do I have to have an active iphone data plan in order to activate?

[vip_snoopy]

iPhone 3G 8GB
iTunes: 9.0.1
Firmware: 3G 3.1.2
Modem: 5.11


I have this weird situation:
Created firmware using pwnagetool 3.4 (mac) and then updated the phone with the customized firmware by both DFU mode and Restore mode (tried many different times), and selected the Activate the phone option in the General section in PwnageTool. Here is what happened:

1. Unchecked the "Activate the phone" option in PwnageTool and clicked No when it asked if the iPhone has been Pwned before. ::::After the process, with an INACTIVE SIM card inserted in the phone, phone cannot be activated because iTunes said the SIM is not supported.

2. Checked the "Activate the phone" option and Clicked No when it asked if the phone has been Pwned before.
::::After the process, phone is activated but there is no signal even if an ACTIVE AT&T SIM CARD is inserted.

So, I know that it can't be unlocked at this moment, but how do I make it so that I can use at&t SIM card in it?

Thanks!

[cpjr]

You have to use an ACTIVE ATT simcard to activate through itunes.

You CANT activate using Pwnage and use an ATT simcard afterwards - you will get no signal. You MUST activate through Itunes to use an ATT simcard.

[vip_snoopy]

alright, thanks for the info.

So if there is a solution for unlock that comes out later, if I wanna be able to use both at&t and T-Mobile service, what should I do? Do I still uncheck the "Activate the iphone" option in PwnageTool??