Howdy Eric, thank you for taking the time to ask us your question about the Samsung Galaxy Watch8. No, you do not need a wireless plan for the Galaxy Watch8 LTE to work. You can simply pair it via Bluetooth to your phone, allowing it to use your phone's data, similar to a standard Bluetooth-only model. The LTE functionality is optional, allowing for standalone calling and texting without your phone, which requires a separate carrier plan. If you have additional questions or if you would like any further assistance, please let us know by reaching out to Support. Thank you for being a faithful Samsung customer. - Debra