Using WIFI on Samsung Captivate to avoid data charges.

[startgame412]

Hello, my contact with att is about to expire and am looking into getting the samsung captivate phone as an extention. Will I be able to avoid using 3g on this phone as just using wifi only to avid data charges? I don't have a data plan and do not plan one getting one becaue I think they are a ripp off. What will I have to do to be able to use wifi only to avoid data charges on the samsung captivate. Thanks.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

Unfortunately, in order to use the Captivate or any smartphone in general, you MUST subscribe to a data plan in order to use the phone. There is no way around this. Even if you were to "sneak" using it without a data plan, AT&T would automatically detect you are using a smartphone without a data plan and therefore add an appropriate plan to your account, possibly even without your consent. If you were to use just Wi-Fi only (like me), you would still have to pay for a data plan. That's just the way it works. If you do not want the plan, you could switch down to a feature phone that does not require a data plan. (I like the HTC Freestyle).

I'm sure you're wondering how I am using my Captivate for Wi-Fi purposes only without a data plan. That is because I am using it on prepaid, where you can use any phone, (except the iPhone) including smartphones like the Captivate included, without a data plan. That is what I like about it. I get to use the phone I want without paying for a data plan. One downside to using it on prepaid, though, is that I had to pay full retail price for the phone. But it only costs me $25 per month to use the phone I enjoy at a reasonable price.

I know, it is frustrating that you cannot use a Captivate (or any other smartphone) on postpaid without a data plan. Unfortunately, that's just what is required to have such powerful, high-end phones...

[startgame412]

Wow, since when is it like this. I currently have a LG Incite which is a windows mobile phone and don't have a data plan and getto use wifi on it without getting charged for data usage. That blows.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

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startgame412 wrote:

Wow, since when is it like this. I currently have a LG Incite which is a windows mobile phone and don't have a data plan and getto use wifi on it without getting charged for data usage. That blows.

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It sure does blow. I believe the smartphone data plan requirements were implied in June 2009. But to get a Captivate, you must have a data plan...

[startgame412]

Wow, I would save money with going to a flat rate per month carrier then even though I would have to pay full price for an android phone which would include unlimited talk text and web for $50. Thanks for your imput.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

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startgame412 wrote:

Wow, I would save money with going to a flat rate per month carrier then even though I would have to pay full price for an android phone which would include unlimited talk text and web for $50. Thanks for your imput.

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You're welcome. Yes, go with whatever works the best for you. I'm sorry it had to be this way. That's what I like about being on prepaid. By the way, you would have been very satisfied with a Captivate, I'm sure.

[Bubey2]

Actually you can take your phone to a flat rate carrier who is GSM. Try T-Mobile.  It's $50 a month for unlimited "everything".  No contract, just a month to month charge.

[Bubey2]

I forgot to say you might have to get it unlocked. Find a cell phone store near the University.