[Q] International Use - Motorola Photon 4G

So let me make a long story short.
I am in the military
I am deploying soon
I bought the Photon 4G to use while deployed
(gave the EVO 4G to wife to use while I am gone)
What I was thinking:
Photon 4G uses GSM as well as others
(I am going to Afghanistan, and GSM 900 I think is the used band there)
I bought a SIM card through a company called MTN Afghanistan
As they are the only provider offering service to the are of Afghan that I
will be going (use I know there are others, but MTN is confirmed the provider used by people in the area I am going, therefore why try something new if you know of something that works)
What I plan to do:
Already scheduled to put my Sprint account on a military hold
(means I do not get charged for my phone until I turn it back on
when I return)
I do this because I found Sprint International is not in my area over there as well.
So I was told by sprint international that they can give me an unlock code.
But I am being told by others, that I need to unlock my phone.
I leave in two weeks and need help.
I have searched the boards and found a lot of guilds about unlocking and everything, I have done roms on all my other devices and such.
I just want to make sure that the UNLOCK that I am thinking about
(using the Sprint Photon 4G in Afghan, on someone elses service)

There I is no sim unlock for the photon. Internationally it defaults to unlocked. No root/unlock required. That being said, some roms seem to handle gsm a little better than stock.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

Mine worked great with stock rom. Had to do nothing extra to get it work.. I live in India. Lol my photon was not even activated!

I have a Photon and also use Sprint. When going abroad, to use abroad you simply set the phone to "GSM" from automatic or CDMA to ensure that Sprint doesn't charge you for international roaming.

Well I'm rooted,unlocked,and use cm7.2 and have had no problems in Australia and saudi.*#*#4636#*#*
Works with all sim cards.
I just like cyanogenmod and all the modifications,I also think aosp roms seem to have better signal strenth.
Cm 7.2 delivered a strong GSM signal for me using telstra and zeam
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium

Thanks
Thanks for all of the replies.
I was just worried because I recieved my SIM card I plan to use in Afghan and when I removed Sprints SIM Card, I turned the phone on and nothing was different.
It still connected to Sprint and everything (with no SIM Card) Even made calls.
So then I added the new SIM Card (the iternational one, by MTN Afghan,) and still, Sprint Service as if the SIM Card was doing nothing special. Never asked me for unlock or anything.
That is why I was wanting to make sure there is nothing special I need to do.

Related

Unable to use 3G or any mobile Data

I've been making a few searches in hopes of finding a solution to this, but came out empty handed. I'm using a Photon 4G (stuck on Electrify 2.3.5) on GSM mode in Argentina. I'm unable to receive data no matter what settings i tinker with. I also tried setting up APNs to no avail.
Anyone has ideas on why this may be happening? Doesn't the Photon support 3G data over GSM worldwide?
Thanks
Anyone ?
Try GSM roms
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
I think you officially have to call Sprint, ask them to remove your phone's SIM lock so you can use other SIM cards overseas, politely sit through their sermon about the dangers of using foreign SIM cards, repeat your request, and call back if necessary to get a more cooperative customer service representative.
From what I've read, all Photons are SIM-locked by default, but Sprint doesn't really fight if you ask them to unlock it for you. However, they MIGHT refuse to remove the SIM lock unless you either purchased the phone without a contract, purchased it used without an ESN-block, or purchased it with a contract 30+ days ago and have already paid your first bill post-purchase. I believe the FCC or FTC made it a law, but left them enough of a loophole so that you couldn't buy a subsidized Sprint phone on contract with a prepaid credit card, then leave the country and cancel the card.
I'm guessing that the inability to use data is because Sprint's SIM has data disabled while roaming by default, so they can make you sit through ANOTHER sermon listening to horror stories about Americans who used their phones in Canada and got hit with $1,000+ bills for a few hours of data use.
You can't totally blame sprint for the default Data block while roaming on their SIM... Android phones use lots of data in the background that most Americans never even notice (because we generally have unlimited data). Using the same phone with charges like 10c/kilobyte can get insanely expensive within just a few minutes.
Or, you could check out the GSM unlock thread somewhere around here. If you're already back in Argentina, it's probably easier. ;-)
Be VERY careful about reflashing a "GSM ROM", and MAKE SURE you've seen confirmation from at least one other user that it has been successfully flashed to a PHOTON -- not an Atrix, Atrix2, or Electrify. Flashing "alien" ROMs is playing with fire, and you can EASILY brick (soft or otherwise) your phone by blindly experimenting.
bitbang3r said:
I think you officially have to call Sprint, ask them to remove your phone's SIM lock so you can use other SIM cards overseas, politely sit through their sermon about the dangers of using foreign SIM cards, repeat your request, and call back if necessary to get a more cooperative customer service representative.
From what I've read, all Photons are SIM-locked by default, but Sprint doesn't really fight if you ask them to unlock it for you. However, they MIGHT refuse to remove the SIM lock unless you either purchased the phone without a contract, purchased it used without an ESN-block, or purchased it with a contract 30+ days ago and have already paid your first bill post-purchase. I believe the FCC or FTC made it a law, but left them enough of a loophole so that you couldn't buy a subsidized Sprint phone on contract with a prepaid credit card, then leave the country and cancel the card.
I'm guessing that the inability to use data is because Sprint's SIM has data disabled while roaming by default, so they can make you sit through ANOTHER sermon listening to horror stories about Americans who used their phones in Canada and got hit with $1,000+ bills for a few hours of data use.
You can't totally blame sprint for the default Data block while roaming on their SIM... Android phones use lots of data in the background that most Americans never even notice (because we generally have unlimited data). Using the same phone with charges like 10c/kilobyte can get insanely expensive within just a few minutes.
Or, you could check out the GSM unlock thread somewhere around here. If you're already back in Argentina, it's probably easier. ;-)
Be VERY careful about reflashing a "GSM ROM", and MAKE SURE you've seen confirmation from at least one other user that it has been successfully flashed to a PHOTON -- not an Atrix, Atrix2, or Electrify. Flashing "alien" ROMs is playing with fire, and you can EASILY brick (soft or otherwise) your phone by blindly experimenting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the correct statement. I owned Photon and recently travel to Asia 2 times. The Photon work fine when I pop the prepaid SIM card in. The Photon came with Global GSM unlock. It's only lock the GSM on US Carriers. It's best to contact the provider of the GSM carrier he is using and ask to see if there are certain settings that need to be done.
Can you make voice call and SMS ? ( I see that you are on a Electrify 2.3.5.. don't know if that is an issue)
I just checked Argentina network. They do have 3G supporting 850 and 1900 frequency band. I advise to take the phone to the provider and ask them for help to set up the 3G network parameters if you do have voice and sms.
Try this link and look for the network provider that you are using in Argentina: They showed most of the settings for 2G/3G: http://nxwiki.blogspot.com/2011/08/movistar-gprs-mms-wap-settings-apn.html
roadster92 said:
That's not the correct statement. I owned Photon and recently travel to Asia 2 times. The Photon work fine when I pop the prepaid SIM card in. The Photon came with Global GSM unlock. It's only lock the GSM on US Carriers. It's best to contact the provider of the GSM carrier he is using and ask to see if there are certain settings that need to be done.
Can you make voice call and SMS ? ( I see that you are on a Electrify 2.3.5.. don't know if that is an issue)
I just checked Argentina network. They do have 3G supporting 850 and 1900 frequency band. I advise to take the phone to the provider and ask them for help to set up the 3G network parameters if you do have voice and sms.
Try this link and look for the network provider that you are using in Argentina: They showed most of the settings for 2G/3G: http://nxwiki.blogspot.com/2011/08/movistar-gprs-mms-wap-settings-apn.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. Yes, other than not receiving data, the phone works pretty much flawlessly: SMS and voice work just fine (wifi is a bit moody since it won't connect unless you go to the wi-fi settings and let it look at all your available networks, but I blame this issue on the ROM I'm sitting on).
I'll try APN settings again and see how it fairs. Thanks a bunch for your input guys.
Oh, and BTW, I bought my Photon through Ebay (my girlfriend brought it from New York where she was doing her MA), so I'm not expecting any kind of support from Sprint. Do they actually provide customer service to not-on contract phones?
Thanks again!
firtermish said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, other than not receiving data, the phone works pretty much flawlessly: SMS and voice work just fine (wifi is a bit moody since it won't connect unless you go to the wi-fi settings and let it look at all your available networks, but I blame this issue on the ROM I'm sitting on).
I'll try APN settings again and see how it fairs. Thanks a bunch for your input guys.
Oh, and BTW, I bought my Photon through Ebay (my girlfriend brought it from New York where she was doing her MA), so I'm not expecting any kind of support from Sprint. Do they actually provide customer service to not-on contract phones?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you call Sprint. I do not think they will be able to help you. The phone is unlock and work with voice call. It's the network provision that's not allow you to connect with Argentina carriers. The best way is contact the Argentina carrier that you are using and ask them to provide or help to provision that for you. I was having difficulty connect to 3g in Vietnam when I was there (I was doing APN on my own and did not work) I have to contact the Vietnam carrier and they show me how to connect to 3g by using text message send to their server to initiate the automatic provisioning. I recommend that you do the same.
Success!
My stupid fault! I was entering outdated settings on the APN section, which is why it wasn't working before. I have now tried several settings and finally made 3G work! Thanks a million to everyone who contributed, especially roadster92.
For future reference (Claro 3G Argentina users), the configuration I used was the following one:
Connection Name: Claro 3G AR
Authentication: CHAP and PAP
Access Point (APN): gprs.claro.com.ar
UserName: hsdpa
Password: hsdpa
Cheers.

[Q] Using Droid Razr on Strait Talk network

after looking on the forums and a few other places and seeing that the razr should have gsm turned on if we were to find a way to unlock the gsm and put in say a strait talk micro sim card would it still continue to run cdma with 4g lte or would it just use the gsm networks that are around cause $45 for unlimted everything would be sweet. because of were i am strait talk uses vzw networks but i also know that their gsm phones use i think att's network. but if we could do this how many of you would dump your contracts and only pay $45
no body needs to lecture me about spelling or grammer i know it is my flaw and no reason to flame for it LOL
From what i undertsand it should work with out issues.but i believe u need to be on a ics leak to have it fully unlocked.in the ics leak they made it unlocked for global know and thats what my phone is set at.it will hse gsm frequency only since u wont be tied into verizon no longer....if im wrong someone plz correct but i believe im right...
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
with the straight talk SIM card it would only work on GSM (from straight talk SIM page), yes in the past straight talk had phones that ran/run on verizons CDMA but those are being phased out and the SIM cards being sold now will only work with the GSM, I'm quite interested in this idea myself, I can't do it for more then a year and a half (not worth the cost to break the contract), so someone should be able to confirm this working before that time comes.
But it all depends on whether the razr gsm frequencies are in the same spectrum as AT&T or not, or possibly some other lockout, because in the news articles it seems to imply the global update GSM frequency won't work with AT&T for some reason and you need to be on AT&T GSM to use the straight talk SIM card.
But what would the possibility of getting them to work like the 4g devices on vzw cause I can take the sim out and place in other 4g phone and it works but strait GSM would be nice as well
Side note has any one figured out how to unlock the xt910 phones for different sim. Cards
pondwater said:
But what would the possibility of getting them to work like the 4g devices on vzw cause I can take the sim out and place in other 4g phone and it works but strait GSM would be nice as well
Side note has any one figured out how to unlock the xt910 phones for different sim. Cards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from my understanding it won't, verizon and straight talk started limiting there interaction before LTE and the SIM cards they are selling now are LOCKED to AT&T GSM frequencies.
http://www.straighttalk.com/shopsims if you choose CDMA it says program not available, and from what I understand AT&T's 4G LTE will be on a different frequency spectrum (50 Megahertz higher IIRC) and so our verizon LTE radios will not be supported on that system.
pondwater said:
after looking on the forums and a few other places and seeing that the razr should have gsm turned on if we were to find a way to unlock the gsm and put in say a strait talk micro sim card would it still continue to run cdma with 4g lte or would it just use the gsm networks that are around cause $45 for unlimted everything would be sweet. because of were i am strait talk uses vzw networks but i also know that their gsm phones use i think att's network. but if we could do this how many of you would dump your contracts and only pay $45
no body needs to lecture me about spelling or grammer i know it is my flaw and no reason to flame for it LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could buy a GSM razr /maxx that comes sim unlocked and use it on straight talk
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA
Samsuck said:
You could buy a GSM razr /maxx that comes sim unlocked and use it on straight talk
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all of us have the money to buy a new phone
You can use RadioComm to unlock the CDMA/LTE Razr to work on AT&T and T-Mobile. There is a thread somewhere on XDA that shows how to do it. Then all you would have to do is pop in the Straight Talk SIM and edit the APN settings on the Razr to get data and MMS. IIRC, the Razr supports all the frequencies AT&T uses, including the ones used for HSPA+.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
I don't think Lte will work in straighttalk, would be nice but yes straight talk its phasing out devices that use Verizons frequencies.
droid razr maxx
So can anyone confirm that the droid razr maxx will work on straight talk at all with like att sim card? That would be great news because that phone has the best battery.
Straight Talk didn't work out so well for me...
This is what I have found out from talking to Motorola.
Thanks for reaching out to Motorola.
With the release of the Ice Cream Sandwich, the DROID RAZR MAXX can now support GSM. That means it can be used with any carrier's SIM card. But the phone needs to be unlocked to use it with a different carrier aside from Verizon.
In order to unlock the phone you will need the "subsidy" code. This is a code that is unique to your phone. The code is assigned by the original service provider so that you cannot take the phone to another carrier without their permission. The business (carrier) that the phone was originally manufactured for is the only one that will have this information.
You will need to talk to a technical support person at the company for which the phone was sold, for assistance. The technical support staff will probably need to know the IMEI number off of the phone, under the battery to assist you.
We hope that you find this information useful and we look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support.
Best Regards,
Maureen
ValtheBatman said:
This is what I have found out from talking to Motorola.
Thanks for reaching out to Motorola.
With the release of the Ice Cream Sandwich, the DROID RAZR MAXX can now support GSM. That means it can be used with any carrier's SIM card. But the phone needs to be unlocked to use it with a different carrier aside from Verizon.
In order to unlock the phone you will need the "subsidy" code. This is a code that is unique to your phone. The code is assigned by the original service provider so that you cannot take the phone to another carrier without their permission. The business (carrier) that the phone was originally manufactured for is the only one that will have this information.
You will need to talk to a technical support person at the company for which the phone was sold, for assistance. The technical support staff will probably need to know the IMEI number off of the phone, under the battery to assist you.
We hope that you find this information useful and we look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thank you for contacting Motorola e-mail support.
Best Regards,
Maureen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatelly it does not work with AT&T or T-Mobile or Straight Talk service in United States. Droid Razr / Razr Max will only work with other GSM Cards outside the US Market. Please see the findings below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619563&page=30
talking w/ a geekI know that wooks for verizion
ValtheBatman said:
So can anyone confirm that the droid razr maxx will work on straight talk at all with like at&t sim card? That would be great news because that phone has the best battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to hin earlier this month (Feb, 13) He said yeah it can be done. especially if you click on GSM when you go to your settings where you can choose between global and LTE/CDMA mode. and try clicking on GSM/ UMTS, then you should lost you data and all your bars with a red line through it. If a box pops up saying this phone does not have a GSM carrier connection, or something like that, that's even better. Now since Verizon got rid of unlimited data, and also got fined over 1.2 billion data for deleting 7 3rd party adds for free hotspot, there are more and more hotspot apps popping up all the time. I highly recommend downloading Aptoid for free so you can download any paid app for free. I haven't come across a app it does not have and just downloaded a $29.99 app today. Anyways, he said there are way's to do this without unlocking though many Verizon techs might not do it for you or even tell you how to get the info. I recommend doing and checking out a few things first. If you still have unlimited data, just order the strait talk SIM card for now until either they get rid of unlimited data all together or you don't want to pay full price for a phone anymore. Here's what you need to check into. there are many other pte-paid providers out there. And you can order blank SIM cards from out of country. check out clear.com, thats $45 bucks a month for unlimited data at home or on the go. the devices cost anywhere from 24.99-100+, but the adverage one you need is around $50. If you can conect to your computer from your phone or tablet, there are ways for to remotely send your phone internet access from you PC to you phone or computer. look it up! I don't know hoe to do all this stuff my buddy does. I am just a business owner that has used 149GB on my unlimited data plan through Verizon since January 28th till February 15th, which is on the low side for me since I used 59GB's from January 29th to February 3rd. Whatever blocks come up, there will be a way around them. these companies rely on older people like my aunt who had unlimited data on her regular smart phone + her work phone then she was paying by the GB for her Ipad. All three with with her at all times I showed her how to be able to use all three through her regular phone, Via Hotspot w/ a free hotspot app. or Via Blu-tooth, and how to direct tether. she couldn't believe she was now able to save about $150 a month in about 25 mins of a little education. Also I said there will always be ways around whatever the cell companies do. I am not going to tell you the name of the company that goes live February 21st. but $40 a month, unlimited everything and all you have to do is to get one other person to do it with after you. plus you can use whatever phone you have now. if you get two people to sign up after you it is free, $20 for every person you sign up, $10 for every person they sign up $5 for the next, but it doesn't go any further than that, It hasn't even stated yet, but I signed up in November and signed up 13 people, some of them went nuts and got a lot of people, which only like 4 of them I know and the people the people They signed up signed up alot. now my first months paycheck along with my free unlimited data talk and text will be $3,130. why? because if I didn't sign up anyone my bill would be $40, I signed up 13 and the chain when on from there. less money for the people you didn't sign up but are linked to you from the ones you did. I just found out how much money I will be getting at the end of march. Now they are getting rid of free data. I am going to push this. and you can keep you first service plan if you don't get good reception for calls, just swich out the SIM cards. Look it up, it should be hard to find
not sure
What I want to know is when If I did the following:
jrtower said:
I went to hin earlier this month (Feb, 13) He said yeah it can be done. especially if you click on GSM when you go to your settings where you can choose between global and LTE/CDMA mode. and try clicking on GSM/ UMTS, then you should lost you data and all your bars with a red line through it. If a box pops up saying this phone does not have a GSM carrier connection, or something like that, that's even better.
I got pop up window so what do I do now? I would really like to use my Droid Razor please help me:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

UNLOCKING for use aboard

Hi everyone,
I see that the Droid Incredible 4g does support sim cards, I was wondering is it microSIM like the IPHONE or regular SIM. Also, since Verizon doesn't give out unlock codes, is there anyway to get my phone unlocked myself so I can use a prepaid sim when i travel abroad? Thanks, any hlep would be appreciated!
morbius14 said:
Hi everyone,
I see that the Droid Incredible 4g does support sim cards, I was wondering is it microSIM like the IPHONE or regular SIM. Also, since Verizon doesn't give out unlock codes, is there anyway to get my phone unlocked myself so I can use a prepaid sim when i travel abroad? Thanks, any hlep would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's microSIM. Don't know about unlocking it.
I've heard mixed news on the unlocking process. I've heard if you pressure them for the unlock code they will give it to you. (tell them you are going out of country etc). I've also heard that they don't give them out. (which I don't believe because people have received them before). Other than that, there are companies that charge you $15 and they'll send you the unlock code.
*Madmoose* said:
I've heard mixed news on the unlocking process. I've heard if you pressure them for the unlock code they will give it to you. (tell them you are going out of country etc). I've also heard that they don't give them out. (which I don't believe because people have received them before). Other than that, there are companies that charge you $15 and they'll send you the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got off the phone with Verizon Global Support and apparently the DI4G is not locked and you are free to use a 3rd party sim card. Same is true for Droid RAZR and MAXX.. can someone confirm this? I do not actually have the handset.
I read the same thing but with the question posted here I figured it wasn't true.
From the GSM thread in this section:
Brooose said:
I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can
VZW has unlocked the majority of there 4gLTE smart phones. It is a new thing they just started doing to get a bigger hold on the global market that att has had for the longest time. So if you have a VZW 4g LTE phone and you are planning on going out of country all you have to do is call customer care, and ask them about the support and they will set you up with either a global SIM or you could use a prepaid SIM purchased in the country you are traveling to. I am a customer service rep at a local call center in Utah, we just had training on this subject last month.
morbius14 said:
I got off the phone with Verizon Global Support and apparently the DI4G is not locked and you are free to use a 3rd party sim card. Same is true for Droid RAZR and MAXX.. can someone confirm this? I do not actually have the handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this also applies for the HTC Rezound
They're not locked, but they're not "officially" globally capable either. I imagine in their global updates they will be locked to Verizon's official roaming carriers and you'll have to request an unlock code
As I am not a Verizon customer. I need someone to help me out. I have 2 iPhone 4s, both clean ESN. I need them unlocked for international use by Verizon. Until then, can't use them in my part of the world. Can anyone help me...please.
Thanks.
mwuahjaan said:
As I am not a Verizon customer. I need someone to help me out. I have 2 iPhone 4s, both clean ESN. I need them unlocked for international use by Verizon. Until then, can't use them in my part of the world. Can anyone help me...please.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how anyone can help you here. If you're not a Verizon customer then Verizon can't unlock them for you. Not sure what their policy is on unlocking 3g phones either.
Update: Pulled this from the web.
Verizon has confirmed (here and here) they WILL unlock the SIM on the iPhone 4S, allowing for use of local SIM cards while traveling abroad (no word yet on whether this will allow for use on AT&T and T-Mobile.) This is different than the jailbreak unlocking method; SIM unlocking through Verizon is permanent and will not affect your warranty in any way.
1. Meet the following requirements:
* Must be a Verizon Wireless customer.
* The iPhone 4S being unlocked must be active on a Verizon Wireless line of service.
* The line of service must be active at least 60 days.
* The line of service must be in good standing for the past 60 days.
* Only one SIM Unlock per line every 10 months.
If you don't meet one or more of the above requirements, call anyway. You may still get lucky.
2. Insert a foreign SIM into the SIM card slot on the side of your phone (only required to confirm that the unlock is successful.)
3. Call 1-800-711-8300 (Verizon Global Support) and ask the representative for a SIM unlock. Occassionally a representative may not know exactly what you are referring to; make sure you are not transferred to a different department. You are in the right place. Explain that they should have a walkthrough on how to do this, and that it allows for the use of local, non-Verizon SIM cards while traveling abroad.
4. Get confirmation from the rep that the unlock has been applied to your account, then check your phone to make sure it recognizes your SIM and can connect (if successful it will roam on AT&T, assuming you are calling from the USA.) You will NOT see an unlock confirmation in iTunes as that is for a factory-applied unlock only.
5. Enjoy your new unlocked iPhone 4S!
*Madmoose* said:
Not sure how anyone can help you here. If you're not a Verizon customer then Verizon can't unlock them for you. Not sure what their policy is on unlocking 3g phones either. CDMA isn't available anywhere but north america. So unlocking for use "abroad" isn't really in the cards anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone 4s I have got clean ESN. Someone has to put it on his line and call up Verizon to unlock the device for international use. Need to tell them that he wants to use it with a local sim card of the country where he is travelling to. All the time, the device is resting here, powered off. So that there are no charges incurred to the person who is doing this favour to me.
*Madmoose* said:
1. Meet the following requirements:
* Must be a Verizon Wireless customer.
* The iPhone 4S being unlocked must be active on a Verizon Wireless line of service.
* The line of service must be active at least 60 days.
* The line of service must be in good standing for the past 60 days.
* Only one SIM Unlock per line every 10 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mwuahjaan said:
The iPhone 4s I have got clean ESN. Someone has to put it on his line and call up Verizon to unlock the device for international use. Need to tell them that he wants to use it with a local sim card of the country where he is travelling to. All the time, the device is resting here, powered off. So that there are no charges incurred to the person who is doing this favour to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be really hit and miss for someone here to do that. The 4S is a 3g phone, activating it on our lines would require someone to go in store and get a sim swap. And even then, with the rules posted above, they probably still wouldn't do it.
*Madmoose* said:
Would be really hit and miss for someone here to do that. The 4S is a 3g phone, activating it on our lines would require someone to go in store and get a sim swap. And even then, with the rules posted above, they probably still wouldn't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope you don't need a sim swap. Just need to put the MEID of my device on your line. Once you do that my device gets 'active' on your line and then a call need to be made to VZW international dept or a live chat can be done, telling them to unlock the device for international use.
While you do the device swap on your line they may ask you to put the data plan on iPhone 4s which is mandatory to have. Ofcourse, I'll be more than happy to pay any expense.
mwuahjaan said:
Nope you don't need a sim swap. Just need to put the MEID of my device on your line. Once you do that my device gets 'active' on your line and then a call need to be made to VZW international dept or a live chat can be done, telling them to unlock the device for international use.
While you do the device swap on your line they may ask you to put the data plan on iPhone 4s which is mandatory to have. Ofcourse, I'll be more than happy to pay any expense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats understood. But putting a 3g device on your line, deactivates the 4g LTE card. They cannot be reactivated, you have to go in store to get a new LTE card.
are you sure....
AshtonTS said:
this also applies for the HTC Rezound
They're not locked, but they're not "officially" globally capable either. I imagine in their global updates they will be locked to Verizon's official roaming carriers and you'll have to request an unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an HTC Rezound, and I'd heard it was unlocked.
I'm abroad in the UK (Scotland) but when I put in an international sim card it says the sim card is unrecognized, and I can't get any signal but I can turn on mobile network I just can't access it (no signal). I messed with the APNs (using my network in the UKs suggested settings) but I can't seem to get it to function.
I know that the phone itself says it only offers CDMA and LTE but I was wondering if there was a sneaky way to get to the GSM capabilities of the phone that aren't in the menu.
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
vonny3492 said:
I have an HTC Rezound, and I'd heard it was unlocked.
I'm abroad in the UK (Scotland) but when I put in an international sim card it says the sim card is unrecognized, and I can't get any signal but I can turn on mobile network I just can't access it (no signal). I messed with the APNs (using my network in the UKs suggested settings) but I can't seem to get it to function.
I know that the phone itself says it only offers CDMA and LTE but I was wondering if there was a sneaky way to get to the GSM capabilities of the phone that aren't in the menu.
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the Rezound, but on our phone, since the latest update, you could change the setting under Settings -> Call -> Preferred Network to Global. There's also an option for GSM/UMTS.
vonny3492 said:
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try something like SWITCHIT - 4G LTE TOGGLE -- it fires a different intent that gets you to the magic phone info page that *#*#4636*#*# is supposed to send you to.
On my Inc 4G, this lets me use AT&T's network in the US (with an appropriate sim). I haven't tried it abroad.
I tried it abroad. No restrictions. 2.17.605.2.710RD is needed

[Q] Thunderbolt VZ to Straightalk

I'm a noob here, but other places i'm not. I have read VERY many posts and the gist of owning a thunderbolt is that it only work(ed) on CDMA VZ so it is not compatible with GSM although it has a SIM card because its is/was locked to VZ only frequencies.
Just to make sure, I called VZ to attempt to get an unlock code saying I was going on a trip overseas and needed my phone to work. I was told that if I upgraded via the OTA to ICS, my device would then be compatible with GSM and I could simply use any SIM card in my phone and get it to work.
What I am trying to do is move over to straightalk away from VZ.
Instead of unrooting, I flashed the radios and ROM available on this site and ICS is up and running.
So has anyone tried straight talk yet on ICS?
That doesn't sound right to me but I would be interested in finding out whether or not it works. From what I understood about the antenna in this phone is that it is locked in on the 700mhz band at a hardware level. Also there are no settings to change to GSM in the network settings.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Hmmm. Don't know why tech support would lie though -- especially when I waited online for about 30 minutes throughout the conversation. I've been a customer since 1997. He even said, after I switched to ICS, simply insert new SIM and I'm ready to go.
disconnecktie said:
That doesn't sound right to me but I would be interested in finding out whether or not it works. From what I understood about the antenna in this phone is that it is locked in on the 700mhz band at a hardware level. Also there are no settings to change to GSM in the network settings.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may not be lying but rather don't know what they are talking about lol. They are wrong all the time. Just because we have a sim doesn't mean that putting a gsm sim in makes it possible to use on other networks. Give it a try maybe they finally did make it possible. Like I said I thought at a hardware level this phone was permitted from using gsm bands.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
RE: Thunderbolt to straight talk
Granted, they may be wrong. But, all the many hours of reading I have done, says that CDMA only phones don't have SIM cards and my TB does. And per another posts GSM in the USA operates on more frequencies than abroad. Why would HTC create a phone with a SIM card if there was no reason because it was only CDMA?
Regardless, I purchased a ST SIM and an unlimited plan to try out. I'll post back after I see if I wasted my $$$ or not.
The LTE frequency Verizon uses is actually a GSM which is one reason. Verizon owns the upper c block of the 700mhz spectrum. Also, because Verizon is originally a CDMA carrier they had to use another antenna in all LTE phones in order for them to function. The LTE antenna uses data only. It is not equipped to make phone calls unless a phone call is already in progress in which case the phone is routed through the LTE antenna and is then made over the data connection much like VoIP.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie is right, the Thunderbolt can not connect to GSM services. The sim card is not a GSM sim card, its is a 4g LTE sim card. Just because its called a sim and looks similar, does not mean they are the same. The guy you spoke with on the phone probably knew nothing about the Thunderbolt and just assumed that because it has a sim card it would connect to GSM networks.
understandably.
Milimbar said:
disconnecktie is right, the Thunderbolt can not connect to GSM services. The sim card is not a GSM sim card, its is a 4g LTE sim card. Just because its called a sim and looks similar, does not mean they are the same. The guy you spoke with on the phone probably knew nothing about the Thunderbolt and just assumed that because it has a sim card it would connect to GSM networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"The LTE antenna uses data only. It is not equipped to make phone calls unless a phone call is already in progress in which case the phone is routed through the LTE antenna and is then made over the data connection much like VoIP."
So theoretically, if there is an LTE only antenna....how does a call get routed regularly when LTE networks (such as 1G and 3G) occur when LTE network isn't available to pass the information over the data connection? More than one antenna?
I'm not expecting this card to work in and of itself. I'm going to swap out another GSM to see if after ICS upgrade, it is actually opened as promised. Now if it doesn't have the requisite antenna, that's understandable, but in that case, why theoretically couldn't I just get a GSM antenna and swap it out for the CDMA one? Can't be any worse than replacing a wireless card in a laptop?
Based upon the "answer" given to me by VZ tech support, I have to wonder if there really is a different antenna or simply the "sim" card installed locks it into the frequency -- and the OS lock(ed) into the sim card previously. A SIm card is essentially what allows you to communicate with a carrier afterall.
Definitely interested if this works, thanks for attempting this
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
All the LTE sim does is authenticate your phone on the network. That is the reason *228 is no longer needed.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
The thunderbolt does not support GSM. It has 3 radios, two 3g cdma which enables svdo or simultaneously voice and data over 3g. FYI some new 4g phones won't do this. The LTE is data only and no phone calls are placed over LTE on any phone for vzw. VZW is not setup for voip yet and that won't start until at least 2014. The thunderbolt is not global ready even with ics. There is no apn info to edit. This all has been discussed many times over the last two years.
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk 2
Just to clarify I wasn't saying the thunderbolt uses VoIP but that svdo is similar is all.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
Just to clarify I wasn't saying the thunderbolt uses VoIP but that svdo is similar is all.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no cell tech and I get what you were trying to say. I apologize the last part of my post was a little rude. I don’t think voip and svdo are even close, I admit I could be wrong. Voip uses a data connection to place calls while svdo uses the cellular connection for calls and data. If you place the phone into airplane mode, connect to wifi you would not be able to place a call. If you had voip you'd be able to place a call. I know many carriers offer some sort of 3g to network extender that creates a similar type of connection.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Svdo also makes it so that calls can be placed over 4g when it is present which is like VoIP. Either way I know it isn't exactly the same but was merely using VoIP for a comparison.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
Svdo also makes it so that calls can be placed over 4g when it is present which is like VoIP. Either way I know it isn't exactly the same but was merely using VoIP for a comparison.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my original post above I incorrectly used VoIP when I should have used VoLTE, I knew what i wanted to say, but used the wrong terms which can lead to confusion and this is all to the best of my understanding
The Thunderbolt as with all 3G cell phones make phones calls over 1x voice network while data is handled by 3G network. The thunderbolt does not make any phone calls over 3G or LTE, it has multiple radios which allow SVDO, a 1x for voice calls, a 3G radio, and a LTE radio. Calls are placed over 1x and data is handled by 3G or LTE whichever is available.
The link below has a good discussion and more clarification on the Thunderbolt when it was first released.
http://androidforums.com/htc-thunde...ort-voice-over-lte-when-verizon-launches.html
revisited
dms76 said:
The thunderbolt does not support GSM. It has 3 radios, two 3g cdma which enables svdo or simultaneously voice and data over 3g. FYI some new 4g phones won't do this. The LTE is data only and no phone calls are placed over LTE on any phone for vzw. VZW is not setup for voip yet and that won't start until at least 2014. The thunderbolt is not global ready even with ics. There is no apn info to edit. This all has been discussed many times over the last two years.
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize that it has been "talked" about. But based upon conversations with VZ support perhaps it was time to rehash it based upon what I was told.
As far as the APN to edit -- after ICS update (non over the air -- the one provided here). See screenshot. There is even a folder created on the SD called APN Backup restore.
My phone is rooted using revolutionary and running the ICS deodexed, etc. found on xda-developers.
Based upon what I was told by VZ tech support, I purchased a ST test SIM with unlimited service. I installed it today and get SIM card is from an unknown source. I googled that and it appears to be locked. I thought I was unlocked and rooted using revolutionary. But now I question that. So am I truly unlocked like I thought I was? I then tried getting the unlock code using fastboot as per instructions on HTC's development site using oem get_identifier_token waiting for device, and I get stuck at "waiting for device" with no information ever coming up. The only way I appear to be able to communicate w device using ADB is by letting the phone boot then connecting it via usb using debugging mode, and always awake, then it appears as a device, but that's where I get that waiting for device message.
Meanwhile, with the ST card in it's downloading email. I just cannot send.
wrkrbee said:
I realize that it has been "talked" about. But based upon conversations with VZ support perhaps it was time to rehash it based upon what I was told.
As far as the APN to edit -- after ICS update (non over the air -- the one provided here). See screenshot. There is even a folder created on the SD called APN Backup restore.
My phone is rooted using revolutionary and running the ICS deodexed, etc. found on xda-developers.
Based upon what I was told by VZ tech support, I purchased a ST test SIM with unlimited service. I installed it today and get SIM card is from an unknown source. I googled that and it appears to be locked. I thought I was unlocked and rooted using revolutionary. But now I question that. So am I truly unlocked like I thought I was? I then tried getting the unlock code using fastboot as per instructions on HTC's development site using oem get_identifier_token waiting for device, and I get stuck at "waiting for device" with no information ever coming up. The only way I appear to be able to communicate w device using ADB is by letting the phone boot then connecting it via usb using debugging mode, and always awake, then it appears as a device, but that's where I get that waiting for device message.
Meanwhile, with the ST card in it's downloading email. I just cannot send.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers. You should really do some research, you will find that the thunderbolt will somewhat work on straight talk for a little while, then they will kick you off the network. Just google it instead of questioning everything people say here as they are just trying to help you and you seem to want to do nothing but argue anything that is said.
Milimbar said:
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers. You should really do some research, you will find that the thunderbolt will somewhat work on straight talk for a little while, then they will kick you off the network. Just google it instead of questioning everything people say here as they are just trying to help you and you seem to want to do nothing but argue anything that is said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, I'm not trying to "argue" with anyone. If these forums are not to ask questions, then what are they for? With that said, as I previously stated, I have spent HOURS which have amounted to DAYS reading not only the forums here and elsewhere and the information conflicts -- and I may have updated information who the heck knows. You never know when there is false information out there floating around and when it becomes outdated -- and the only way to update that information is by sharing upon these types of forums, I would think. You take your car to an automechanic and he tells you the entire transmission needs to be changed, do you just say ok or do you ask questions until you can fully understand the scope, do you do research, and if that research conflicts, do you ask for a second opinion or simply tell him, ok, go ahead and change it?
Milimbar said:
Your phone is S-off, and rooted, unlocked is totally different. Unlocked means that verizon has allowed that phone to be used on other networks and carriers.
And as far as unlocked by Verizon, I followed a post until I reached an HTC forum indicating it can be unlocked for all carriers....by replacing the carrier OEM identifier token with an unlock code in binary format from HTC. See what I have pritned and attached.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your issue is you read too much into this. Yes, your phone cane be unlocked, it can run on other carriers and networks.
Your phone can however only use CDMA carriers and networks. Just because it can be unlocked does not mean it can be used on networks that do not support the hardware your phone was made with. nothing can be done with software to change that.
Your second problem is, you are misunderstanding terms, and HTC them self are not helping this. The PDF files you linked say unlocking, they refer to unlocking the bootloader, meaning you gain S-off (you can flash files) The unlocking you are questioning here is to get your phone working on another network.
Those 2 things are entirely different.
A phone is designed to work on specific frequencies when it is designed. Some phones are CDMA phones, some are GSM phones, and some are global (they use both). This is a hardware thing. Nothing changes this once the phone has been made. Our Thunderbolts are CDMA phones, unfortunately we can not just up and go to AT&T or anywhere we want with this phone.
I am sorry for being argumentative with my last post, you are right this is a place to discuss issues like this.
If you search for StraightTalk you'll find that it may be both CDMA and GSM supported depending on where you live. If you search for Thunderbolt other carrier you'll find that some people have had limited success with missing functions getting it to work on other carriers.
If Your switching to another carrier, buy a phone for that carrier or a global phone. It's a lot of work getting a phone to work on another carrier and you can get a smartphone better than your thunderbolt for a low price on a MNVO. If your dead serous on taking your thunderbolt to another carrier it loks like Page plus is going to be your best bet. USE EXTREME CAUTION when flashing your phone as you could brick it and it would do you no good at all.

[Q] Unlock Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4

Is it possible to unlock the Verizon version of the S4? I'm deploying in 4 weeks and would like to use my phone with international carriers. I have an SCH-I545 build and I'm still running on stock. Thanks
I think ATT has begun to unlock phones internationally when asked.
Verizon? Not sure... one think to check is if the Verizon GS4 supports a carrier in the country you travel to.
Take a look at Leo Laporte's Tech Guy show... he has callers ask this quetion on average every other week... I think he has show notes on his site now days... techguylabs.com
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
PetrichorXFi said:
I think ATT has begun to unlock phones internationally when asked.
Verizon? Not sure... one think to check is if the Verizon GS4 supports a carrier in the country you travel to.
Take a look at Leo Laporte's Tech Guy show... he has callers ask this quetion on average every other week... I think he has show notes on his site now days... techguylabs.com
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones are unlocked out of the box, but you have to make sure that the country you are going to has a GSM network.
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
furballbeethoven said:
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is GSM-unlocked. This means that you buy a SIM, plug it in, then add the proper APN to enable data. (Settings, Connections, More networks, Mobile networks, Access Point Names). The "+" (Add APN) button is disabled if you have a VZ SIM installed but will be enabled if you insert a non-VZ SIM.
Whoever you get the SIM from will tell you what to enter for the APN.
Whether or not it'll work and how fast a network you'll get depends on the bands that the local carrier uses.
k1mu said:
The phone is GSM-unlocked. This means that you buy a SIM, plug it in, then add the proper APN to enable data. (Settings, Connections, More networks, Mobile networks, Access Point Names). The "+" (Add APN) button is disabled if you have a VZ SIM installed but will be enabled if you insert a non-VZ SIM.
Whoever you get the SIM from will tell you what to enter for the APN.
Whether or not it'll work and how fast a network you'll get depends on the bands that the local carrier uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI k1mu,
So do you mean to say if I purchase this device with full price from VZW ~$400 (month to month plan),
the next thing I can do is take off VZW SIM and would it work on my AT&T GSM SIM in US?
malhotra.aakash said:
HI k1mu,
So do you mean to say if I purchase this device with full price from VZW ~$400 (month to month plan),
the next thing I can do is take off VZW SIM and would it work on my AT&T GSM SIM in US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe. While the VZW version is GSM-unlocked for international use, it is unclear how well it works with US GSM carriers. Some people say they can get it to work, some say they can't. Theoretically, it should only take you putting in an AT&T SIM then plugging in the APN data for it to work, but some people still say it won't.
So, you should be able to, but going by the accounts of XDA members, it doesn't always work, which may or may not come down to user error.
joshm.1219 said:
Maybe. While the VZW version is GSM-unlocked for international use, it is unclear how well it works with US GSM carriers. Some people say they can get it to work, some say they can't. Theoretically, it should only take you putting in an AT&T SIM then plugging in the APN data for it to work, but some people still say it won't.
So, you should be able to, but going by the accounts of XDA members, it doesn't always work, which may or may not come down to user error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks joshm.1219,
It still leaves me in a dilemma.. I do really want to get a "S4 mini" model but don't want to stuck up with CDMA providers to be true. Might want to use with ATT or Tmobile or H2O.. I visited the VZW store and the model has option under networks as
1. Global
2. LTE/CDMA
3. GSM/UTMS
Now the Qs are,
1. If this model does have a SIM card slot, how at the first point VZW has lock on it
2. When i asked the VZW associate, he was not sure whether they ever do unlock the device or not
3. If I am ready to pay off complete price of the device which is ~400, what else I would need from them to really 'UNLOCK' it?
4. Is there any means by root/flashing to make such model work for US GSM carriers like H2O or even T-mobile.
Sorry to be so annoying but m new to all these things and quite confused :crying:
many Thx in advance..
malhotra.aakash said:
Thanks joshm.1219,
It still leaves me in a dilemma.. I do really want to get a "S4 mini" model but don't want to stuck up with CDMA providers to be true. Might want to use with ATT or Tmobile or H2O.. I visited the VZW store and the model has option under networks as
1. Global
2. LTE/CDMA
3. GSM/UTMS
Now the Qs are,
1. If this model does have a SIM card slot, how at the first point VZW has lock on it
2. When i asked the VZW associate, he was not sure whether they ever do unlock the device or not
3. If I am ready to pay off complete price of the device which is ~400, what else I would need from them to really 'UNLOCK' it?
4. Is there any means by root/flashing to make such model work for US GSM carriers like H2O or even T-mobile.
Sorry to be so annoying but m new to all these things and quite confused :crying:
many Thx in advance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I can't be of more help, I've been on Verizon for 10 years now, but it is by all intents & purposes, fully SIM-unlocked. It's simply unclear as to why some people report problems of using Verizon phones on US GSM carriers. If you really don't want to worry about it & are willing to pay full price, purchase a device through the carrier you want to use it on.
here is the code to choose network
you might need to change the network frequency to gsm if you wanna use it on att or tmobile and when you wanna switch back to verizon choose wcdma try dialing *#*#4636#*#*:good:
joshm.1219 said:
Sorry I can't be of more help, I've been on Verizon for 10 years now, but it is by all intents & purposes, fully SIM-unlocked. It's simply unclear as to why some people report problems of using Verizon phones on US GSM carriers. If you really don't want to worry about it & are willing to pay full price, purchase a device through the carrier you want to use it on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had people argue with me over this, but the fact is that NO Verizon LTE phone is SIM-locked. None. Nada.
People who claim differently are simply misinformed. (My I545 comes up on AT&T when I plug in my UK SIM and switch to GSM.)
Not to say that all VZ phones are unlocked - my Inc2 had to be unlocked before it would work with that same SIM. If I remember right, it wouldn't connect in the US, either, even after being unlocked. Not so for the GS4.
I appreciate the posts here from people who know. As for me, I am switching to tmobile and will attempt to use this there. If it doesnt work out, I will sell it on swappa and get a nexus 5!
Hi,
Verizon S4 with 4.3 is international unlocked by default.
You just need to select network mode 'GLOBAL'. Then add the right APN.
I am using Indian GSM SIM with the GLOBAL mode selected. All is well for me.
I can provide screenshots if anybody wanna see.
Verizon phones are unlocked out of the box and they DO work fine on US carriers I'm running my Verizon S4 right now on AT&T and I also ran it on tmobile for short time,
even works with Walmart straight talk and Net10 as those are just subsidies of T Mobile and AT&T anyway.
so don't sweat it if you have a verizon phone that uses a sim card, you can run it on any network that uses a SIM card US or international.
baseband issue
Doesn't the MK2 baseband with jb 4.3 block US Sim cards?
Or do I just have a weird s4?
kendonsh said:
Doesn't the MK2 baseband with jb 4.3 block US Sim cards?
Or do I just have a weird s4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine dont? Im on mk2,
soon as I got my verizon s4 replacement from a damaged model that I turned in,
I threw a net10/att sim card in it.
completely stock phone not even rooted nothin, and it works fine, I did get a popup that said non Verizon SIM card but it works fine
calls in and out MMS works fine
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 PM ----------
CafeAdrutico said:
The S4 is supposed to work globally right out of the box, as long as you've called Verizon to enable International roaming on your account. But, used that way, you'll be paying Verizon for International roaming and it's bloody expensive.
The question is, can you remove the SIM and put in a SIM for a local carrier in the foreign country where you are and use the phone on that carrier? That is what being unlocked would allow you to do. Past Verizon phones have not been unlocked to allow this. But, if you called Tech Support and told them you were going to, for example, Europe and wanted to use a local SIM, they would walk you through unlocking (at no charge).
I read a report that the S4 is not locked and that you can use a SIM for a local carrier in Europe, as it comes out of the box. But, I would not trust that. I would call VZW Tech Support and tell them exactly what you want to do - i.e. don't say "can I use my phone in Europe?" The answer to that is yes, you can, at about $1/minute. What you should ask them is, "can I travel to Europe and purchase a SIM from a local carrier and use that in my phone?" If not, they should be able to walk you through unlocking the phone, so you can do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to answer your question simply yes.
let's say I take my phone to Spain are somewhere in the UK, I'll go to store buy a SIM card for local network and BAM local phone number in Europe making phone calls, you can even get Data to work if you have that local carrier's APN settings
no unlocking is required because it is not locked.
other companies AT&T, Sprint, t-mobile, yes you have to get The phone sim unlocked.
k1mu said:
I've had people argue with me over this, but the fact is that NO Verizon LTE phone is SIM-locked. None. Nada.
People who claim differently are simply misinformed. (My I545 comes up on AT&T when I plug in my UK SIM and switch to GSM.)
Not to say that all VZ phones are unlocked - my Inc2 had to be unlocked before it would work with that same SIM. If I remember right, it wouldn't connect in the US, either, even after being unlocked. Not so for the GS4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is 100% correct. NO LTE phones on verizon are sim locked. They are REQUIRED to keep them unlocked because of their agreement with the FCC for their use of the spectrum they lease. NO OTHER CARRIER must abide by these rules. Only VZW. Sprint I've heard will unlock ANY phone that is capable if you ask them too, and AT&T will NOT unlock any of their phones unless it 2 years old and out of contract (which makes no sense if you have to pay them while under contract anyway). There was a big deal about the Iphone 5 when it came out with LTE for verizon. If you bought a Verizon Iphone, you could put an ATT sim in it and it works, but not an ATT on VZW because ATT keeps them locked.
The Dinc 2 above was NOT an LTE device. Therefore no sim card....and it wouldn't work on most overseas networks anyway as it was a CDMA only phone. I believe VZW tested the limits of the "unlocked" SIM with their first few LTE phones. My Rezound worked with a GSM network sim....but voice and SMS only. It took some unlocking of the bootloader and rooting to run a special Rom to get Data to work on it.
I am heading to the Caribbean in a few weeks, and I will be using a rented SIM card to be able to message back and forth with my wife (with a data based messenger service as data rates are far cheaper than SMS rate there)
318sugarhill said:
This is 100% correct. NO LTE phones on verizon are sim locked. They are REQUIRED to keep them unlocked because of their agreement with the FCC for their use of the spectrum they lease. NO OTHER CARRIER must abide by these rules. Only VZW. Sprint I've heard will unlock ANY phone that is capable if you ask them too, and AT&T will NOT unlock any of their phones unless it 2 years old and out of contract (which makes no sense if you have to pay them while under contract anyway). There was a big deal about the Iphone 5 when it came out with LTE for verizon. If you bought a Verizon Iphone, you could put an ATT sim in it and it works, but not an ATT on VZW because ATT keeps them locked.
The Dinc 2 above was NOT an LTE device. Therefore no sim card....and it wouldn't work on most overseas networks anyway as it was a CDMA only phone. I believe VZW tested the limits of the "unlocked" SIM with their first few LTE phones. My Rezound worked with a GSM network sim....but voice and SMS only. It took some unlocking of the bootloader and rooting to run a special Rom to get Data to work on it.
I am heading to the Caribbean in a few weeks, and I will be using a rented SIM card to be able to message back and forth with my wife (with a data based messenger service as data rates are far cheaper than SMS rate there)
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I just spent a week in the UK with an ekit.com SIM in my Verizon GS4 - no problem with getting service, no Verizon charge (even though I was on the Vodaphone network for at least some times.)
And the dinc 2, while not LTE, was CDMA/GSM - not just CDMA (yes, the dinc was CDMA-only), so it did accept a SIM card. I'm using that in the GS4 now that it's cut down to micro SIM.
That phone WAS SIM-locked, but VZ happily unlocked it. For the GS4, I didn't have to do anything with VZ to use it off their network.
bickin said:
Is it possible to unlock the Verizon version of the S4? I'm deploying in 4 weeks and would like to use my phone with international carriers. I have an SCH-I545 build and I'm still running on stock. Thanks
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DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO
UNLFOK s4 UK VERSION sorry I'm new to the website
furballbeethoven said:
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
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The phone is already unlocked for SIM and other carriers, all you need is the correct APN for the carrier. I currently have T-Mobile on my i545 and everything works on it.

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