LOL a definite answer in the cell phone world.....?????? It may change tomorrow
Here is the information we give from a retail wireless store that has VZW as well as AT&T. You WILL need to have a data package on any BLACKBERRY device, it is set up to be used as a smartphone and is constantly connected to the internet. Most of the functions that are on your smartphones will NOT work properly without having internet. VZW as well as most major providers now require the data package to also protect the customer from a huge bill that occurs without $30. package....Example. A customer (AT&T) and didnt have a data package, She said " I never will be on the internet" to the rep that sold her phone. the bill came in and because of using Email (oh gee thats part of using internet) along with other things she had racked up $750.00 for ONLY one month and it was data useage that caused this. Therefore that is why AT&T joined in to make data package required like Verizon..... Now there is a loop hole and that is for phones that are purchased on your own and not part of renewal of a contract....I am told that is for all phones EXCEPT the Blackberry phones so you could in fact on some phones be able to have a smartphone without data.... REMEMBER however that if you choose not to have a data package, YOU WILL be responsible for the charges... they do not want to loose you as customer, but you are told clearly that rates are PER use and you are required to pay the piper....CLEARLY the DATA package saves your pocket book IF you are getting a Smartphone....Smartphones have a purpose....if you dont want a data package get a basic phone that has querty keyboard to make texting easier.....oh and of course the texting package to pay as well.... hope this is definite or helpfull in your situation...
