Network access tiered based on application launcher installation

A mobile communication device, comprising:

• a cellular radio transceiver;
• a processor;
• a memory;
• and
• a custom application launcher stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor:
• periodically sends a message to an application server, wherein the message informs the application server that the custom application launcher is installed on the mobile communication device, and
• responsive to initiation of a process of removing the custom application launcher, sends a removal message to the application server, wherein the removal message informs the application server that the custom application launcher is being removed from the mobile communication device,
• wherein, responsive to a request by the processor to access a data network, the mobile communication device receives restricted access to the data network in response to the removal of the custom application launcher from the mobile communication device, and wherein the mobile communication device is restricted to accessing the data network at less than a full communications capability of the mobile communication device.