Question about Data Plan

[vblackbear]

Here's the scoop:
i'm buying an iphone from my friend, and plan on just inserting my sim card and using it from there. The problem is that I don't have a data plan from AT&T, because i didn't need one on my last phone.

From what i understand, I can still use all apps and internet services for free, so long as i only use them under WIFI, not 3G

First, am i correct in saying that?

also, if i do accidentally access something like safari outside of WIFI, will it connect me with 3G and charge me extra? or will it say that it is not allowed..

thirdly, know there is a way to turn off 3G, but that's obviously a bad idea for the phone aspect. is there any way i can only block 3G reception to apps?

any help and information given is much appreciated

 

[Ntombi]

What will happen is that AT&T will eventually text you saying that you need a data plan to have an iPhone on their system. If you don't add it voluntarily, they'll add it for you.

And if you switch your SIM to a different phone, just to get around it, it'll get put back on when you put it back into the iPhone for a few days or so (I'm not sure of the time frame, but I do know that their network won't let you use the iPhone without a data plan).

 

[thelatinist]

You can turn off your phone's data access by installing a fake APN from http://www.unlockit.co.nz/. You need to visit the site from your iPhone. This will prevent you being charged for accidental data usage, but does not mean that AT&T might not at some point detect that you have an iPhone and insist you add a data plan. Since you did not get this phone subsidized and will not be misusing a cheaper data plan, I think you are on firm moral ground; but AT&T reserves the right to add data plans to any account used with an iPhone.