Data Plan Requirement for PrePaid Android SmartPhones that have WiFi

[nodataplan]

Why is there a requirement for prepaid smartphones like the Lg Vortex to have a data plan with Verizon.  I see that ATT has the same android phone (called the LG Thrive) and they do not require a data plan with the phone.  You can just buy unlimited voice and text for $50.00 a month and run your phone off of Wi-Fi whenever you want to.  Oh...the the same phone on ATT is only $154.00. 

So why the data package requirement for Verizon?  Obviously its not really needed for the phone to work properly since the same phone works for AT&T without a data package. 

[Ann154]

There are two LG android phones on ATT. The LG Thrive or the LG Phoenix. One of them is for the post-paid users and one in available for the pre-paid users. The pre-paid version requires a monthly data plan package with ATT.

[nodataplan]

No, the prepaid Thrive can be run on a voice only plan. You can add data but it is not a requirement.

[bearone21]

go for it if you think it's so great but get ready for the at&t poor service.

[nodataplan]

I think my original question was why doesn't Verizon allow us to have a prepaid smartphone that doesn't require data.  Go ahead and switch to AT&T does not address this question.   I would rather have a discussion about what I asked instead of who provides the best cell phone coverage. 

[Ann154]

Maybe they have made a business decision that if it is a smartphone, it must have a data package. Post-paid or pre-paid, it doesn't matter which.

[silver6055]

Right, this isn't really any different from any of the other policies that vary from carrier to carrier (so some carriers offer unlimited mobile-to-any-mobile calling, Verizon doesn't for example).   Presumably, Verizon Wireless has balanced the projected income from this policy (if people want a smartphone, they WILL have to pay $30 for a data package) vs the possible downsides, of people leaving for other carriers.   Some may stay with Verizon, but decide to use feature phones only, but that's OK as well.  If they aren't going to use data, the loss on subsidizing feature phones is probably less than the loss on subsidizing smart phones.

You may of course hear other reasons:

a) The simplified plan makes it easy for consumers to understand.  A little truth to this, it was complex when some non-smart-phones (multi-media) required data and others didn't

b) Requiring a data plan reduces bill shock when a customer without a data plan uses data

but I would guess the real reason, which is fine for a business, is to do  what maximizes revenue.  So Verizon doesn't see an advantage to allow smartphones without data plans.

[nodataplan]

Yeah, I know it a business decision by Verizon.  I just wish they would own up to it and admit it.  It would be much better than Verizon insisting

1. Smartphones must have access to data to work (Wifi does provide access)
2. Making plans simpler (The $50 plan without a data requirement is about as simple as it gets.)
3. The reduction in bill shock (Its a prepaid plan, if you decide to buy data and you use up all of your data then you get no more data - totally simple and worryfree - think teenagers).

Oh well...perchance to dream.  A prepaid basic android phone that did not require data would be such a hook for Verizon.  I think it would increase their customer data base while keeping people happy that do not want a data plan but do want a simple android phone.  I think AT&T has hit the mark on this one.

[silver6055]

Yes, I guess honesty would be nice but I think it's fair to say that that isn't all that common in the corporate world:

So.....

"We require data plans as we believe that this maximizes our profits.   If you don't like it, you are free (after paying some hefty ETFs) to go elsewhere but we are banking on a) that not many of you will be bothered, and b) most carriers will eventually adopt similar policies"

Nah, let's stick to phrases like "The fastest most advanced 4G network in America" and "Rule the Air"!

As to the original question, for me, the whole point of a smart phone is to be able to do some things while I am mobile, mainly away from Wifi.  

If I am at a place with Wifi, for real work I would much rather using a tablet or  laptop.   Yes, at starbucks it might be convenient to be able to check the time of a movie or something on my phone, but without a data plan,  I would be in the position of having to go to a coffee shop or somewhere to get Wifi.   Is that inconvenience worth $30 a month?  Obviously people differ here!

[DionM_VZW]

If it's an explanation you're looking for, I can give you one! VZW wants data plans attached to all smartphones because many of the applications programmed into smartphones are designed to make independent data connections to check for updates, and changes. What we found is that many customers chose pay-per-use option over a data plan because they didn't want to pay for a monthly data feature that they didn't expect to use or need only to find incremental data charges at the end of the month. That kind of thing causes frustration and engenders mistrust of how we bill. So a data plan requirement serves the customer by removing customer concerns about data usage and allows the handset to be what it was designed to be: A handheld data manager with 24 hour access to email and web.