Anyone know of a carrier that will allow data only cellular coverage that I can activate for an old iPhone?

I've checked with the main carriers and they say that they activate by device id and they only allow tablets, etc. No phones.

I want to use an old iPhone with internet only (no voice, sms)

**** Update ***** 12/22/2015

I found this: Karma Go.

https://yourkarma.com/invite/ga76978552
(use this link to get $10 off, and credit me $10, thanks)

It's a little puck with a cellular data connection. You buy the hardware for $150, and then "fill it with data" which stays until you use it. No monthly plan. No minimum charge. No expiration. It provides a wifi internet connection to your devices (up to 8).

Since my daughter wants it mostly for messaging (and probably later for things like snapchat/instagram/facebook) the data last awhile if she's not doing video, or constantly streaming, etc.

So far it works well enough. Supposedly it works on the backbone of Sprint (and whatever carrier they work with) so coverage is at the mercy of the carrier.

Rates are 1GB for $14, 5GB for $59, 10GB for $99. That might sound like a lot until you realize that there are NO other charges, and you keep you data until it's gone... that could be a year or more. If you're just messaging, 5GB can easily last 6 months. $10/month for data connectivity and no other obligations is pretty dang good.



Biggest drawback is that is that it's Sprint... and of course you have another device to charge.

 

I think you can still get a $30 T-Mobile 5GB plan w/ 100 mins at Walmart, that's probably as close as you're gonna get.

 

What are you gonna use it for? I assume at home you have WiFi and use a smartphone out of the house.

Could you up the data on your cellphone and tether?

 

For my daughter, so I can't tether.

 

Ah.

Sorry, I am no help.

 

I saw something on tv from wal mart the other day.

Suppose to work with can carrier, forgot the name though

 

Very helpful. Thanks.

 

Update:

I found this: Karma Go.

https://yourkarma.com/invite/ga76978552

It's a little puck with a cellular data connection. You buy the hardware for $150, and then "fill it with data" which stays until you use it. No monthly plan. No minimum charge. No expiration. It provides a wifi internet connection to your devices (up to 8).

Since my daughter wants it mostly for messaging (and probably later for things like snapchat/instagram/facebook) the data last awhile if she's not doing video, or constantly streaming, etc.

So far it works well enough. Supposedly it works on the backbone of Sprint (and whatever carrier they work with) so coverage is at the mercy of the carrier.

Rates are 1GB for $14, 5GB for $59, 10GB for $99. That might sound like a lot until you realize that there are NO other charges, and you keep you data until it's gone... that could be a year or more. If you're just messaging, 5GB can easily last 6 months. $10/month for data connectivity and no other obligations is pretty dang good.



Biggest drawback is that is that it's Sprint... and of course you have another device to charge.

 

Straight Talk has a $15/mo prepaid plan for 1GB/mo

https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/por...ceplans/tablet

Also, can pick whether you want to use AT&T / T-Mobile, Sprint of Verizon towers when you start the service.

 

Verizon offers a data only option specifically designed for tablets and other non-phone devices.