With no data plan, what quality of experience can I really expect?

[atagliata]

I purchased an iphone 3Gs on eBay. The phone is 'factory unlocked'... never locked by Apple in the first place, as I understand it. My intention was (and still is, unless advised otherwise) to get an inexpensive, contract-free T-Mobile plan (just talk and messaging) and only connect to the internet via WiFi. I mostly work out of my home (w/ wireless base-station.) My goal really is to save money on the T-Mobile plan. In six months or so, I'll reassess my need for a data plan.

I'm not particularly savvy at sorting through all the tech jargon that I've been reading, but I'm beginning to get the idea that my T-Mobile solution isn't going to be quite as sweet as I had at first thought. I've read that the best I can expect is 2G speeds, as the iphone 3G is not compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. I read something about EDGE, but I neither understand what it means or how to implement it. I'm starting to wonder whether I'll even be able to connect via WiFi at all (without a data plan, that is.)

Anyway, I have to believe there are knowledgeable folks here who could give me some tailor-made answers and advice.

A few questions:

Will I be able to download apps and browse the internet from my iphone via my wireless router (or at Starbucks etc.) even if I don't have a data plan through T-Mobile?

Is there any other Carrier that I should consider (besides AT&T) ?

If the T-Mobile solution is acceptable for my present needs, what do I do to set up/activate with T-Mobile? What do I need? Can I do it all from home?

What is EDGE in layman's terms? Will it help me? How do I set my iphone up to take advantage of it?

Any other tips to help make the most out of my iphone without having an AT&T plan...

Thanks, Rob

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

You DO NOT need any type of plan from any carrier to use Wifi. An iPhone without a data service will act just like an iTouch but with phone service.

 

[xMastemah]

I purchased an iphone 3Gs on eBay. The phone is 'factory unlocked'... never locked by Apple in the first place, as I understand it. My intention was (and still is, unless advised otherwise) to get an inexpensive, contract-free T-Mobile plan (just talk and messaging) and only connect to the internet via WiFi. I mostly work out of my home (w/ wireless base-station.) My goal really is to save money on the T-Mobile plan. In six months or so, I'll reassess my need for a data plan.

I'm not particularly savvy at sorting through all the tech jargon that I've been reading, but I'm beginning to get the idea that my T-Mobile solution isn't going to be quite as sweet as I had at first thought. I've read that the best I can expect is 2G speeds, as the iphone 3G is not compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. I read something about EDGE, but I neither understand what it means or how to implement it. I'm starting to wonder whether I'll even be able to connect via WiFi at all (without a data plan, that is.)

Anyway, I have to believe there are knowledgeable folks here who could give me some tailor-made answers and advice.

A few questions:

Will I be able to download apps and browse the internet from my iphone via my wireless router (or at Starbucks etc.) even if I don't have a data plan through T-Mobile?

Is there any other Carrier that I should consider (besides AT&T) ?

If the T-Mobile solution is acceptable for my present needs, what do I do to set up/activate with T-Mobile? What do I need? Can I do it all from home?

What is EDGE in layman's terms? Will it help me? How do I set my iphone up to take advantage of it?

Any other tips to help make the most out of my iphone without having an AT&T plan...

Thanks, Rob

1. You can use Wi-Fi without a Data Plan from AT&T.

2. There's no other carriers to consider at the moments besides T-Mobile and AT&T. Maybe soon we can see others but not currently.

3. No idea.

4. EDGE is basically enhanced GSM, and is considered to part of 3G (again, AFAIK) hence the "Enhance Data Rates for GSM Evolution. I don't know if you need to do anything to use it, except maybe it comes with having a data plan, since it seems to involve accessing networks.

Generally, for what you seem to want, you should be fine. T-Mobile, depending on where you live, can probably handle your talk/text better than AT&T would be able, given all the problems recently. However, you're obviously losing out on the ability to access the WWW on your iPhone without some kind of data plan at all...but if you're around Wi-Fi pretty much throughout the day that might not bother you (it doesn't bother meeee).

 

[-aggie-]

Why own an iPhone w/o a data plan, especially a 3GS?

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Why own an iPhone w/o a data plan, especially a 3GS?

Because wifi is everywhere and $30/mo for data is straight robbery.

OP: iPhone without data is still a wonderful experience. I have no problem waiting til I get home to check my email and Twitter.