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CDMA iPhone unlocked (Sprint/Verizon) looking to get.

PracticalMac

PracticalMac

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jan 22, 2009
2,857
5,246
Houston, TX
I want to get an unlocked CDMA phone (Sprint/Verizon), but it seems Apple only sells GSM types (CDMA disabled).

Am I right in thinking my only option is a used (Sprint/Verizon) Jail-broken iPhone?
Or an unlocked by Sprint/Verizon also possible?
 
Last edited:
Applejuiced said:
The sprint won't be unlocked just like it never was. You need to find a Verizon one to be sure you can use it with any gsm carrier.
Click to expand...

I thought they did?

CEmajr said:
The Verizon model will be compatible with Verizon's CDMA network and GSM unlocked by default right out of the box.
Click to expand...

So that's the best way to go, Verizon and then go GSM by swapping out SIM?
I gather no Sprint compatibility.

I also thought the Sprint version will also have unlocked SIM slot.
 
PracticalMac said:
I thought they did?
Click to expand...
No.

The Sprint iPhone does not come unlocked. You CAN get it unlocked, but only for INTERNATIONAL use and ONLY if you meet Sprint's requirements. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL SPRINT EVER UNLOCK FOR DOMESTIC USE.

It's just NOT their policy.

PracticalMac said:
I also thought the Sprint version will also have unlocked SIM slot.
Click to expand...
See above. ^^

Sprint's requirements:
1. Customer with active line on Sprint for 90 days.
2. Pay your bill on time

Meet both of those requirements and you can have your Sprint iPhone unlocked for INTERNATIONAL use ONLY!

There is no commercial unlock. There is no third party unlock. There is no workaround. It's locked for domestic US use - period.
 
eyoungren said:
The Sprint iPhone does not come unlocked. You CAN get it unlocked, but only for INTERNATIONAL use and ONLY if you meet Sprint's requirements. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL SPRINT EVER UNLOCK FOR DOMESTIC USE.

Sprint's requirements:
1. Customer with active line on Sprint for 90 days.
2. Pay your bill on time

Meet both of those requirements and you can have your Sprint iPhone unlocked for INTERNATIONAL use ONLY!

There is no commercial unlock. There is no third party unlock. There is no workaround. It's locked for domestic US use - period.
Click to expand...

(thanks)

Interesting, sounds like even the SIM is locked (unlike Verizon).

I read of one company that has a method for unlocking any iPhone, but maybe that works only for GSM...
 
PracticalMac said:
(thanks)

Interesting, sounds like even the SIM is locked (unlike Verizon).

I read of one company that has a method for unlocking any iPhone, but maybe that works only for GSM...
Click to expand...
No idea about that company. All I know is that there has yet to be any legitimate domestic unlock for Sprint iPhones.

It's a database of IMEI numbers and Sprint has every IMEI of every iPhone it's bought from Apple recorded and blocked from being in that domestic unlock database.

On the other hand, even should Sprint ever allow it, realistically, what carrier could you take your unlocked Sprint iPhone to? Possibly T-Mobile, but I don't think LTE would work and Verizon does not share the same bands as Sprint so that's out. Certainly unlocking would give you access to the GSM side, but I don't know if the Sprint iPhone has the same bands in common with AT&T or not.
 
Based on the specs sheet, i'm gonna go for the Verizon model. Not only should it be unlocked, it has the proper bands to run on AT&T and T-Mobile LTE network. Currently on T-Mobile but will go back to Verizon end of this year to take over my sister's unlimted data plan. I'm going to buy my 5S from the apple store. So if it doesn't work out, I'll just return it.
 
eyoungren said:
No idea about that company. All I know is that there has yet to be any legitimate domestic unlock for Sprint iPhones.

It's a database of IMEI numbers and Sprint has every IMEI of every iPhone it's bought from Apple recorded and blocked from being in that domestic unlock database.

On the other hand, even should Sprint ever allow it, realistically, what carrier could you take your unlocked Sprint iPhone to? Possibly T-Mobile, but I don't think LTE would work and Verizon does not share the same bands as Sprint so that's out. Certainly unlocking would give you access to the GSM side, but I don't know if the Sprint iPhone has the same bands in common with AT&T or not.
Click to expand...

I see, so like AT&T and T-Mo, the bands used on Sprint are not the same as Verizon even though they both use CDMA scheme.
It sounds theoretically you will get connection, but at slower (2G? 3G?) speeds.

A Verizon iP5 with AT&T/T-mo not receive LTE but will get 4G? Or limited to 3G?

Pretty sure the limitations are due to antennas, as the Qualcomm chip supports most of the bands.
 
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