Blackberry gripe

I got a slightly used Blackberry Curve for Xmas. I figured I would just use
it for phone calls, but NO, Verizon wants $24.95 to $44.95 per month above
my regular monthly rate to be allowed to use the Blackberry. I talked to
the gift giver about it. I could have sold the Curve on eBay for over $300,
but that would be tacky. I gave the Blackberry back. He says he'll give me
something else for Xmas, a bit late.

$24.95 per month to send one email every three months is absurd.

I seem to remember from reading similar threads in this NG that there
is a way you can use a smartphone as a phone only and avoid a data
plan. IIRC, rather than choosing a monthly data plan, in addition to
the monthly phone plan, you pay as you go for the data. After you do
this you have Verizon turn off data to your device, or block data to/
from your device or something like that. If all of that is the case
you could still use the device as a phone, but no email etc.

I don't use a smartphone so I don't remember the details of past
questions too well. Also, since I don't follow smartphone threads
like a current user of them, perhaps the Blackberry is different from
other smartphones.

Surely someone more knowledgable will correct my rush job of an answer.