ok to start off, my roomate has the PPC 6700 w/ Sprint Vision and says he pays like 15 a month for the data plan or whatever and thats all he has to pay. He can use WIFI, sync outlook, etc.

I am mooching off the parents with the family plan, so i call Verizon and ask whats necessary to upgrade to a smartphone, specifically the VX6700. According to two different customer service reps (i called twice), I need a data plan in order to use WIFI and sync w/ outlook and I could choose from three different data plans, 10mb($25/mo.), 25mb, and unlimited($50/mo.).

I asked why I need a data plan just to plug in a cable from computer to phone and she said its because outlook syncs through the internet. But my roomate says it doesnt have anything to do with the internet, he just hooks up the cable from phone to computer and does it, and doesnt get charged any additional usage fees.

So is there a difference between the sprint version and the verizon version or are the customer service reps i spoke with just BSing me and trying to get me to purchase a more expensive data plan?

What features require the data plan? The only reason I'm so confused is because my roomate is telling me completely different things than what Verizon is saying. Hopefully somebody can clear this up...

The rep you talked to is full of ****.

Wi-Fi does NOT require any sort of data plan, nor do you need one for syncing your phone with your computer. You'll only need the data plan if you plan to use any Internet-enabled applications (IE, chat programs, etc.) without hopping on a Wi-Fi network. In that case you'd be using Verizon's EVDO network and that's when the data plan comes in.

That being said, the unlimited data plan is a really nice thing to have. Although Wi-Fi networks are plentiful, it's very handy to be able to hop on the Internet from anywhere and not care about locating a network, entering a key, etc. Since data plans are treated as a feature rather than part of your contract, you can add, drop, or change them at any time. Unfortunately, the Verizon pricing is a complete ripoff compared to Sprint's.

One last thing - if you don't want any data plan at all, it is best to disable EVDO connectivity on your phone so you don't incur any per-KB charges. I forget the rate that Verizon charges, but it's something pretty exorbitant.

Hope that helps.

If what you are saying the Verizon CS reps are saying then yeah they are BSing you. Outlook does not sync via the internet unless they are talking about having an Exchange server to do push email (which I'm pretty sure that isn't what you are talking about). WIFI is free to use on the phone providing there is a wireless access point where you are at, you don't need a data plan for this. You only need a data plan if you want to have access to the internet where ever you go (providing you still have cell phone service) without having to worry about being able to find a wireless hotspot.

So, your roomate is correct and you do not need a data plan to sync with outlook on your home PC (whether it is via wifi, bluetooth, or USB).

edit: g@d d@mn I must type slow because someone beat me to it again.....

I am SOOOO glad I read this thread!

I had no idea that there were NEW plans available!

I've been using Verizon for years and Ive paid $25 for 5 lousy MBs!

They told me that there is a plan for 450 mins + unlimited Data Plan for $79.99 which is good (not great) but I stuck with the 10mb plan instead sinnce I don't use the internet that much.

Personally, I think it sucks that they don't notify their customers about new plans, but I guess they just want to keep us customers bleeding green in the dark...

Thanks for the info!

You're still better off moving to Sprint.....right now you can get on a Sprint SERO plan with 500 minutes voice plus UNLIMITED data for $30 a month, and buy a PPC6700 for $300 before rebates ($150 or less after rebates)

for what it is worth, no rep at Verizon knows the difference between wifi and data plan.. or they act like there is no difference.... i have dealt with this before.
Thank God for forums like this as Verizons support is oly good for calling and asking how much you owe.

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