Ask the Techie: Can I use my AT&T iPhone on Verizon?
You may have heard that the rumors are true, Apple's iPhone is coming to Verizon. Does that mean you can simply sign up for Verizon service and bring your phone along?
*Note - This is the debut our new tech column. Please let us know what you think.
With Verizon's announcement last week that it will be selling the Apple iPhone, one of the most common questions is, "Can I use my current AT&T iPhone on the Verizon network?"
Unfortunately, the answer is no. This isn't a matter of carrier exclusivity or a case of poor customer relations policies--it is because of the technology. Verizon's network uses CDMA and AT&T's network use GSM. While there are debates about which technology is "best," the carrier's maintenance and investment in enough towers is much more important than the underlying technology.
GSM networks are the dominant technology in most of the world, which is why some say that GSM networks are preferable for frequent travellers. GSM phones have a SIM card that can be swapped which can allow for switching between phones or provider networks (such as temporary ones when travelling overseas).
It depends on where you travel, as some countries do have CDMA networks. There are also so-called 'world phones' which have both CDMA tech and available SIM cards for use when switching markets.
If you want an iPhone and the Verizon network, you need to buy a new iPhone. The CDMA version is slightly different than the current GSM one designed for the AT&T network; one important difference might be the 4 antennas with the CDMA as compared to the three antennas of the GSM model.
The best news about the iPhone coming to Verizon is that it gives consumers choice. The most popular phone should be available on the most popular network. Many people have discount programs with a specific carrier through their workplace.
The recommendation of many tech journalists is to wait just a few months for the next iPhone. But Verizon is not going to have to do much promotion to be overrun with the pent-up demand for a Verizon iPhone.
What tech questions do you have for Jean?
Tell us in the comments.
Ashley
9:39 pm on Friday, March 4, 2011
What if you unlock the AT&T iPhone?
Jean Westcott
3:25 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
They use different technologies. An unlocked GSM telephone could be used on other GSM networks (T-Mobile, many European carriers), but not CDMA networks (Sprint, Verizon).
Alicia
2:35 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
My dad got an AT&T phone switched to Verizon.. just saying..
Jean Westcott
6:05 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
What model of phone was it?
Stephanie Nolan Bordelon
11:20 pm on Monday, July 18, 2011
can you by a at&t motorola backflip off of ebay and get it unlocked to work with verizon? my daughter has wanted this phone for forever and we are trying everything we can to get it for her. please help!
Jean Westcott
9:01 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
No, unfortunately. It is a matter of AT&T using GSM technology and Verizon using CDMA. It is like a CD and a tape--different technologies. Locked or unlocked doesn't make a difference. (There are some 'world phones' that have both, but those are a small minority of the phones out there.). From the Motorola site it looks like there is a CDMA version but I don't see it at Verizon or Sprint. Unfortunately, it usually makes sense to look at your providers selection of phones first and then see if there is the same model at resellers or auction sites. Verizon has often had the reputation of having the best network but lacking the coolest phones.
missy
3:25 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
i want an iphone ,and i have the carrier with verizon,and my uncle says he can get the i phone for me but it might be formaly from sprint or at& t is it possible??please let me know as soon as possible -missy
Ken card
3:25 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
I have AT&T 4 I phone can I put my sim in a Verizon I phone
Jean Westcott
3:56 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
No, sorry.
Jean Westcott
8:26 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Good news for buyers of the iPhone5 from Verizon. It allows you to insert nano-SD cards to work on GSM networks. Meaning it is portable across other networks, a true world phone. This is great news for travellers but remember you probably signed a 2-year contract with Verizon to get your phone so you'll have a bill to pay or an Early Termination Fee. http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/21/verizon-iphone-5-unlocked-att-t-mobile-video/
Karee Fleischer
7:03 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I have a Verizon galaxy s3 I'm switching to at&t can I use my Verizon s3 within at&t?
Jean Westcott
7:23 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I don't think so, even if there is a GSM sim card the software seems to block it according to this article. http://news.cnet.com/8301-33620_3-57453658-278/i-can-roam-the-world-with-a-galaxy-s3-so-why-not-the-u.s./
G martinez
3:52 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Is there anyway for an AT&T iPhone 5 to work on Verizon if I jailbreak it? Is there any possible way to make it work or are the internal parts still different?
Jean Westcott
4:11 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Looks like the AT&T iPhone5 doesn't have the radio to work on VZW. The Verizon version has the capability to work on both types of networks, but unfortunately not the other way around. http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/09/12/iphone-5-att-vs-verizon-vs-sprint-which-carrier-is-best/
Krystal Ayala
11:05 pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
I have an iphone4 from sprint I ordered a Bluetooth physical keyboard but didnt realize untill after I bought that is said for Verizon or AT&T can I still use it for my iPhone ?
Gilbert Juarez
6:22 am on Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Can I use a Nokia Lumia 920 on Verizon? Right now I got a Nokia Lumia 822 it got a sim card in it?