My girlfriend has an 8700 and she does not have the data plan... I have it because I use apps that need it like Berry411, BBWeather, PocketDay Sports, ect....
She uses her 8700 for text, calendar, 2do ect...
She can care less about surfing the net on it or about getting her email..
So to each their own... I actually know a few people who have BB's and no data plan...