Unlocked iPhone 3G - with WiFi?

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Unlocked iPhone 3G - with WiFi?

If I buy an unlocked iPhone 3G, will I automatically have WiFi access to the Internet, or would this web access require a data plan from AT&T, T-Mobile or other vendor to work? [I want to be able to use the iPhone with Skype and have two-way communication via Wifi]. Or, am I better off using iPod Touch, 2nd generation, with headset and mic?

iPhone 3G, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 14, 2009 12:01 PM

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Answer 1

Tamara

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Jun 14, 2009 12:07 PM in response to elencita4

You're better off with the Touch.

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Answer 2

elencita4 Author

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Jun 14, 2009 1:19 PM in response to Tamara

Could you explain why, please? Does iPhone 3G not support WiFi without a data plan?

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Answer 3

roaminggnome

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Jun 14, 2009 1:22 PM in response to elencita4

Would an ipod touch not be cheaper?

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Answer 4

Tamara

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Jun 14, 2009 1:43 PM in response to elencita4

Reasons for the Touch:

1. You're not interested in a data plan but a wifi device.
2. You want to use Skype for calls.
3. The iPhone requires a 2 year contract with ATT with a data plan.
4. The Touch will be less expensive since you won't have to commit to a data plan.

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Answer 5

elencita4 Author

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Jun 14, 2009 1:46 PM in response to roaminggnome

Cost is not the issue. The ipod touch does not have phone functionality, however, the iphone 3G does. What I'm trying to do is use the iphone 3G unlocked with a calling card plan for the phone and use it with free wifi for surfing on the net. Is that possible?

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Answer 6

roaminggnome

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106,395 points

Jun 14, 2009 1:56 PM in response to elencita4

What do you mean calling card?

You have to have a wireless service provider, which costs money in the form of a monthly bill, in order for the phone to work.

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Answer 7

elencita4 Author

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Jun 14, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Tamara

It seems like nobody understands my question...so let me try again:
1. I know that I can use iPod Touch and Skype using WiFi, i.e. no data plan or contract needed.
2. I don't know if I can do exactly the same thing with an iPhone 3G, i.e. can I use an unlocked iPhone 3G and make Wifi Skype calls with no contract? After all, I don't use the 3G network for Skype calls.

If I can use the iPhone 3G for wifi Skype calls, I can add a prepaid calling card later for regular (non-Skype) voice calls, should I so desire, or sign up for a data plan only, or both - with my vendor of choice, not necessarily AT&T, but perhaps T-Mobile, for example. Can somebody comment on this, please?

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Answer 8

Jun 14, 2009 2:35 PM in response to elencita4

elencita4 wrote:
If I buy an unlocked iPhone 3G, will I automatically have WiFi access to the Internet, or would this web access require a data plan from AT&T, T-Mobile or other vendor to work? [I want to be able to use the iPhone with Skype and have two-way communication via Wifi]. Or, am I better off using iPod Touch, 2nd generation, with headset and mic?

You can use wifi. But it would have to be your home wifi as public wifi detects if you have a data plan for the iphone with wifi. So it would defeat the object of the iphone if you can only use it at home

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Answer 9

Jun 14, 2009 2:42 PM in response to elencita4

It seems like nobody understands my question...so let me try again:
1. I know that I can use iPod Touch and Skype using WiFi, i.e. no data plan or contract needed.
2. I don't know if I can do exactly the same thing with an iPhone 3G, i.e. can I use an unlocked iPhone 3G and make Wifi Skype calls with no contract? After all, I don't use the 3G network for Skype calls.

If I can use the iPhone 3G for wifi Skype calls, I can add a prepaid calling card later for regular (non-Skype) voice calls, should I so desire, or sign up for a data plan only, or both - with my vendor of choice, not necessarily AT&T, but perhaps T-Mobile, for example. Can somebody comment on this, please?

A lot of WiFi free spots are only free if you have a plan with AT&T. If it's not free, you can use it after logging in any paying. The main problem is that the iPhone won't do anything (other than emergency calls) unless it has been activated with a cell service provider. (It will continue to work as an iPod if the cell service is later cancelled.)

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Answer 10

elencita4 Author

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Jun 14, 2009 2:46 PM in response to clarkkent27

Thanks, that was good information. My last question is, would I be able to use it in any public wifi network like Starbucks or would it not allow me to use it since it would detect that I don't have a data plan?

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Answer 11

Jun 14, 2009 2:54 PM in response to elencita4

elencita4 wrote:
Thanks, that was good information. My last question is, would I be able to use it in any public wifi network like Starbucks or would it not allow me to use it since it would detect that I don't have a data plan?

You will have to have an ATT data plan for it to work in public places. If the USA is like the UK here. You cannot use public wifi with Iphone here because the wifi detects that you dont have the wifi bolt on your tariff. But ALL iphone tariffs come with a data plan. I am not sure how the Itouch works about that. Someone did mention it. Some places offer free wifi which that should be Ok.

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Answer 12

Tamara

Level 6

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Jun 14, 2009 3:35 PM in response to elencita4

elencita4 wrote:
2. I don't know if I can do exactly the same thing with an iPhone 3G, i.e. can I use an unlocked iPhone 3G and make Wifi Skype calls with no contract? After all, I don't use the 3G network for Skype calls.

You cannot buy a legitimately unlocked iPhone in the US. All US iPhones require a contract with ATT which includes a mandatory data plan.

If I can use the iPhone 3G for wifi Skype calls, I can add a prepaid calling card later for regular (non-Skype) voice calls, should I so desire, or sign up for a data plan only, or both - with my vendor of choice, not necessarily AT&T, but perhaps T-Mobile, for example. Can somebody comment on this, please?

It doesn't work this way. The 3G iPhone does not work at all until it is activated with ATT. You cannot use a prepaid card later on.

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