Required Data Plan?

**zink** · 09-24-2008, 07:43 PM

When i preordered I did not order a data plan.

I read somewhere once they ship the phone, you will automatically get charged for a data plan... I dont need a data plan. Will they require me to get one?

Also, without the data plan, do you think you can still use the GPS with maps downloaded to the phone?

**cdlazzari** · 09-24-2008, 07:44 PM

google maps wont work without an internet connection (data or wifi) because although GPS does give you your location, you can't overlay a map without downloading the map in the first place.

**DesignDawg** · 09-24-2008, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by zink

When i preordered I did not order a data plan.

I read somewhere once they ship the phone, you will automatically get charged for a data plan... I dont need a data plan. Will they require me to get one?

Also, without the data plan, do you think you can still use the GPS with maps downloaded to the phone?

You have to choose a data plan to order the phone. And yes, you do need it. Why would you want a web phone without web access?

It would work on WiFI, I guess, but that's not an option at this time. Maybe wait until they are selling on the free market (read: EXPEN$ive)?

You will nto be able to use maps without data service. Again, maybe on WiFi, but not out in the wild...

**androidmaddy** · 09-24-2008, 07:53 PM

How were you able to pre-order the G1 without selecting a data plan? I thought that was mandatory for the pre-order to go through? Does your existing plan already have a data plan?

**New World** · 09-24-2008, 07:56 PM

^ Yeah same here

How did you manage that?

**NetCom** · 09-24-2008, 08:13 PM

He probably disregarded Q to pick his data plan and just went with it...
Paid the price and yep... he ordered the phone...

To the thread author - You need web and I suggest you to take at least 24.99 plan.
I have computer with 30MBps net connection at home, 115MBps at work - internet access all over the place ... aaaaand? Well, I got myself $25 data plan with 400 SMS messages and I am in 3G area. Now Y would I do that? Simply because I do not have the computer in my pocket with the net access. There you go...

**zink** · 09-24-2008, 08:16 PM

I just did not select any of the two options

I am probably in a wifi spot 90% of the time besides the 10 minutes I am in the car during the day.

What good is GPS if you need to have cell coverage? Most of the time I need to use GPS in traveling in remote areas that dont have service... that is why I would need GPS.

So does this phone just not operate if there is no reception or wifi?

**DesignDawg** · 09-24-2008, 08:26 PM

Wow. I didn't realize you could do that!

The only implementation of GPS in the phone right now is with apps that require a web component. They all have to download some data to make the GPS data you're getting from the sat mean anything. Like was mentioned: GPS tells the phone where in the world you are, but google maps has to download a map to show you where that is.
Now, standalone GPS devices don't have to do this, so it makes perfect sense that an application could be created that stores all of the map data locally. But as of right now, I don't think those apps exist.
For you: I'm sure if you get your phone and pop your sim card in, you'll be able to make calls. It's not going to be delivered by a T-Mobile CSR that forces you to sign up before you can handle your phone.

BUT WHAT I WOULD WORRY ABOUT IF I WERE YOU is that all of the features just might work right out of the box, even though you don't have a data plan. --And you get charged a la carte. Talk about a big bill. Now, I'm just speculating. But I used to be able to get on T-zones even though I didn't have a data plan, and it would just show up as a per use item on my bill. Not sure if I still can, because I learned my lesson and have never done it again. A phone that is designed to be always on the internet is going to have issues if you don't have internet access on it.

**benh57** · 09-25-2008, 12:09 AM

Google maps could certainly cache the data. There is plenty of space. A map of LA with decent resolution wouldn't take up too much space at all. (garmin's city navigator for half of california is only like 50MB)

A third-party mapping application will certainly be made which does this, if there isn't one already. You could even make one which uses the efficient open-source garmin map format.

**NetCom** · 09-25-2008, 12:25 AM

Whoever needs ONLY a GPS unit they should purchase something like 3.5" or 4.3" portable navigation and they are set ... when it comes to ppl who are trying to save 25$ and not use fully their device they just got - there is nothing wrong with being prudent. But, sooner or later you will turn on the data plan for your device.
And this would be the 3rd time I am writing this

- I am surrounded by Cable and Lan internet at Home and at the Work place - I still got data plan - cuz I want to use the device to it's specs.

Well, good luck in whatever decide towards the data plan! I hope Tmobile does not require you to subscribe to Data plan so you can get the G1.