How can I avoid using data while it's on?

KiltedTim wrote:

No YOU are missing the point.

You CAN'T do that. MMS messaging REQUIRES cellular data. Being a smart phone, there is no way to separate the data required for MMS messaging from "regular" data use. You can't do it.

Tim, sorry, but you keep making false statements. First that no carrier allows an Iphone to be used without data and then this, above. MMS requires data, which is why i want to turn it on, but Bell does not charge for the data use in that context. It requires the data, but it does separate the use. That's a fact. I appreciate that you are trying to help, but there is no sense in making these false assertions and not understanding the simple thing I am looking to do. Thanks anyway.

Chris, I am using ios7, but when I go to Settings, Cellular and then scroll down to the section called USE CELLULAR DATA FOR, I swear, there is only one single item listed, Passbook. Not sure why I am not getting what you are. I guess I'll check in an Apple store. Wjosten might be right though. There just is no way to do what I want without risking the possiblity of some data being used without my knowledge.

KiltedTim wrote:

Fine. Believe what you want. Until you accept reality, you're not going to get an answer.

Tim, I truly don't understand what reality you are referring to? You are making statements about what you can and can't do with a carrier and with data which are simply not true and are telling me to go and use a "dumb phone and an Ipod touch". Why come on to a discussion and make these kind of unhelpful suggestions? I'm not trying to be fecetious here, I just don't get how you feel you are being helpful here.

chattphotos wrote:

Oy, Cartoonguy, please stop the shouting match.

The true elements of the issue are being hurled around like a sack of bricks. *ducks*

No one is making false statements, both sides have a valid point.

Yes, Bell offers zero data iPhone plans + MMS, that's generally known. I can personally confirm that.

But controlling the iPhone's attempt to use the data connection outside of MMS, not practical unless you just turn it off.

My question, why haven't you asked Bell just block the exterraneous data requests the phone makes?

I've seen it done with various Roaming SIM providers before.

Not meaning to be shouting and I was only referring to what KiltedTim was asserting (in shouty caps, no less. "Oy" indeed!). Others have made helpful contributions to the question. Yes, as you point out, I can use an iphone without data. Bell can turn off the data, but then that means I can't use it for MMS picture messaging, which requires data (even though I am not charged for it when used for pictures). This is not the end of the world, but I just wanted to know if there was a way for the phone to turn off all data use apart from when I want it for MMS picture messaging.

The answer seems to be "no". So I just have to switch it on and off when I want to send a picture and hope the iphone doesn't jump on to data in some other way without my knowledge while I do that.

Appreciate the responses. Well, most of them. 🙂