Actually that is all about to change on the 3rd. Here is the scoop from tmonews.com:
"A number of you have been emailing with questions regarding the data plan changes expected June 3rd. First and foremost we should reiterate that data plans will be required when purchasing specified devices on a 2 year contract for the length of the contract term. Those devices are Blackberry (Pearl and Pearl Flip excluded) G1, Sidekick, and Smartphones ie Windows Mobile devices and will require a data package. You can opt for either the unlimited messaging, unlimited web only or unlimited web with messaging. Confusing data caps are now done away with and all data features will now give customers unlimited access to data and messaging. Simple right? Not feeling the package, there is a loophole. If you absolutely positively cannot stand the idea of a 2 year data package, purchasing your device at full price, in other words, no contract pricing will not require a data plan.
How about some good news though for this Friday. The above mentioned devices are going June 3rd to instant rebates for a limited time only. That’s right, instead of those annoying, frustrating, sit by the mail waiting for your check you can take advantage of instant rebate pricing for a limited time! Customers are going to be able to take advantage of lower cost in store pricing and shown the joys of the data plan world. Seriously, I’d rather spend $50 or $100 more in store and not have to have a ball and chain data package for 2 years but then again, I don’t buy these devices with the intent of not using them to their fullest, so I guess its not the worst news in the world. Either way, I hope this clarifies a number of questions!"