G1 with no data plan?

[Shirukii]

I've heard a lot of mixed info about this, I'm looking for a definitive answer, can you use the G1 without a data plan?

I'm in the market for a phone with full qwerty and a capacitive touch screen and this is pretty much the only one that fits the bill. That and I refuse to use proprietary operating systems or WinMo

However, I have no use for a full data plan, it's just not worth the money, instead I was planning on just hopping on WiFi whenever available. Will the G1 still function without one, if so, how crippled will it be in terms of what applications I can use?

Also, I'm located in Canada on Fido's network, if that matters. I realize the G1 is locked to T-Mobile for now, but surely unlocks will be available in the future, yes?

[hoobashoot]

I'm almost positive you need the data plan, before you can even use the phone you have to sighn in to your google account

[gontran]

but you can sign in over the wifi, no?

[GrimShadows]

Everything that I have read stated that the data plan was required, especial if you are getting it at the discounted price..

[Infinatenothing]

but you can sign in over the wifi, no?

can't set up the wifi to sign into the phone untill after you have signed into the phone you would have to have the data plan atleast to begin with in order to log onto the phone at all.

[Chri(S)tian]

I think you can get the g1 with out a data plan...or any t-mo plan to be more specific. You just got to buy the phone at a full retail price of like $400.00 I think at a T-Mo store...I could be wrong though..it's just a hunch...


Edit: Yeah I think I'm wrong because...of the post before mine stated..

can't set up the wifi to sign into the phone untill after you have signed into the phone you would have to have the data plan atleast to begin with in order to log onto the phone at all.

[JoshHart]

For your first question, you can use it without a data plan, however you have to set it up through Gmail first and as it doesnt come with wifi enabled you would need data for that. Although as I'm told you can start it in safe mode and bypass the Gmail setup. The phone will work without a data plan, it will even work without a sim card after initially set up. However I don't think at this time it will work with any other network, as it's open source I'm sure someone will unlock it. You probably won't get 3G coverage though as it's designed for Tmobiles 3G frequency. But you could always pick one up and use it on wifi without a sim until someone comes out with an unlock I suppose.

[shmokinponcake]

Just go ahead and try it with out. We all bet you will want it, but using it with just wifi is going to give you the definitive answer your asking for.

[mikeyrokschicago]

Plain and simple..

this phone is worth nothing without a data plan..
no browsing
no apps
no maps(google maps)

just phone calls and text, and honestly thats it.
i would spring for the data if i were you.

[Cuda]

How about this for a kicker, T-mobile won't sell you the phone without the data plan.