toyota Prius so why don't you lower my rates? The higher insurance premium is part of the cost associated with owning a Ferrari. The insurance agenet surely doesn't care that you insist you will never test the 0-60 speed. You bought the Ferrari because you like the way it looks and the status that comes with it. Same rules apply to smart phones and now 3G multi media phones. Nobody forced you to buy the Ferrari and pay higher insurance rates. The customer chose to do so knowing the costs.

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I love this analogy and have used it before. WIN

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If I were you, I wouldn't be so smug about using flawed logic and a poor analogy.  Equating insurance cost based on the value of the asset is completely different and way out of context here.  

That being the case, I do agree with the requirement for a data plan for smartphones but using a more sound argument than the **bleep** insurance analogy.  You buy a Ferrari that runs better on premium gas but you only want to use regular even though you know it hinders performance.  That's your choice because you paid the same for your Ferrari as the guy at the pump next to you.  However, if Ferrari (or Toyota) sells you a car and subsidizes it to you then the terms would be different.  They might say you must buy premium gas at XYZ gas station or you don't get the subsidy.  This would be like Verizon saying you must buy a $30 data plan as part of the agreement of getting a discounted smartphone.  I also believe that Verizon shouldn't be allowed to force a data plan on a smartphone (or any phone) that they didn't subsidize.  

Very little of the current outrage is directed at smartphone data plans.  I think most logical people would agree that the intended use of a smartphone is to get email and to access data services.  You need a data plan to get those services.  If you don't need a data plan then don't complain about not getting a subsidy.  I think the required plan fits the "expected use" of the device.  It doesn't mean that you will use every feature of the smartphone but at least the core features.  The outrage over Verizon's new data requirements really applies to their so-called multimedia phones.  Reasonable use of most of these devices is texting (qwerty keyboards), pictures (camera), music (mp3 player), and even (gasp!) calling.  some mix of these have become standard features on the majority of even basic phones.  Yes, most are also web enabled and some people want to use them for that purpose but it's not the primary design of these phones.  The web experience is horrific on some and okay on others.  By Verizon requiring data plans on these phones they have created an extreme mismatch in "intended use" and "expected use".  Back to the Ferrari...they expect you to drive fast with best performance so they require premium gas in conjunction with your greater subsidy.  Prius doesn't because they know you can only go so fast or at high performance, the car wasn't designed for it.  However, they will happily sell you premium gas if you so choose.  Verizon is forcing the Prius buyer to buy some premium gas whether they want to try to drive fast or not.  The Prius still has cruise control, airbags, antilock brakes, a radio, wipers, headlights, a spare tire...just like the Ferrari does.

Verizon could have softened the blow by having a greater subsidy for people that agree to a data plan and allowing people the choice to decline a data plan while still getting the majority of the benefits of these nicely featured phones.

[nmchileman]

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CellTalker wrote:

If I were you, I wouldn't be so smug about using flawed logic and a poor analogy.  Equating insurance cost based on the value of the asset is completely different and way out of context here.  

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If I were you I wouldn't be so smug about being judgmental. I was simply commenting on how I enjoy the analogy of how phones can be like cars in general. Many of the practices for purchasing, owning and maintaining a car can in some ways relate to cell phones. The insurance analogy conveys the extra cost of owning a Blackberry just fine, I'd say.

Don't take the interwebz so seriously. 

[SydneyK]

"Don't take the interwebz so seriously."

+1!!!!! 

If you want some real flaming, go on an all-BlackBerry message board and ask if you can get a BlackBerry without a data plan.  This thread will seem like gentle motherly advice.

[maxtorque]

Folks, I appreciate your outrage, but I'm afraid all of the major wireless providers have moved to similar billing plans.  See this recent article, http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/187270/verizon_atandt_price_war_may_cost_you.html. 
As someone in a major metro area, I have tried all carriers over the last few years.  Verizon Wireless has had the best signal and coverage across the Mid Atlantic and in many of the large and small cities I have traveled to.  Sprint had slightly faster data rates in the larger cities, but their overall coverage was pitiful.  AT&T had such a weak signal in and around our office HQ, the brass paid to install repeaters all around the site (corporate VPs had BBs on AT&T) - Verizon, no problems. 
Ultimately, if you really want control over your plans you need to purchase an unlocked version of the phone you want and pay to have it activated on the network of your choice.  Yes, the phone costs you more up front, but you don't get locked into a contract based on a new phone purchase through the network provider, thus get stuck paying high contract termination fees.  This will require a little more homework on your part to make sure the phone you want is compatible with the network provider of your choice (many are compatible on all networks here and in Europe).   The information is out there.  Use it to your advantage and get a better deal over the long haul. 
Good luck.

[Janayiah]

Me i think it wrong that i have to pay 30.00 a mth for wed on my 2 blackberry phone. When i was with t mobil that never happen to me .

[bpeugh]

Doc....you are correct...I was wrong...its not AT&T it is SPRINT that does not charge the data fee. I understand there is a reason for every charge they have...I just think that it sucks that you have to pay an extra 30...i wish there was some kind of compromise...

[nmchileman]

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bpeugh wrote:

Doc....you are correct...I was wrong...its not AT&T it is SPRINT that does not charge the data fee. I understand there is a reason for every charge they have...I just think that it sucks that you have to pay an extra 30...i wish there was some kind of compromise...

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Sprint requires a data plan on all Blackberry's too!! 

And before you try again...so does T-Mobile. 

All major carriers now require a data plan for Blackberry and most Smartphones in general. Even if they have Wi-Fi. It's a fact we all need to get used to: data revenue is a major cash cow for all carriers. So providers are going to start lowering prices on minutes and start charging more for anything "data" related. When LTE comes pricing is going to get a major overhaul, hopefully for the better, but it's all going to be geared toward data plans, features and applications. 

What's even worse is what's happening with residential cable providers. Comcast and Time Warner are running trials on pricing with caps on data usage. But I digress, that's a different story. 

The bottom line is, you've got to pay to play. These days, there's no way around that. 

[woyala]

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bpeugh wrote:

Doc....you are correct...I was wrong...its not AT&T it is SPRINT that does not charge the data fee. I understand there is a reason for every charge they have...I just think that it sucks that you have to pay an extra 30...i wish there was some kind of compromise...

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You see, the thing with sprint everything data plans is that its got a problem people do not see.  Lets say I want 3 lines with them and 2 basic phones for parents and 1 smartphone.  You are forced to go with their everything data $129.99 1500min +$19.99 additional line.  So you are stuck paying $149.99+tax/month and you are the only one using data on the family plan.  VZW gives you the option of going basic family share and add $30 if you only have 1 blackberry and 2 regular phones on the account.