Alltel Requires Data Plan For Blackberry Owners Who Don't Use Any Data
Dan likes the interface and ease of texting on his Blackberry, but doesn't need mobile Internet or e-mail. He asked his service provider, Alltel, to switch his service to a Blackberry he already owned, but without a data plan. An employee said that was possible and set it up for him, and Dan texted away happily...until he received his bill, which now contains a hefty data plan charge. Alltel now insists that Dan can't have a Blackberry on their network without a data plan.
I am hoping someone can help me out with a situation I am having with Alltel. I entered into a contract with Alltel in February and purchased a Motorola Razr phone along with the service. I have a Blackberry from my previous employer that I own. About a month ago, I was unhappy with my Razr and wanted to switch back to the Blackberry. It is much easier to text with and stores and accesses my contacts much better. I do not need to email or access the internet.
With some arm twisting, Alltel allowed me to do an ESN change and just move the service over to the Blackberry. I was told they don't recommend this, but I could do it and I wouldn't require the data service package. They said ok and everything seemed fine. My bill arrived yesterday and I was charged $44.99 twice for data service. Alltel bills a month in advance, that is the reason for two charges. Needless to say I was quite upset and called customer service.
I described the situation to the first person I spoke to in customer service. She told me I could not use a bb phone without data service. I told her that someone at her company informed me differently and even processed the change for me. She then said they had changed their policy on that and I now required data service. She the informed my she wouldn't be crediting my account for the two charges because the service is required, this despite the fact that I did request nor was I informed to the change. In fact, I was told by Alltel that I could use the Blackberry phone without data service.
This is when I really became angry. I said "Look, you are a wireless service provider and I am a customer who owns a phone who wants service. That is your business, you charge people to use your wireless network, which is exactly what I want to do. Why do you care what kind of phone I use?" They said it was their policy and this went back and forth for some time. I then asked for a supervisor concerning crediting the bill.
The supervisor immediately credited the bill, but reiterated the policy on Blackberry phones. They said they couldn't manually override it because their system automatically detects when someone is using a Blackberry and charges them. I told them that AT&T doesn't require that (I have subsequently learned) and I am considering switching to them, to which she said they would sure hate to lose me as a customer. I responded with "You are saying you'd hate to lose me, but your actions suggest otherwise." They of course won't help me out with the $200 ETF, either.
The following week, I checked back in with Dan to see if Alltel had budged. They had not.
I have succumbed to Alltel and did an ESN switch back to my Razr phone. They are supposed to be reviewing my account and crediting the charges for data services, but it hasn't happened yet.The main issue with my complaint is not being addressed at all. I still have no explanation for why I can't use my Blackberry phone without data service. It is my phone that I own from previous to my contract with Alltel. I don't know why it matters to them what kind of phone I use for my wireless service. I just want to use my Blackberry because it is far easier to text with and is far easier to access and navigate contact information.
No one at Alltel seems to care about this at all. It is highly unlikely that a CSR or a supervisor can influence a change of policy like this.
Is Alltel insisting on data plans for smartphone users just because they can, or because they mean well and don't want to see customers racking up huge data bills paying for individual kilobytes? I use an AT&T Blackberry without a data plan, and it hasn't exploded.
Dan has a good case for a waiver of his ETF. Either he was misinformed, or the company changed their policy after he signed the contract.
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It's a stupid policy most likely intended to offset the subsidization of blackberries to new customers. i agree; he has a good basis for an ETF waiver and should go with AT&T or another porvider. Do blackberries use SIM cards? If so, he can easily change it himself.
I suspect part of the problem here is that nobody can figure out how to send the "service books" to the phone withtout a dataplan enabled.
Verizon & Alltell = SAME COMPANY NOW!!!
I'm guessing because they can. I too have At&T and use an AT&T Tilt and although they required some sort of "data" plan when I bought it, a messaging plan was fine with them and as the phone has wifi, I really have no need to pay an extra $30/month for their MediaNet coverage.
I'd be concerned that one employee gave it the go ahead, the supervisor was so quick to credit the account, and their "changed plans". I don't know much about Alltel though, they don't seem to be very prevalent on the West Coast.
Also the other reason they might be requiring it is b/ they have to give you a giant discount on the phone and maybe the extra $30 is a way to make up for it.
verizon bought out alltel. and yes, they do have the same requirement. i do use the email feature so i needed the data plan. however, they did manage to screw up my service plan. at the time i got my new phone, i was told they offered a service that would allow me to use the phone as a wireless modem. i do not use a laptop (why i was getting a smart phone) and told the woman helping me that i did not need the service. she said the first month was free. i told her i would never use it and to NOT set it up. she said no problem but set it up anyway. second bill has a $30 charge for a service i did not want or even used. they quickly removed the charge from my bill but i still don't like having service forced on me. if i asked to NOT have it setup, my wishes should have been respected.
It's probably something Verizon implemented since they bought Alltel since they have the same policy.
@pigbearpug, CDMA phones (Verizon, Alltel) do not use SIM cards.
I would guess its mostly because they're looking for a way to make any extra revenue they can, but also partly to avoid the "I didn't know I needed a data plan, I demand you take this $$$.$$ charge off my bill" responses from people.
T-Mobile doesn't require a data plan with BlackBerries -- my wife has had a Pearl for 2 years with no data plan, and T-Mo hasn't said a thing.
@pigbearpug: Depnds on the network. AT&T or T-Mob BBs use sims, but Verizon's don't. I don't know the deal with Alltel.
@JaideepG2002: it doesn't matter if he previously owned the phone. Alltel didn't subsidize anything involving his handset.
Also, AT&T does not require you to have a BB plan to use a Blackberry, but you need to sign up for a BB plan at the time of purchase in order to be eligible for the rebates and discounts.
I get this sort of thing from Alltel all the time. One rep will tell you what you want to hear, and, when you go to the store or call back to finalize your change, you'll hear something completely different. If they weren't so reliable (networkwise) and cheap vs. their competitors, I'd gladly switch. Verizon asks for 3x the price of their phones as Alltel, and their plans are almost twice as expensive.
I called last month to get a lemon phone changed out (was having to have my third replacement replaced) and they flat-out refused to let me out of my contract and buy a new phone (even with a smart phone plan). Their front-line reps are total idiots, and to top it off their supervisors are very snooty and condescending when you want basic things rectified. You're shit out of luck with them. Unfortunately, try to find a better-service, better-priced competitor.
Verizon does this too. I suspect it's because you really want the BlackBerry, say okay to the data plan, and then are a $40/month golden goose for the life of the phone. Then when you need a new phone, you're hooked on data! Can't live without it! Additionally, you have to buy the voice and text plans separately. Pretty good deal if you're Verizon.
Maybe an EECB? Or is it possible to charge back part of a transaction?
I heard Verizon was requiring all new smartphones to have a data plan. If that's true I'll either be switching carriers or I'm going to have to stop using a smartphone (not gonna happen).
"I think that Dan has a good case for a waiver of his ETF, since either he was misinformed, or the company changed a policy that affected him directly after his"
Did Laura say "candle jack" anywhere in the article? I did not see any mention o
There could be a number of reasons for this.
The most likely is that without the plan in place, the device is provided unlimited data. This is pretty common, and the only way around it for the provider to have a black and white policy on plans.
AT&T and Verizon both require this on Blackberries and (with AT&T) the iPhone. I think it's partially to offset the discount on the phone.
They've already said everything you need them to:
"She then said they had changed their policy on that and I now required data service."
What's that? They changed their policies that constitute a material and adverse change? No problem, since their Terms of Service clearly state:
"If we make a change to these Terms and Conditions that is material and you do not wish to accept such material change, you may terminate your Agreement for the affected Service by giving us notice within thirty (30) days, in which case you will not be subject to an early cancellation fee."
Explain to them that when one of their representatives states unequivocally that you do not require a data plan, that defines the terms of your agreement. When another representative redefines those terms in such a way that forces you to have a data plan, thereby raising the cost of your service, that is a "material" change that is costing you an extra $44.99 each month. These kinds of changes in police are PRECISELY why that clause is in their Terms of Service.: to prevent such a change from harming you in a material way. A change that costs you money harms you in a material way, so if you want to leave Alltel for AT&T, you've got 30 days to do it.
Now, if you'd prefer to stay with Alltel, here's what I would do: get yourself transferred to their cancellation department. I can't speak for Alltel, but most major cell providers have a department who's primary purpose is to negotiate with customers who are intent on leaving. They often have special plans, discounts or other incentives that they have access to, but to which the average customer service representative does not. Perhaps one of them would be willing to offer you a free data plan, which would solve your problem. But if you'd rather just leave, and not have to pay an early termination fee, the "material change" clause is currently your best bet.
Either way, good luck!
@JaideepG2002: Yeah, except they both bill separately, they both advertise separately, they both serve customers in separate stores and service lines, and they both have totally different phone/media arrangements. About the only thing you can do with either one that would resemble using the same company is call either company's customers for free mobile-to-mobile.
Thanks for the old news, though.
Verizon Wireless requires data plans for newer Windows Mobile phones too. I try to do things that will waste bandwidth because I'm paying for it anyways, but unless I'm downloading movies, I still feel ripped off. I used to have the 10MB/month data plan with an older WinMo phone and still wasn't going to use more than that until they forced me to get the unlimited plan.
@OMG? BigPapaCherry doesn't get it?: IIRc Alltel is non-sim card just like Verizon.
This kind of policy and the rather high data fees are what keeps me from getting a smart phone. Would it be so horrible to let people download their own apps without tieing it to your service provider, allow you to pick up wifi at hot spots (so your not using data on your cell plan) and sell data plans like the rest of the civilized world does.
@solareclipse2: I really don't get why smartphone users don't want/need data plans. Isn't the point of a smartphone to use all of its features to the fullest? Otherwise, you're in it for...the qwerty keyboard? There are plenty of companies rolling out non smartphones that have that.
@Darrone: At first Verizon told me they could do this as well, then charged me for the data plan and then an obscene amount of money to buy a new phone on top of my return two years ago. If the signal wasn't the only one that really worked in my home/area, I probably would have switched then and there.
They do now.
Although their policy is that they won't sell you a blackberry without a service plan. Not sure what they would say if you already owned one.
@solareclipse2: I haven't heard anything yet. The main reason I bought the Palm Centro from Verizon was because they didn't require a data plan. Some people use their phones as a calendar and document viewer. I would love to have a data plan if it was reasonable but $30 extra per phone a month, not worth it when I sit by my computer 8 hours a day.
I actually work for an Alltel authorized agent...
From what I understand, you can put a Blackberry on without the "Smart Choice Plan" (i.e. data) as long as you supply your own equipment after the fact (basically, buying it outright).
For example, you buy a RAZR and a plan, and then you turn around and buy a Blackberry at full retail price (or obtain one through work or whatever means), then you can put the device on the account without the data requirement.
Now, if you buy a plan and a Blackberry on said contract at the SAME TIME, then you're required to stick to that plan for the length of the contract.
Then again, they could have changed it all around on me without my knowledge, and if that's the case, then mea culpa...
Alltel has had that policy since they created the Smartchoice plans a few years ago. I was told that it was because of the way that Blackberries are set up to deliver data and text messages, but it is more likely to make money.
@JGBrock:
They can stick you with the service plan, sure, but unlike AT&T, you can remove the service plan yourself and live without it.
(I say "unlike AT&T" because the one phone I had with them, the iPhone, you can't remove the data plan unless you call them up and speak with a CSR.)
I've had Alltel off and on for 9 years. Ever since I've had the opportunity to buy a smart phone, they've required that you have a data plan with a win-mo/blackberry. So whichever CSR told you differently is an idiot. Believe me, I've tried to get a smart phone without their data plan.
So no, you have no chance of getting out of your contract without an ETF.
If Verizon/Alltel don't announce an iPhone prior to their completed switchover this summer, I'm getting out of my contract and jumping to AT&T. I had Verizon where I live now, and the amount of dropped calls is mindboggling. Alltel is great here for call quality, but they're switching to Verizon towers around me.
Not that I'm saying that the OP shouldn't be able to, but in my experience using a Blackberry without a data plan is a painful experience. So much of the OS is tied to the net that it just seems broken when you don't have a connection. Right now I'm using a Blackberry 8100 with data, but not BiS or BES, and even then a lot of functionality is missing. I wouldn't buy one for texting though, I think the sms management is really kind of awkward.
Alltel does require a $44.99 BlackBerry feature or a Smart Choice plan. Unfortunately what the 1st rep told you was incorrect about not needing it. If you start a contract for a Smart Device w/ Alltel you need to stay on the data plan for the full contract. If you use your own equipment you don't if its a non-Blackberry smartphone (Moto Q, HTC Touch/Diamond/Pro, Treo, etc). Usually an audit will catch the ESN quickly and not usually charge but disable all data usage on the line to keep the BB from using tons of minutes trying to communicate back to the Blackberry Internet Service.
i have a blackberry without a data plan and i use at&t. i had the data plan for a few days, but decided i didn't need it. they had no problem taking it off.
@LoLoAGoGo: For the brief time I had a Blackberry on Verizon, I was required to have a data plan, so I took the cheapest, but then had them block all data access on the phone. I dumped the Blackberry shortly thereafter..
@pecan 3.14159265: Some smartphones have 802.11 too. No need for data plans if you use the phones at all the right places.
I think AT&T now requires a Data Plan, but who cares, AT&T's Coverage sucks compared to Alltel, Verizon, and Sprints
but yes Alltel will require a data plan, I have a BlackBerry on Alltel, but I use internet on mine
you might try calling 1-501-905-8000, that is a direct line to the Alltel Corporate Headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas, as for Executive Relations and then ask for a manager
I am not sure what the point of having a smart phone without having a data plan. That is what makes it a smart phone, the fact that you are able to do more than text and make calls.
Verizon and Alltel have the same deal where when you sign up for a smart phone the data plan is added automatically. It is only 30$
Where as AT&T will sign you us for it and require it for the mail in rebate, but you can turn it off on your own account.
As for t-mobile you are a damn cheap skate if you do not turn it on with them. They are only 20$. They even have a plan that is unlimited text and data for 59.99.
They make big $ off the data plans, so of course they're going to require them.
As far as I know all of the major carriers (I know Verizon and T-mobile do) are doing this: requiring a data plan when one purchases a smart phone. I see this as a way of recouping the steep discounting they offer on these pricier handsets. If I want to avoid paying these rates I suggest getting an unlocked phone or one from eBay.
Verizon has a similar requirement. I was told I could not use a blackberry sans data plan.