AT&T insisted that I add the internet--so it wasn't actually "optional". I love my phone, though! There's not a wide 3G network where I live, but the phone picks up wifi wherever it is, and AT&T's "edge" network isn't terrible. The apps are amazing! One of my favorites is "Where" which uses the phone's GPS to locate whatever it is you're looking for--gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc. And the app is FREE!