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Carrier Proof that AT&T iPad Air can be Activated on Verizon
- Thread starter dssguy1
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This is EXTREMELY interesting. I wonder if someone can try this trick to activate an unlocked AT&T *iPhone* on Verizon?
I've long suspected Verizon's unwillingness to activate non-Verizon-sold devices is merely a corporate policy, without a real technical reason for it. This thread more or less proves it!
I've long suspected Verizon's unwillingness to activate non-Verizon-sold devices is merely a corporate policy, without a real technical reason for it. This thread more or less proves it!
Until VZW went with GSM they would have to add an IMEI to their database in order for the phone to work; something they were unwilling to do. My guess it was because non-VZW approved phones could impact their network in odd ways and rather than risk it they simply refused to allow them on their network. In addition, adding non-VZW phones would mean people would expect VZW to support them which would be a challenge as software updates, VZW services, etc. may or not be made available for those phones.
From a financial POV letting them on was a good idea since there was no subsidy to recoup so the profit margin would be higher; but the concern over network impact and support won out, which probably was the right decision.
Now, as they move to the GSM world it's a different situation since it is very easy to swap SIMs and change carriers. That makes it easier to poach customers so you'll probably see a lot more willingness to let "foreign" devices that represent high revenue customers, i.e. anything that uses lots of data, on their network.
You are right that it is a corporate policy thing, but...
The iPhone still has multiple models with different cellular modems, even with the 5S. The AT&T iPhone doesn't have the CDMA hardware for cell calls and EVDO. It also lacks the right LTE bands for Verizon. The iPad Air and rMini use a single cellular modem that supports all bands, which makes it possible.
Same here
I've been able to get an AT&T iPad 3rd Generation to work with Verizon LTE network too.
I didn't intentionally deceive anyone. I had an iPad 3rd generation that I exchanged at the apple store. it was two years old and the battery was getting kind of sketchy. I've had this since it was released in March of 2012.)
So since I had Apple Care Plus, I exchanged my Verizon 3rd Generation iPad for a new one. The new one was supposed to have been a Verizon version.
The guy at the Apple store put my old sim back in the new iPad. I took it home and restored it from a backup.
When I tried going into the view account section of Cellular Data, it wouldn't let me log in to my account. It suggested calling verizon customer support.
I did and we went through their entire process. The rep asked for my EMEI number. I gave it to her. She said it wasn't in their system. She spent a lot of time working on it but she was able to add the EMEI into their system. She had me check and sure enough the LTE wireless data was working.
I wanted to ensure that I could still manage my account. So went back to settings and tried to manage the celluar plan. No luck. We spend another 20 minutes on the phone. She eventually escalated the problem to some folks in their tech group.
The woman looked at the account and said she thinks she knows what happened. First she asked if I could surf on the LTE network. I replied yes.
She said, "well, that's kind of freaking me out. Because your device is showing up here as not a Verizon device." She said she suspects that it is an AT&T iPad and that I would have to go back to the Apple store and ask for a Verizon device. She said she has seen this issue before. But never where the customer could access the network. (I didn't mention that the previous rep said she had added my EMEI number to the account).
So I'm surfing the web on Verizon's LTE network with an AT&T iPad (3rd generation).
The only downside is that to manage my account, I have to call them on the phone. I still can't manage the account from the iPad's settings.
I've been able to get an AT&T iPad 3rd Generation to work with Verizon LTE network too.
I didn't intentionally deceive anyone. I had an iPad 3rd generation that I exchanged at the apple store. it was two years old and the battery was getting kind of sketchy. I've had this since it was released in March of 2012.)
So since I had Apple Care Plus, I exchanged my Verizon 3rd Generation iPad for a new one. The new one was supposed to have been a Verizon version.
The guy at the Apple store put my old sim back in the new iPad. I took it home and restored it from a backup.
When I tried going into the view account section of Cellular Data, it wouldn't let me log in to my account. It suggested calling verizon customer support.
I did and we went through their entire process. The rep asked for my EMEI number. I gave it to her. She said it wasn't in their system. She spent a lot of time working on it but she was able to add the EMEI into their system. She had me check and sure enough the LTE wireless data was working.
I wanted to ensure that I could still manage my account. So went back to settings and tried to manage the celluar plan. No luck. We spend another 20 minutes on the phone. She eventually escalated the problem to some folks in their tech group.
The woman looked at the account and said she thinks she knows what happened. First she asked if I could surf on the LTE network. I replied yes.
She said, "well, that's kind of freaking me out. Because your device is showing up here as not a Verizon device." She said she suspects that it is an AT&T iPad and that I would have to go back to the Apple store and ask for a Verizon device. She said she has seen this issue before. But never where the customer could access the network. (I didn't mention that the previous rep said she had added my EMEI number to the account).
So I'm surfing the web on Verizon's LTE network with an AT&T iPad (3rd generation).
The only downside is that to manage my account, I have to call them on the phone. I still can't manage the account from the iPad's settings.
Sprint ---> Verizon
From what I'm reading, it sounds like I may be able to do the following: Take the micro SIM card from my Verizon iPad 3, cut it down to nano SIM size, put it in my Sprint iPad mini, and use the mini on Verizon. Does this follow from what folks are saying here? I am getting lousy coverage from Sprint but never had a problem with Verizon's coverage where I've needed it. Thanks!
Update - in case this will help anyone, it worked. I cut down my iPad 3's micro SIM card and put it in my Sprint iPad mini (retina) and it works just fine there. But I took the iPad mini's nano SIM card and put it in the iPad 3 using the adapter that was included with the cutter, and it won't work there.
From what I'm reading, it sounds like I may be able to do the following: Take the micro SIM card from my Verizon iPad 3, cut it down to nano SIM size, put it in my Sprint iPad mini, and use the mini on Verizon. Does this follow from what folks are saying here? I am getting lousy coverage from Sprint but never had a problem with Verizon's coverage where I've needed it. Thanks!
Update - in case this will help anyone, it worked. I cut down my iPad 3's micro SIM card and put it in my Sprint iPad mini (retina) and it works just fine there. But I took the iPad mini's nano SIM card and put it in the iPad 3 using the adapter that was included with the cutter, and it won't work there.
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Hey OP it's been a while since you last updated this so hope I can get your thoughts in this. I'm trying to add a sprint iPad to my account as a new line. I tried an active Verizon sim in the iPad and it works, LTE and all. But Verizon CSR are having a hard time getting it activated. The IMEI is obviously not in their system and they can't seem to be able to activate using just the sim #.
Thoughts on what I can do? Can Verizon go in and add my iPad IMEI into their database in order to be able to activate it?
Thoughts on what I can do? Can Verizon go in and add my iPad IMEI into their database in order to be able to activate it?
For LTE-capable devices, they can use IMEI. Question is if the customer service rep/manager is willing to add the IMEI to their database.
So that is it in a nutshell.
Thanks!
Fully expected Air to run on any network.
Just the silly people think only units for their network can run it.
Now to get my ATT to work on T-mo.
Keep in mind, the OP's method is highly dependent on finding a helpful customer service rep and involves wasting time calling customer service. If you want to go the easy route, best to get a "Verizon" iPad since Verizon is picky while both AT&T and T-Mobile won't give you any hassle if you bring an unlocked device to them.
As for AT&T to T-Mobile and vice versa, that should be no problem at all. Again, it's only Verizon and Sprint that make BYOD difficult.
Thanks for advice!
Bizarre how some companies are they would refuse new customers.
It's not really based on any technical restrictions. Just a carry over of a draconian CDMA mindset. It would be easy for both Verizon and Sprint to just blacklist bad ESN/MEID/IMEI instead of keeping a whitelist of approved ESN/MEID/IMEI so people don't run into these issues. Alas, both Verizon and Sprint are dragging their feet and are refusing to embrace the GSM model.
Yeah, we thought you'd cracked it, OP, but....
Same here. New Verizon 4FF nano SIM card from Ebay. New 4G Ipad mini from T-mobile (at the time, they were $100 cheaper than V, so I thought, "These devices are open now, so I'll start on T-mobile and move it to my V account if I don't like T-mobile.")
Verizon just doesn't recognize the MEID/IMEI and won't continue. They say they can't just do it with the ICCID (the SIM card number); they need an MEID as well.
Of course, I KNOW it works because I used the SIM card from my Verizon Iphone in the Ipad and it worked great. Likewise, I tested the new Ebay SIM card in the Iphone and it was ready to register me online.
So I took the new SIM card to Verizon and put it in an Ipad there and tried to activate it online in the store. Error message about it not being compatible with the device.
Verizon's latest advice: Take Ipad to Apple store and ask them to reprogram it with a new Verizon-compatible MEID. So I will try that and post the results here.
Same here. New Verizon 4FF nano SIM card from Ebay. New 4G Ipad mini from T-mobile (at the time, they were $100 cheaper than V, so I thought, "These devices are open now, so I'll start on T-mobile and move it to my V account if I don't like T-mobile.")
Verizon just doesn't recognize the MEID/IMEI and won't continue. They say they can't just do it with the ICCID (the SIM card number); they need an MEID as well.
Of course, I KNOW it works because I used the SIM card from my Verizon Iphone in the Ipad and it worked great. Likewise, I tested the new Ebay SIM card in the Iphone and it was ready to register me online.
So I took the new SIM card to Verizon and put it in an Ipad there and tried to activate it online in the store. Error message about it not being compatible with the device.
Verizon's latest advice: Take Ipad to Apple store and ask them to reprogram it with a new Verizon-compatible MEID. So I will try that and post the results here.
I guess Verizon started cracking down. Curious, does anyone know where I can find the FCC requirements for Verizon's license of the 700MHz band? I want to check the exact verbiage to see if there's something in the agreement which prohibits this.
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/1...fusing-to-activate-nexus-7-on-its-lte-network
In this case, the iPad is certified for use on Verizon's network. They can't use the "reasonable network security" provision as an excuse. Besides, how long was it since they won the auction? Based on the first post, there's clearly no technological impediment to activating just the SIM card/ICCID and even if there was, Verizon has had sufficient time to upgrade their systems to support outside devices.
NOPE. Took it to the Apple Store. They said MEID can't be reprogrammed. They said, "If it's s on Verizon's end, there's nothing we can do."
I could buy a used Verizon Ipad on Ebay and activate my sim in it, then resell, but I'm going to lose $100 or so doing that.
Lastly, I considered buying an Ipad mini from V and returning it once it was activated with the sim card I bought on Ebay. But they want a $70 restock fee for tablets...I would have paid the $35, but $70 is still too strong for me.
So, for now, I'm done. I gave it my best shot. If you try activating another Ipad/Iphone5s and transferring the SIM card to your non-Verizon Ipad and it works (no reason it wouldn't, except it didn't for me in the store...possibly because it was in the store), please post what you did so others can benefit. Good luck.
Don't you have any friends with a Verizon iPad or something? Can't believe I'm suggesting this but why not buy from Apple, activate the SIM and return the iPad within the 14-day return period?
The most likely reason why it didn't work in-store is because they are store models and are not retail versions.
Just activated a new Verizon account on my unlocked AT&T iPad
So, just for the sake of science I thought I would update everyone in this thread. I recently switched all of my devices over from at&t to t-mobile as I couldn't resist the unlocked phones, amazing prices, wifi calling, and of course sensible international roaming. Unfortunately, we all know that t-mobiles rural coverage (such as at the cabin in evergreen I am currently staying at) pales compared to Verizon's. I wanted to be able to have Verizon's coverage on my iPad while traveling so I could use it as a hotspot for my laptop and phones when I was in an area t-mo doesn't cover well.
So anyway, I stopped by the local Verizon store and when I signed in I told them I needed a new LTE SIM card. After I signed in I was told it would be 20 minutes. I used the time to snoop around and snag a couple imei's from store ipads to prepare for the upcoming conversation. A few minutes later an associate greeted me and we started the process. I said I needed a new SIM card for a new account on an existing device. We started the activation process but got to the point where he would need to get my imei. He opened the ipad and immediately saw the t-mobile carrier. He informed me that the activation wouldn't work. I pushed him and told him I knew that it would and asked him if we could just try it.
At this he said he would prove it wouldn't work by inserting his own SIM card. I welcomed him to do so. As soon as he put in his sim from his Samsung phone...bam! Verizon LTE. He was obviously shocked and was immediately upset about all the business he had missed out on turning away potential post-paid customers.i told him some of the background, that technically there is only one iPad mini retina model and the only hindrance was that Verizon's activation system won't allow activation without putting in a VZW imei number. I convinced him to try one of the imei's from a display ipad with a new sim. He did, it activated and now I have a perfectly working ipad on Verizon LTE (30/mo no contract).
I think he called over every associate in the store to show them.
I sincerely hope the FCC gets wind of the practices Verizon is employing to prevent users from doing exactly this in violation of the spectrum auction policies and slaps them HARD! There is absolutely no reason for Verizon to continue trying to block users from bringing their own devices in attempts to sign more two year contracts.
So, just for the sake of science I thought I would update everyone in this thread. I recently switched all of my devices over from at&t to t-mobile as I couldn't resist the unlocked phones, amazing prices, wifi calling, and of course sensible international roaming. Unfortunately, we all know that t-mobiles rural coverage (such as at the cabin in evergreen I am currently staying at) pales compared to Verizon's. I wanted to be able to have Verizon's coverage on my iPad while traveling so I could use it as a hotspot for my laptop and phones when I was in an area t-mo doesn't cover well.
So anyway, I stopped by the local Verizon store and when I signed in I told them I needed a new LTE SIM card. After I signed in I was told it would be 20 minutes. I used the time to snoop around and snag a couple imei's from store ipads to prepare for the upcoming conversation. A few minutes later an associate greeted me and we started the process. I said I needed a new SIM card for a new account on an existing device. We started the activation process but got to the point where he would need to get my imei. He opened the ipad and immediately saw the t-mobile carrier. He informed me that the activation wouldn't work. I pushed him and told him I knew that it would and asked him if we could just try it.
At this he said he would prove it wouldn't work by inserting his own SIM card. I welcomed him to do so. As soon as he put in his sim from his Samsung phone...bam! Verizon LTE. He was obviously shocked and was immediately upset about all the business he had missed out on turning away potential post-paid customers.i told him some of the background, that technically there is only one iPad mini retina model and the only hindrance was that Verizon's activation system won't allow activation without putting in a VZW imei number. I convinced him to try one of the imei's from a display ipad with a new sim. He did, it activated and now I have a perfectly working ipad on Verizon LTE (30/mo no contract).
I think he called over every associate in the store to show them.
I sincerely hope the FCC gets wind of the practices Verizon is employing to prevent users from doing exactly this in violation of the spectrum auction policies and slaps them HARD! There is absolutely no reason for Verizon to continue trying to block users from bringing their own devices in attempts to sign more two year contracts.
Lol, I'm drafting a letter to send to the FCC regarding this matter actually. Particularly now that we actually have universal phones (e.g. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus).
Here's where you can file complaints regarding Billing, Service and Unlocking:
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form2000.action?form_type=2000B
Does anyone know if I can get LTE speed from AT&T on a Verizon iPad Air?
I was told by Apple that you couldn't get LTE on a Verizon iPad with AT&T service. The AT&T rep wouldn't commit that I could but certainly made it seem that it "might" be possible. Seeing this post got me wondering if it's unlocked would it work either direction.
I was told by Apple that you couldn't get LTE on a Verizon iPad with AT&T service. The AT&T rep wouldn't commit that I could but certainly made it seem that it "might" be possible. Seeing this post got me wondering if it's unlocked would it work either direction.
1. Yes. A Verizon IPad will get full LTE on AT&T. They are 100% identical
2. Yes an AT&T iPad will work perfectly on Verizon or t-mobile but you will have to trick verizon into activating your sim.
2. Yes an AT&T iPad will work perfectly on Verizon or t-mobile but you will have to trick verizon into activating your sim.
Doesn't matter with iPad Air 2 anymore. Verizon will have all iPad Air 2 in their database.