Do I Need Internet on my Cell Phone?

Do I really need internet on my phone? There are a ton of factors to consider answering that question, like your service provider, your phone, and your internet needs. Oddly enough, your needs come second when getting internet on your phone, but that's not always a bad thing.

First of all, your service provider makes all the rules when it comes to having internet on your phone, so when considering a network, make sure you understand what you're committing to when picking out your cell phone.

AT&T: Currently requires data only on the iPhone, even though the phone itself comes with WiFi (this policy will change on September 6, 2009). However, if you get another smartphone with WiFi (or without WiFi) make sure you have your internet access blocked, and the casual use of data removed. At $2/MB, we've seen customers complain that they thought they were using WiFi, only to find out that they had casual data charges ranging in the hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind that blocking data will prevent you from using picture messaging, but we have a work around here.

Sprint Nextel: Requires Simply Everything plans on certain phones, like the Samsung Instinct, and data plans on others, like the BlackBerry. Like AT&T, it's a good idea to get the data blocked on your phone to prevent accidental usage. 

T-Mobile: Again, requires data plans on some phones, but will accept the $14.99 unlimited messaging plan on some phones, like the Samsung Behold, the Samsung Memoir, and the BlackBerry Flip. Other phones, like the MyTouch and BlackBerry Curve, require the $24.99 data plan. Block that data if you don't require it.

Verizon: Verizon is about as black-and-white as you can get with a carrier. If you have a smartphone, you are required to get a data plan that will run you $29.99. Any other phone will not require a data plan, but as above, block it if you don't use it. $1.99/MB adds up quickly when you download ringtones and screen savers.

To top it off, many retailers, especially online retailers, will require a second contract and a data plan to get that phone at that low, low price, or require that you get a data plan before you get a mail in rebate. In these cases, if you don't need the data  plan, don't get the phone from that retailer, because often the cost of the data plan exceeds the savings or the amount of the mail in rebate.

So do you really need internet on that phone? Depends upon how much you need data access on the go. How important is email, Facebook, MySpace, etc? Do you have GPS in your car? Does your financial success depend on your ability to keep connected with voice and data? There are many reasons to get internet on your phone, but keep in mind your budget. Even at $15 a month, this is $720 over your two year contract.