Required data plan

[chaunspecial]

I have a Blackberry Bold 9000 that is slowly falling apart. I plan on upgrading to either the 9900 or the 9810 when they come out. My issue is that I don't have a data plan with my current phone, and I was wondering if I upgrade to either one of those phones, am I required to purchase a data plan, or am I "grandfathered" to not be required to? I know that most of you will ask why I'm getting a Blackberry if I don't want a data plan, right? Well before you ask, here's a few reasons why:

1) I will have wifi at most of the places I will be.
2) I text quite a bit and I like the QWERTY keyboard better than other phones.
3) I will need a smartphone (or an Ipod touch) to store stuff like documents and research stuff when I'm on my rotations for school.

I've also read in some other posts that I may not get the full upgrade discount if I don't acquire a data plan also. Can someone confirm that for me please? If I am required to get a data plan, it's not going to deter me from getting the phone, but I'm just wondering if it's possible for me to get around this since I've been with AT&T for some time now, and as I stated before, I do have a Bold 9000 without a data plan. I know times have changed since then....thanks.

[Motorcycle Mama]

You won't be "grandfathered".

Activating a new BlackBerry will require you to have a BlackBerry Data Plan.

It will be added automatically if you don't add it first.

Also, on the newer devices, a data plan is required to get the WiFi Service Books. So you won't be able to use WiFi without the data plan.

[Mister Xiado]

I recommend picking up a used T-Mobile 9700. Don't BUY it unlocked, because you can get an unlock code for like a dollar fifty from Swiftunlocks. Dunno how it plays with WiFi, though.

[bradbb2005]

No you don't need a blackberry data plan to use voice and text on the phone, and the way you do it will disable your ability to use wifi as well, I didn't want to pay 15 bucks anymore for two BBs so I opted to live without data.