Verizon iPhone- using WiFi only?

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Level 1

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Verizon iPhone- using WiFi only?

Hello,

I am considering buying an iPhone through Verizon. However, I never use the internet on a phone (I currently have a regular old flip phone, no data plan).

When I am at home, would I be able to use my WiFi network and NOT Verizon internet? Would using my own WiFi at all impact my Verizon charges?

I am trying to figure all of this out before I decide to switch to the iPhone... I just want the convenience of having my iPod and phone together.. I don't really care about using the internet other than at my own house on my wifi.

Thanks for any help!!

Unibody macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Feb 12, 2011 10:18 AM

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Answer 1

Axel Foley

Level 10

148,236 points

Feb 12, 2011 10:29 AM in response to kuklachica

When I am at home, would I be able to use my WiFi network and NOT Verizon internet? Would using my own WiFi at all impact my Verizon charges?

Yes you will be able to use the WiFi network at your home or anywhere WiFi connection is available. If you use a WiFi connection then it will not go against your data usage with Verizon.
Keep in mind that you will have to buy a data plan with a voice plan regardless whether you want it or not. Unfortunately, with iPhones, there is no such thing as a Voice Only plan for iPhones.

Axel F.

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Answer 2

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Feb 12, 2011 10:29 AM in response to kuklachica

"When I am at home, would I be able to use my WiFi network and NOT Verizon internet? "

Yes.

"Would using my own WiFi at all impact my Verizon charges? "

No.

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Answer 3

kuklachica Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 12, 2011 11:01 AM in response to Axel Foley

Thank you!

I know I'll need to buy a data plan 😟 I am just hoping that I will be able to get away with the $15/mo since I'll be using WiFi most of the time.

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Answer 4

Feb 12, 2011 11:33 AM in response to kuklachica

It's understandable that for some people, data plans are useless, seeing as you have Wi-Fi, or you just do not really go on the internet as much...

However, what if you bring your iPhone to a place where this is no Wi-Fi? It can be quite handy to use the data plan to check something...

Anyways, seeing as most carriers push for data plans, seeing as they are "smart", it might as well have data plans and all the great features and such...

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Answer 5

JDLee

Level 1

40 points

Feb 12, 2011 11:37 AM in response to kuklachica

I have the Verizon iPhone, and I know you have to purchase a data plan. I think, but am not certain, that you have to buy the unlimited data plan. If that's true, your question doesn't matter.

In using my phone for the past several days, it seems like any time you access data, the iPhone prompts you to use a wireless network. A screen pops up showing available wireless networks. You can turn this off.

If you do have to buy the unlimited data plan (and I think you do), then it is clearly in Verizon's interest to always prompt you to use wireless networks and thereby save the traffic on their network.

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Answer 6

Feb 12, 2011 11:45 AM in response to JDLee

The unlimited data plan is only a limited time offer, and anytime from release date to who knows when, it will stop offering it and anyone who got the unlimited plan is "grand-fathered" in... This also happened with the iPad+3G model with AT&T...

Anyways, I am assuming like any other carrier, if you do cancel your data plan, you have to pay a cancellation fee (depends on carrier), which is why people say you have to get the data plan, unless you want to pay more just to remove it, than pay it with your plan for way less...

I am not sure Verizon does have a cancellation fee for data plans, but I highly do think they do.

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Answer 7

Feb 12, 2011 5:27 PM in response to kuklachica

The minimum data Verizon requires is the $29.99 unlimited data plan. Just went through the same issue myself.

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Answer 8

Feb 15, 2011 3:29 PM in response to Marilyn Press

It is the minimum plan for Verizon, as that is the only data plan they have for the iPhone, but as I mentioned, it is only temporary and is a time-limited offer. I still wonder why the OP minds about using the data plan, seeing as it is unlimited data, so going over if your using it is never going to be a thought.

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Answer 9

Feb 16, 2011 11:45 AM in response to JDLee

{quote:title=JDLee wrote:}
In using my phone for the past several days, it seems like any time you access data, the iPhone prompts you to use a wireless network. A screen pops up showing available wireless networks. You can turn this off.{quote}

I haven't been getting this prompt; apparently it's turned off. How do you turn it on?

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Answer 10

Feb 16, 2011 12:05 PM in response to kuklachica

Advise you to go to the discussion on phantom charges. Some of us have had major issues with data charges we don't understand as we generally are on wifi. Being told of always on iPhone, despite acess to wifi, etc. Check it out.

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Answer 11

Feb 16, 2011 3:38 PM in response to John Melby

The prompt is not always needed. Just switch on Wi-Fi in the settings and you will be using Wi-Fi and nothing else. If you turn off Wi-Fi, you will be using 3G, and nothing else. Plain and simple.

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Answer 12

Feb 16, 2011 6:32 PM in response to Tech Elementz

Not necessarily so. My iPhone will show use without my ever leaving my wifi home. And for those who doubt the wifi works always, I have an iPad that I WILL NOT buy a data plan for, though it is capable, and it only uses the wifi,perfectly all the time. Read the other discussions on data use,please. We have an issue here with lots of people discussing it, lots of theories, and no clear answers.

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Answer 13

Feb 16, 2011 6:36 PM in response to kuklachica

You can use any active WiFi connection with the iPhone. Unfortunately you are required to purchase a data plan, regardless of carrier.

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Answer 14

kuklachica Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 16, 2011 6:37 PM in response to reading maven

Thank you everyone for your input. I didn't want to pay $30/mo for the data plan because I have never used internet on a phone and don't plan to except for my wifi at home. That is why I was hoping for a cheaper plan... I just want an iPhone so I can have my iPod and phone all in one and not carry two things around (plus, I hate my current phone). Don't actually need the interet. But, since it seems that I can only buy the $30 plan, I may do that, and then drop down once they add the tiers. But I don't really know if I am going to get one. Not sure it's worth it.

Can someone tell me the title of these threads that are being referred to? It is hard finding them when I'm not 100% sure what I am looking for.

Thank you

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Answer 15

Feb 16, 2011 6:53 PM in response to kuklachica

There's really no way to avoid paying for a data plan... There will be tiered plans available in the future which cost less if you are willing to wait. And to answer someone else's post, you cannot cancel a data plan after the fact if you have a smartphone -- Verizon will not let you do this.

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