Telus: Smartphone without dataplan possible?

[yuen47]

I know nearly every provider won't do this if you don't have a dataplan, which is understandable, but thing is I will always have wifi around and I would like a phone that takes advantage of that instead of using data.

Does Telus offer a normal phone with Wi-fi that can do that? (I have not found one that can...). Or if not, is it possible we get a smartphone from a 3rd party (craigslist etc) with wifi and register the ESN or something as a phone switch kind of thing?

Thanks!

[Phils]

They had the HTC Touch (at leats I think it was the Touch) on sale last summer where they didn't require a data plan.

In fact, you didn't even require a contract. It was $149 without a contract, $99 with a 1 yr contract; $49 for 2 years; and $0 for three.

I was considering changing my 5 year old clunker for it but I just didn't like the phone.

[dakrwurm]

If you buy a smart phone with out a data plan, they put you on pay as you go data. Which is really expensive. If you disable cellular data connections with your phone you would be ok to just use WIFI, but if you ever want to check something via their network, your paying a fortune.

[yuen47]

Thanks guys, so if I get that correctly, yes, it IS possible to transfer a smartphone onto a non-dataplan? And as long as I turn off cellular data access and limit it to wi-fi, I will be fine?

I'm not too sure about the limitations on which phones either. Does the smartphone I buy HAVE to be a Telus smartphone, etc?

[smithfan]

if you ever want to check something via their network, your paying a fortune.

You can say that again. $30 a meg!

[audit13]

I am currently on Bell with a new smartphone on their HSPA network. I called two different times, got two different techs, and both said they cannot block data access on their new HSPA because voice and data transmissions happen over the same network.

I think data blocking for will work for Bell and Telus if you're not using their new network.

[rAfChOw]

Thanks guys, so if I get that correctly, yes, it IS possible to transfer a smartphone onto a non-dataplan? And as long as I turn off cellular data access and limit it to wi-fi, I will be fine?

I'm not too sure about the limitations on which phones either. Does the smartphone I buy HAVE to be a Telus smartphone, etc?

Yes, it is possible but remember that if you bought a smartphone at promotional pricing that required a voice and data plan and then you switch to a non-data plan, you will be charged a data cancellation fee. Reason is that you got the phone at a higher discount.

Also, with the new network the phone you use does NOT need to be purchased directly from Telus - it just needs to be compatible with the network (HSPA+) and unlocked (if it is not a Telus phone). All you need is an activated SIM card from Telus which you pop into the phone and you're good to go.