AT&T/Sprint/Verizon & T-Mobile Alternative Carriers & Plans for All iPhone Users

rcoyote said:

I am trying to figure out which full priced iPhone 5s to buy if I want to use straight talk. I understand that both would work. But it seems to me that the GSM model that works on the AT&T map would allow for 4G coverage where as the CDMA model will allow for Verizon's network, but only access 3G... Is this right?

I can figure out the other options/advantages, but this is one thing I'm not sure I am understanding. thanks

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rcoyote said:

I am trying to figure out which full priced iPhone 5s to buy if I want to use straight talk. I understand that both would work. But it seems to me that the GSM model that works on the AT&T map would allow for 4G coverage where as the CDMA model will allow for Verizon's network, but only access 3G... Is this right?

I can figure out the other options/advantages, but this is one thing I'm not sure I am understanding. thanks

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AutoUnion39 said:

Get the VZW iPhone 5S for ST. If you are tired of ST, it will work perfectly on AT&T, TMo, and VZW. A true multi-carrier phone.

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Idefix said:

Since Visual Voice Mail is not available, here's how to get the "number-of-voice-mail-notification" back with iPhone 5S (this tip has been reported before, but it needs repeating

Go to Settings-General-Reset and reset the Network Settings. Shut down and restart after the process is done (the reset process itself does a restart.) The second restart was necessary for me, to get the "number" to show on voice mail.

I used Skype to call in and leave voice mail. Number showed up above voice mail as in the days of old, before we were spoiled by visual voice mail

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Truefan31 said:

Just get a verizon 5s. All the bases covered. Except sprint. That's it

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rcoyote said:

I use Skype now... works ok. are you saying this reset will show the voice mail notifications on Skype? I know they used to show up on my iTouch...now they don't. I was hoping the new iPhone would work a little better with new iOs 7. But I will save this note... Or does this note pertain to getting Visual Voice mail working... in which case is that a downloadable app? or is it best to buy the full priced iPhone 5s from Verizon? hopefully I'm getting it. It takes me awhile at times. Thx again.

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rcoyote said:

So when you're saying get the Verizon iPhone 5s. Would buying an iPhone direct from Apple full price set up for Verizon - that's one way of doing that correct? not necessarily buying from Verizon? which I could see how some would want Visual Voice Mail. I've used that long ago and it was nice, but I had not really thought about that. My understanding of buying the 5s from Verizon is that the phone has a few more limitations since it is packed with Verizon software. I don't like hassles and fixes as I'm not all too up to speed on all this... eventually I get to it. but just want things to work.



how about the sim card? I've seen many post and can find but just ordering direct from Straight talk sounds the simplest. getting from Walmart seemed like I may have to buy the iPhone from walmart... not sure.



thanks for knowing so much and taking the time for a newbie. I will do the same once I am in the know. S

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thx.. very clear answer I posted a few more ? on same thread...s

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I use Skype now... works ok. are you saying this reset will show the voice mail notifications on Skype? I know they used to show up on my iTouch...now they don't. I was hoping the new iPhone would work a little better with new iOs 7. But I will save this note... Or does this note pertain to getting Visual Voice mail working... in which case is that a downloadable app? or is it best to buy the full priced iPhone 5s from Verizon? hopefully I'm getting it. It takes me awhile at times. Thx again.

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seems anything Sprint is not the way to go in regards to anything other than standard plans.



for the record I have not minded higher fees with Verizon. they have been great for everything, customer service, coverage etc. However, I am thinking about planning a trip to Thailand and India and do not want to be locked into the contract. I was pleasantly surprised by all the options and sort of excited to participate on what seems like good competition... more options for individual needs, budgets etc. I am always thankful for those who take the time to help out people like myself.... too bad the time is not some type of non-profit write off! at any rate... giving has a way of coming back around..thanks everyone for all comments!

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Truefan31 said:

Get a verizon 5s. Really that's it. There's no software bloat ware on the iPhone, no limitations from Verizon. Go to the apple store ask for verizon 5s device only. There's a thread here also from a guy in how to order one online. You can even get one on contract and it's still gsm unlocked.

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Idefix said:

Visual Voicemail doesn't work on ST. My post applies to regular old-fashioned voice mail on the iPhone, eg where you have to dial in to listen to voice mail in the order in which the voice mail was received and where a numeral above "voice mail icon" indicates how many messages you have. Has nothing to do with Skype.

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