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Can Verizon iPhone be used as GSM for overseas?

2

212rikanmofo

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 31, 2003
1,907
730
I've been currently on AT&T since forever and I travel internationally from time to time so having a GSM handset is required for me. But lately I am getting fed up with AT&T's shoddy service that I may switch to Verizon when the next iPhone comes out.

Question, will the Verizon iPhone be able to work on GSM networks in other countries? Since verizon uses CDMA, does that mean when I'm currently talking on my phone with someone will I stlil be able to receive notifications since that is coming over data? I heard that is the downside of being on Verizon is that DATA and VOICE cannot work together like on AT&T. That's the only killer for me, is that true?
 
Verizon needs to unlock it for you. They do this for their customers who are in "good standing". "Good standing" has never really been defined officially, as far as I know, but people were reporting getting unlocks just a few months after buying their phones. You will have to call verizon and request it, though.
 
After unlocking my SIM with my Verizon iPhone 4S, I slid a Pelephone GSM sim into the device upon landing in Israel. Not only did I get simultaneous voice/data (just like any other GSM phone), but I also had Hotspot enabled so I was able to use it to tether. I didn't realize it but the Pelephone SIM came with hotspot functionality as part of the plan. Basically, whatever service you get via the GSM sim is what you can do with the phone thereafter.
 
Cool, so the Verizon iPhone is CDMA+GSM? And if I'm using it on Verizon in the USA I won't be able to get VOICE+DATA simulatenously, not unless I use a GSM service right?
 
212rikanmofo said:
Cool, so the Verizon iPhone is CDMA+GSM? And if I'm using it on Verizon in the USA I won't be able to get VOICE+DATA simulatenously, not unless I use a GSM service right?
Click to expand...

That is correct.


Does anyone know once it's unlocked if you can use it for t-mobile in the USA?
 
212rikanmofo said:
Question, will the Verizon iPhone be able to work on GSM networks in other countries?
Click to expand...
The only verifiable specs we have are for the currently available model. I can't imagine that the next model wouldn't support global roaming. Some info on the 4S from Verizon:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5777

Global Ready
Customers must activate pre–installed SIM Card and a Global Service plan or feature to enable roaming outside of the U.S. in GSM and UMTS Network.

International Roaming (CDMA) is available on all Verizon Wireless devices and does not require an activated SIM Card. (Global Data Plan or Feature is suggested)

For Outside of the U.S. Services, Rates, Coverage, and Countries by Technology please visit www.verizonwireless.com/global
Click to expand...

212rikanmofo said:
Cool, so the Verizon iPhone is CDMA+GSM?
Click to expand...
See for yourself:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

212rikanmofo said:
I heard that is the downside of being on Verizon is that DATA and VOICE cannot work together like on AT&T. That's the only killer for me, is that true?
Click to expand...
It's true for 3G and below. Does not apply for LTE.
 
Last edited:
So does this mean Verizon and AT&T iPhones have the same exact hardware? Will I be able to inset an AT&T sim into an unlocked Verizon iPhone to use later on if I decide to leave Verizon?
 
212rikanmofo said:
So does this mean Verizon and AT&T iPhones have the same exact hardware? Will I be able to inset an AT&T sim into an unlocked Verizon iPhone to use later on if I decide to leave Verizon?
Click to expand...

No... this was mentioned above. hardware is the same. The way the sims are locked is different.
 
Here you go... https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1274057/

Worked great on my daughters iPhone, except she bought the sim in London before going to Spain. :rolleyes: I told her to buy the sim in Spain. Oh well. So, I had her turn on airplane mode. Shell be all set for that stop of in London on the way back home. She's blonde. What can I say? And she's a good kid.
 
Yes they defiantly will unlock it for over seas....I have a Verizon iPhone 4s with Gevey Ultra S (unlocking sim tray) with Straight Talk(AT&T Network) in the US and I get all features of voice+data at the same time. Went from paying 120 a month to 45. :D
 
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