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How to use an unlocked 3GS with Verizon?

I

IverTHPS2

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 23, 2009
13
0
Hi!

I have an unlocked 3GS that I'm selling, and I've been getting tons of questions about how exactly it can be used with another service provider.

I unlocked the 3GS with PwnageTool several months ago and, after taking my SIM card out, the phone clearly recognizes that there is no SIM card. However, Verizon did not provide SIM cards to some people interested in purchasing my phone... so how would they go about using the unlocked 3GS with Verizon?

Any insight would be appreciated; thank you!
 
Never

Verizon is a CMDA network... it doesn't use SIM cards, therefor you can not use an iPhone with Verizon
 
IverTHPS2 said:
Hi!

I have an unlocked 3GS that I'm selling, and I've been getting tons of questions about how exactly it can be used with another service provider.

I unlocked the 3GS with PwnageTool several months ago and, after taking my SIM card out, the phone clearly recognizes that there is no SIM card. However, Verizon did not provide SIM cards to some people interested in purchasing my phone... so how would they go about using the unlocked 3GS with Verizon?

Any insight would be appreciated; thank you!
Click to expand...

In the US, T-Mobile is the only other choice (Data runs on Edge speeds, not 3G speeds)
 
Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I had always assumed that the issue with Verizon carrying the iPhone was just for legitimate usage, so I'm incredibly surprised that the service won't even work with unlocked phones (today is also the first I've heard of Verizon not having SIM cards, just to show how out of the loop I am).

That being said, the price an unlocked 3GS sells for on eBay is rather astounding if it can only be used domestically with one additional service provider!
 
dhlizard said:
In the US, T-Mobile is the only other choice (Data runs on Edge speeds, not 3G speeds)
Click to expand...

There could also be some small local carriers as well. Cincinnati Bell uses GSM and I know people that use the iPhone on it. Maybe there is something like this near the OP.

As a side note, I always hate when i see people advertise unlocked iPhones as being able to be used on "any network." While someone that is somewhat tech savy knows better, it seems that the average joe off the street does not know that "any" only refers to any gsm carrier. (not attacking or accusing the OP in any way, just as a general rant)
 
IverTHPS2 said:
Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I had always assumed that the issue with Verizon carrying the iPhone was just for legitimate usage, so I'm incredibly surprised that the service won't even work with unlocked phones (today is also the first I've heard of Verizon not having SIM cards, just to show how out of the loop I am).

That being said, the price an unlocked 3GS sells for on eBay is rather astounding if it can only be used domestically with one additional service provider!
Click to expand...

If unlocked, an iPhone can be used anywhere in the world (on GSM carriers)

But, in the US, T-Mobile is the other big choice. Yep, forgot about Cinn Bell, but they are small with few subscribers.
 
rKunda said:
Sure he can. Not everyone is as addicted to these forums as us. Thankfully, some of us are helpful. :p
Click to expand...

You dont need to be addicted to anything to know the difference between GSM and CDMA cellphones.
The same reason you cant use any AT&T or tmobile phones on Sprint or Verizon.
A little common sense would tell one that if unlocked iphones could be used on Verizon tons of people would be using them by now.
And if you researched or checked out some of my posts you would know if Im helpfull or not.
 
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