Can I still access the internet without a data plan?

I just got an old iPhone from a friend and wanted to activate it with AT@T. (its unlocked) I don't really need a data plan since I'll be at school most of the time with Wi-Fi, but in case I was in a pinch somewhere out in the middle of the dessert, it might help to have internet access. Does data work like minutes where they'll charge you by the MB, so you can still have internet access without a plan?

Nope. I had a similar situation and without Wi-Fi or a data plan, I had no internet whatsoever.

Without a data plan, you can only access internet if you connect your iphone to a Wi-Fi network. If there's no accessible Wi-Fi network in range, then you won't be able to connect without a data plan.

so, if you were somewhere out in the middle of the desert, you won't be able to get the net unless you get a data plan, of course it is assumed that the data plan coverage should be there in the desert or whatever area you're acccessing the net.

and yes, data plans are different types. You can opt for pay as you use.means, you will be charged according to how much data you use. Or you can go for a set data plan where they give you certain usage per month… If you exceed that usage, you will have to pay extra as to whatever your provider has set.