[Q] Mobile data usage on unactivated phone - how is this possible? topic

I have encountered something quite strange and was wondering if anyone could explain it.

I have a Verizon branded HTC Droid Incredible 4G that has a SIM card installed but it is NOT activated with any data plan.
The strange part is that it shows that mobile network data has been transferred. Both upload and download.

http://s4.postimg.org/v4wzewiil/Scre...1_15_16_22.png
http://s22.postimg.org/vgtmtw68h/Scr...2_15_29_38.png

Obviously I can't use free data but when I try, the 3G icon shows upload and occasionally download activity.

Does anybody know how that could be possible? I would think it would show no data transferred but maybe I am misunderstanding something.