Cell phones forum: replace stolen phone with what inexpensive unlocked android

The loophole is still there. But some folks *do* get caught because they first try ATT branded phones from ebay, etc.. They are still generally looking for ATT branded smartphones, as well as iPhones and a few others. Those are what usually triggers the dreaded mandatory data plan SMS, etc.

Use really doesn't matter since the OP states he's sticking to wifi only. Since he asks for Android I assume he wants some basic apps & functionality of a smartphone.

Nokia would be a better option for a year if you wanted a higher chance of avoiding the data plan. Not Android, understood, but you can often find one via Amazon for $100-200.

The unlocked quad band C3-00 w/wifi is probably the best price you can get on one right now, unless you are looking at used handsets on fleabay.
http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Unlocked-Dedicated-Slot-U-S-Warranty/dp/B003V4AJSU/ref=pd_cp_cps_0

If you want to try an Android powered handset, something like the Optimus might suffice, but I can't say for certain whether or not ATT will flag it. If you obtained the non-US version, it probably wouldn't be caught.
http://www.amazon.com/LG-P350-Navigation-Bluetooth-Recorder/dp/B0051U7CEQ/ref=sr_1_10?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1336072551&sr=1-10

But here, they tend to get caught eventually. So far everyone I know and that's only about a dozen folk that went down this road are all back with a mandatory data plan after the first year.

While it's going to fly in the face of the forum policy, how do those that succeed to avoid the trap, succeed?
Bob

...from Nokia running Symbian. The basic premise is that ATT has never carried any of these older Symbian based smartphones. I've yet to hear of *anyone* reporting that this group of Nokias are ever an issue. Of course if you bring in an unlocked 2012 Lumia 900 running Windows phone they will probably flag you in 15 minutes .

FWIW, another CSR has reported that if you haven't had a data plan on your account it is also less likely to be flagged if you stick your SIM in one of the older Nokias.

The good thing is that the OP would only have to shell out $89 @ Amazon to find out if it works.

I've heard those escape the detection but some want it all (iOS or Android.)
Bob

Comparing Symbian even to Froyo, it's amazing how far smartphones have progressed.

To the OP> If you don't require much in the way of coverage beyond the native ATT network footprint, also try the MVNO H20. They use ATT's native network and doesn't require a data plan, even for an iPhone.