Q: With cost reduction in mind, I'd like to get a smartphone and combine it with a basic voice-only service plan. I'd like to use data only when Wi-Fi is available, but I cannot find a carrier that will go along. Can you comment on whether the idea will work? Are you aware of a service provider that will provide voice-only service to a smartphone? Thank you.
- Vann

A: Unfortunately, all major carriers require specific plans when you purchase new smartphones with a subsidy. This is true even for prepaid-only carriers like MetroPCS . (Its RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 and Samsung Code lack Wi-Fi, and you're forced to select a $50 per month smartphone plan to get unlimited data and calling.)

I've heard from some CNET users who have successfully purchased an unlocked phone and inserted an active SIM card that has just a calling plan (this would limit you to GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile ). Yet, this option carries risks. When you put a SIM card in a phone, your carrier can tell which phone you're using. And if it knows that you're using a smartphone--regardless of whether data roaming is active--it can add a data plan to your service automatically. You'll just get a message that the carrier has added the extra service for your "convenience." Also, it's worth noting that most carriers stipulate that calling plans are not always transferable between handsets.

Of course, you can always try going the unlocked route and see what happens. Just make sure the data roaming functions are turned off (though that's not really possible on a BlackBerry).

Source: CNET Asia