Android NoData?

[Guest delta.sniper]

So right now I'm using a Samsung SGh-i637 (Jack) running WM6.5 and the NoData app so that AT&T doesn't tack on a $15 a month smartphone data plan to my account, and I know that there are some similar apps for Android phones. My question is, if I get an Android phone and install NoData or a similar app BEFORE inserting my SIM card and activating it, will AT&T still identify the phone via IMEI and charge me with a data plan?

[Guest flshg]

Your phone company can identify you as soon as you put in the sim card and connect to their network, regardless of whether you have blocked data or not. They don't need your IMEI. You will need to contact them to find out how to avoid data charges. There are apps to block data so you can still use it as a phone and wifi but it will depend on your plan whether the company charges you for data use.

edit: Having reread your post, you might be better to disable mobile data (also install droidwall or LBE security if you want to be doubly sure) before inserting your sim for the first time, then the phone will behave as a standard phone and I doubt they can identify it as a smartphone - only as an unknown phone.

Edited December 2, 2011 by flshg