How I got my unlimited data plan back on AT&T

Posted by tornadowrangler on November 2, 2011 12:19 am 6

I was an original iPhone owner, back when they offered a $20 unlimited data plan (and threw in 200 text messages). It was cheap because it wasn’t 3G. 

Well, I upgraded to a iPhone 3G, and then of course the price went up to $30 and lost the included text messages. oh well. It was unlimited, and it was still awesome.

About 18 months later, I’m eligible for an upgrade, and need one badly. My iPhone was almost non-operational due to not using a case. the on-off button didn’t work, the volume buttons were broken, and it always thought earphones were plugged in (meaning the only way to talk on it was to use headphones). I had to get a new phone, but didn’t have the budget at the time for a new iPhone. (I’m a teacher with 2 kids and the wife works part time, so yeah).

Plus, I wanted to try something different anyway. I’ve been an Apple fan-boy since I was 10, but I still like to try new things. I got a Palm Pre+. this was shortly after HP purchased Palm, and they were offering them for free with new contract.

Of course, this meant I had to lose the unlimited iPhone data plan, forever.

About 3 months later, I can’t stand the Palm Pre. I instead opt to revert to my original (non-3G) iPhone, which while not fully operational (volume buttons), was more-so than my iPhone 3G. Since it’s not using 3G data, I call up AT&T and ask to be put on the original iPhone data plan ($20 for unlimited Edge and 200 text messages). To my surprise, they do it.

A couple months later, I get a refurbished iPhone 3GS for free. I have my dad on my phone plan, and he didn’t want a new phone, so I ordered it on his line and then switched out the SIM cards.

This is when the magic happened. I didn’t call up AT&T to change the data plan to a 3G compatible one. instead, I get a text the next day saying it’s been automatically switched to one compatible with my iPhone. It was the $30 unlimited iPhone data plan.

So, it seems all you need to get unlimited data on AT&T is an original iPhone. put your SIM card in, switch your plan to the original iPhone data plan, wait a day or two for it to take effect, then put your SIM card back in a 3G network iPhone.

Let me know if you try it and it works. I’m curious to see if it was just a fluke or will happen every time.