No Data only plan?

[Deafcyclist]

I saw a few mentions of not being able to get just the data plan by itself. I need to see if somebody could help clarify this particular aspect of the plans.

Obviously, I'm deaf and I'm extremely curious about getting the G1. (have to wait till after the move to near Washington DC to try and get the phone). If I can get the phone but still can't get the data plan without voice plan, I may have issues with this and decide to just not buy the G1 despite my desire to have the G1. I'm currently using a Blackberry Pearl on unlimited BIS and texting but it is a little too expensive for me lately (nearly $56 every month just because I don't have any voice plan instead of like $36) so hopefully T-Mobile don't decide to do the same crap with the G1 this time.

[uga.buga]

So Far there not allowing you to get this phone without a qualifying rate plan of 29.99, even if you do want to pay 399.99 for the phone (i already asked)

So if you really want this phone i think it might be better to get a voice plan of 29.99 (300 Min & Unlimited Weekends) and then the unlimited data and text plan for 35, which in total is around $65 +taxes

[Deafcyclist]

ok, now my question is WHY would I have to have the voice plan if I have documented deafness? Shouldn't I be able to get a data only plan if I could provide proof of my deafness? Shouldn't the ADA require that Phone company should help accommodate the disabled if not too difficult? I would be willing to get the phone even if they have to add like $10 to a data only plan as long as I'm not required to pay for the voice plan.

I know that some peoples might say that t-mobile don't want to do this cause it might make it difficult to avoid providing similiar services to the hearings but as long as we can bring documented proof of the disability and use that to weed out the hearing peoples taking advantage, there shouldn't be any reason to force deaf peoples to get a voice plan. Currently, the only phones that I know of that offers properly priced data only plan is the sidekick and I seriously don't want to have to use a sidekick if I can avoid it.

One of the reason why I was interested in the G1 was the possibility that it could save me money over the long term compared to staying on the blackberry plan even if I still have to pay close to $350 for the G1. Being unfairly forced to use voice plan would defidently remove that reason of interest.

[BigBoss21]

http://www.sprintrelaystore.com

Data-only plans for 30 bucks a month, this is for the deaf community. I was interested in getting on these myself even if im not deaf.

[baji]

I agree with the idea that you should be able to get a data only plan with proof of your disability. Have you gotten in contact with T-Mo about that? It's the kind of thing that I imagine upper level customer service may be able to help you with. Good luck!