iPhone 4S - Carrier question

[ToddFSU]

I may have misunderstood a feature of the new iPhone. If I buy a an iPhone 4S... can I get it activated on either Verizon or AT&T?

Reason I am asking: I have a family member who is not interested in upgrading their phone on AT&T. My father on Verizon is not eligible for the upgrade price until March. Can I buy a phone though AT&T on a line thats eligible and send it to my dad who will need to activate it on Verizon?

 

[miles01110]

It is technically possible because the iPhone 4S supports both GSM celluar networks (like AT&T) and CDMA networks like Verizon. Unfortunately, AT&T is notoriously stingy about unlocking their phones. Even if they did it wouldn't matter because you'd have to pay the full price anyways.

Your only option is to buy an unlocked model (if/when one becomes available) and activate it on Verizon's network.