MR_Plow

So i'm looking at setting up a contract with at&t (although it's not set in stone) and i stumbled across this strange discrepancy between data plans for specific phones. can someone explain to me why i can't use any data plan with any phone? won't i still be receiving/sending data just the same? i mean sure it's done through a different interface, but would someone really be able to tell?
I mean the regular data plan is a pretty good deal ($30 for family unlimited data and texting) so i might just pick a phone from their list...

Side note:
I don't dislike the samsung magnet... would/could it be a good choice? for basic calling, texting, light browsing, and mild pda functions (like schedules, reminders, and such)?

wolfrifle16

I would have to say that all 3 of the data plans use different access points which you are TECHNICALLY not supposed to modify, but you can use each plan with any phone if you modify the APN correctly, I think.
Just don't let AT&T notice :P

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Zipperhead

Kind of confused, but kind of not sober ...But, what are the two plans that you are looking at? AT&T may 'push/market' different phones to you depending on the deals they get from the manufacturer. If they have 500 hundred of phone 'A' and 10 of phone 'B' then you are probaly going to get a better deal on phone 'A' because if you wanted phone 'b' they will probaly be able to get more out of you because theres only 10 of them. Meaning because they have to make a profit on phone 'B' and don't have many to make that profit with. This could go on................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ..........................................

wolfrifle16

No, they only offer certain data plans for certain phones - Specifically blackberry and iPhone because they have different access points. The APN for the iPhone data plan is
"phone"
without the quotes
And the APN for the Blackberry data plan is
"isp.cingular"
without the quotes.
For regular AT&T phones that you choose to purchase unlimited data with, its
"wap.cingular"
Of course, this can be changed to work with any phone if you choose to mix & match SIMs, without AT&Ts consent of course

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captthunderpnts

Alright, dig this.

The normal data plan that AT&T has is just that: normal "unlimited" data. Of course, for non-smart phones, that is limited to 5GB of WAP traffic monthly.

The iPhone plans are literally the same thing, but they will find any way to stiff you contract-wise because AT&T gives Apple a small piece of the pie.

BlackBerry plans are the only ones that might be able to justify the extra cost, as secure data is taken away from the open networks and put into a RIM "VPN" of sorts, i.e. BlackBerry Infrastructure.

AT&T has methods of knowing how and what you're using on their networks, by referencing IMEI numbers, web traffic, etc. Just play by the rules, and you'll be good to go.

e_dogg

The 3 data plans you're referring to are PDA/Smartphone data plans. They have separate plan names for Blackberry, iPhone, and all other smart phones like Windows Mobile and Symbian (Nokia). These data plans include the ability to send/receive emails using an Exchange or other email server. They also include the ability to surf web pages using Opera Mini/Mobile and IE Mobile and, with the right tweaks if you're so inclined, to tether your phone to a computer and connect to the internet using the phone. And, of course, this allows for SMS text messages.

They also have a data plan for regular phones. This allows for SMS text messages and web surfing through the carrier's portal page and the handful of mobile-accessable websites that are out there. These plans are usually only $5-10/mo as they're much more limited.

Samsung makes good phones. The Samsung Impression is a touch screen phone with a slide out keyboard which gives the best of both worlds - large screen and real keyboard.

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MR_Plow

Ahh thank you all very much for your help

@wolfrifle: about a week ago i would have been totally down for some behind the scenes phone "modding" but i received my first "cease and desist" notice for torrenting so i'm feeling a little gun shy "illegal" activities-wise

@captainthunderpants and edogg: it kind of sounds like just using a regular smart phone is going to be the best deal/bet for me, especially if the smart phone and iphone plans are essentially the same, with mark up (i had been thinking about selling my itouch in place of a 32gb phone or lower gb phone+classic ipod combination, but probably not anymore...).

i suppose my final question is regarding the Family Data Unlimited. Is this the limited non-smart phone version? it's description reads: whereas the smart phone personal says are the sites described in the family plan simply examples of "mobile friendly" sites? since the smart phone personal plan deems it necessary to suggest ways i can use the internet i'm not quite sure if they're trying to pull the wool over my eyes.

also
edogg: yeah I saw the Impression and I really liked it! problematically, my roommate has the same phone so i may just pick another-oh individuality

e_dogg

That Family Data Unlimited plan sounds like it's only for regular, non-smartphones.

If your roomie has the same phone, you could always get a case for yours to individualize it.

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Mr Bear

I have had just about every different service there is, and ATT and verizon are the worst when it comes to data and messaging plans. ATT requires you to have a data plan with certain phones, and so does verizon, also verizon does not have a true "unlimited messaging plan" Both are more expensive than any other. On T-mobile you can have any phone you want and you don't have to have a data plan if you do not want to. Even if you do, it costs much less than any other service. ATT and Verizon also have crappy customer service, they act as if they hate their jobs and hate people just the same.

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E=mc Hammered
Do you, or do you not know about the bird?!

captthunderpnts

Um...aside from the iPhone, you do NOT have to have a data plan with any AT&T service. Of course, without the data plan added to your bill, you will have to pay the unsubsidized cost of the handset.

As far as your claims of customer service go, I've never once had a bad experience with either AT&T or Verizon. The experience is 50% consumer, mind you.