[X3cution3R]

I'm currently with rogers in canada for a voice and texting plan, but no data plan. i'm wondering if i get a 1st generation iphone, unlocked, will it b possible for me to access data driven applications without me knowing that i'm using data, and as a result, accumulate data charges?

with blackberries i know if u dont have a data plan, then those applications that need data just aren't functional for you.

[Eurisko]

Unless you specifically request a data block from Rogers, Data is on a per use basis; and you will be charged for any data usage on a 5 cent per Kb basis. Blackberry is different because is uses a different compression method and servers for its data access. iPhone can use any WAP server and still access data.

[satch2501]

You will not always know as the iphone has a wifi connection. If the wifi is interrupted, then edge will come on. The only way to avoid this is to install Boss Pref from Cydia and turn the edge setting to off. Many people with Rogers ended up with 1000$ bills without them knowing it. Once the iphone is jailbroken, activate the wifi (to your wireless router) and then open up cydia and in "all packages" find Boss Pref. Install it and then inside the Boss Pref App, toggle off edge and you will not receive charges as the edge setting (automatically activated with Rogers) will be turned off. Remember that if you upgrade your firmware, you will have to do this everytime.

[X3cution3R]

awesome guys. thanks so much for the quick responses.

I've also read recently that the unlocking procedure for the iphone 3g is close to being figured out. does the community have any estimations of how long it'll be? should i just wait and get a 3g in like a couple months instead?

And so, bring that back to my original question: does the 3g have a similiar program to "Boss Pref" where u can turn the 3g data off and only use wifi?

[Eurisko]

You can turn off 3G by going to Settings -> General -> Network -> Enable 3G. But this won't turn off EDGE. The only way to truly know is to have Rogers block internet.

[vrt1]

The data plan is $30 a month for 6gig -cheap

[X3cution3R]

yup 30 bux for 6gigs is definately cheap for most, but i'm a student without much change laying around to begin with, which i why i have these concerns :P

Ok, so its possible to turn the 3g off, but is it possible to turn the edge off in a 3g phone like it is in a 2g phone with an application like boss pref or some other way?
will turning off edge turn off other functions, like texting?

another question: if i block data by telling rogers to do so, will i lose the functionality of other applications even when i am in a wifi hotspot? i ask this because i'm currently a blackberry user looking to switch over to the iphone, and with my blackberry (i have wifi on it) i can not use many of the data applications on it with wifi, because they only work with data (kind of defeats the purpose of having a wifi phone). for example, i can browse the internet on it, but can not use the messenger or various map applications. will i have full functionality of the iphone applications on wifi despite not having a data plan?

[X3cution3R]

you guys have been great thus far. any chance i can get some more help?

[ASar08]

- You cannot turn off data access on the iPhone 3G. Like Eurisko said, you must call Rogers / Fido and block the internet. You can turn off the 3G to save battery, but edge is still active.

- All apps will work over Wifi. The only thing I can think off that won't work is the GPS. Actually, it will work, but you just can't go very far because you need to stay connected to the wifi for google maps to load, which pretty much defeats the purpose. There are some add-on apps that require an internet connection to work properly, so you would not be able to use them outside of wifi. There aren't very many though... and you can just avoid them.

- Just throwing this out there: The main difference between the original iPhone and the 3G is that the 3G has 3G and GPS. If you're not going to use the 3G aspect, then you're probably not going to use the GPS either, in which case, maybe you would consider a 1st gen iPhone? Personally I liked the feel / build of the original iPhone better. Also the battery lasts significantly longer. But I use the 3G and GPS every day, so it was worth the upgrade. But if I didn't want to use data through the cell network, then I would probably choose the original iPhone over the 3G. Just my 2 cents

[imagine engine]

If you missed the promotion for the $30.00 6 GB Smartphone data plan you should still get the $30.00 1 GB Smartphone data plan. Most users shouldn't go over 1 GB unless you're tethering (using your iPhone as a modem to allow your laptop to access the internet). Prior to tethering I never exceeded 500 MB. I have two email accounts, one is Push Email, surf the web a lot, use GPS and have 5 pages of apps. If you don't opt for a smartphone data plan and ask Rogers Customer Care to block your data then keep in mind they are only blocking your SIM card from accessing data on their network in Canada. It doesn't stop your device from using data outside Canada. Though for the latter you can turn off data roaming in the network settings. Also keep in mind the iPhone Visual Voicemail feature if on your account needs data access to work.

[yearoftherat]

There is suppose to be an app that turns it off edge by changing the APN settings at the phone level w/o the hassle of calling Rogers.

Disable EDGE/3G data on iPhone

[xwinger]

I got a $340 bill because my old iphone used data when it wasnt even turned on so I had to get a 3G.

[imagine engine]

Originally Posted by xwinger

I got a $340 bill because my old iphone used data when it wasnt even turned on so I had to get a 3G.

Just to clarify that by not subscribing to a data plan with your wireless carrier doesn't mean your iPhone can't access data. The only difference is that by not subscribing to a data plan you are paying the full data rate for pay per use ($0.05/KB in Canada). This is why all authorized Rogers and Fido dealers have started to refuse to sell customers the iPhone 3G without subscribing to an eligible smartphone data plan or without the customer signing an agreement they are aware it's pay per use data if they don't. When processed through the call center it's a verbal agreement which is also documented on the customer account if they refuse a data plan they are aware it's pay per use and as such fully responsible for any data charges incurred. Also keep in mind when Rogers or Fido blocks the data connection on their end through the call center it's only blocking on their network, not when you roam on other carrier networks and doesn't stop you incurring charges when using a pay per use WIFI Hotspot. It makes no sense to buy an iPhone or any other smartphone without subscribing to a data plan to avoid high data charges. Especially considering that several features on a smartphone need data to work. If someone can't afford a data plan with at least 500 MB (currently cost $25.00 with Rogers) then they shouldn't be buying the iPhone 3G or even using an unlocked iPhone EDGE (2G) model. After all my average 500 MB at 0.05/KB would cost $25,600.00 CDN just for the data usage on top of my monthly charges for my voice plan and other features.