Expert: DebiN - 6/11/2011

Question
I have an iPhone 3g with AT&T. I have the unlimited data plan. AT&T says they're going to enroll me in their $45 tethering plan whether I like it or not because They say I'm tethering my phone to another device. I'm not doing that. I called them and argued back & forth because there's no way I'm paying for a tethering plan when I can't tether the phone to anything anyway.

I have an eMac and an iBook that won't turn on so I'm completely finished buying anymore apple products. I'd like to use my iPhone as an iPod touch and get a cheap phone and plan with another carrier. Maybe prepaid service. I live in new york city. I also don't want to pay $30 a month for an Internet plan so I don't need another smartphone. Can you recommend a good phone and prepaid carrier?

Answer
If you leave your SIM card in your iPhone (after it is deactivated), you can use your iPhone as an iTouch. The reason they are wanting you to pay the $45 is that you are significantly exceeding 2GB in data each month. They can prove whether you are tethering to your computer or not, it's not something that is questionable. If you are not using the iPhone to access the internet with your computer, then you are not tethering. Has nothing to another device.

I would suggest MetroPCS or any other carrier that includes everything in a bundle (or Virgin Mobile perhaps). In my opinion, there are no good prepaid because most resell other's networks. All of the carriers have prepaid, but in all honesty, for someone who really uses their phone, prepaid is not the most cost effective way to go. It's really for those that don't have good credit and/or don't use their phones a lot. If you use your phone, you can't beat a post paid plan. If you don't get a SmartPhone, you won't need the data plan.