Phones AT&T won't Recognize

[Skinflint52]

I have an AT&T family plan account with data blocked to my number. I don't need data service for all the phones but would like to use it WiFi. If I get an unlocked phone that they recognize, when I plug in the sim they say I'll automatically get charged for data service whether I want it or not.

What is the best Android phone that AT&T will not recognize.:-\

 

[DWR_31]

First thing first, as long as whatever phone you are using has the ability to turn off mobile data in the settings, AT&T can't charge you for something that you're not using.

Then again this is AT&T we're talking about.

But, in any case using Wi-Fi overrides cellular data.

 

[sniffs]

AT&T routinely verifies IMEI#'s on their accounts and will auto add a data plan and/or unblock data making you pay per use.

This has happened numerous times, and I've personally seen it at least twice within the last 30 days.

 

[SideshowRob85]

As long as you do not access mobile data on your phone you will be fine. If the phone is from europe or another carrier it would come up as an unknown manufacturer to ATT in the billing system. The system only adds the data plan if you continue to use mobile data on a phone that requires a data plan. It's possible use data here and there and not trigger the data add on either, but it is possible anytime you access data. You'll get a notice that its being added so it can be removed if you call in. If the device reads as unknown the billing system will let the data plan be removed since it is not a requirement. Your best bet would be to either keep mobile data disabled or delete all of the APN settings in the device. Note: Some T-Mobile devices show the correct device info in the billing system, but I've only seen that on Blackberry devices.

 

[sniffs]

9 times out of 10 if they auto add data, you can't call in immediately and have it removed, they're going to force you to wait until the billing cycle ends, I've also seen this daily.

As for auto-adding data, AT&T now requires a data plan with it's smartphones.. here's what you could try though, put a cheap flip phone on the line, have AT&T add the "Opt-out data" feature on the line then take that SIM and pop it in a smartphone.. this might work for awhile..

again, all these suggestions might net you a large bill, so take it with a grain of salt. Most phones will auto populate the APN when it detects an AT&T signal, so if you do remove it, chances are it'll repopulate.

SideshowRob is correct though.. if you use a device from another carrier/Europe, or even devices not native to AT&T such as the Dell Streak 5, the IMEI# is foreign and they wont auto add a data plan.

 

[Skinflint52]

Thanks to all. This is pretty much what I expected.