Verizon S3 convert to GSM and foreign SIM? - Galaxy S III General

I'm going on a trip in two weeks. What's the easiest way to use a foreign SIM in a rooted Verizon S3 and back to Verizon?

You're in the wrong forum man.
Go here for the verizon S3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1712

The Verizon variants have a CDMA antenna and not a GSM antenna, so its not possible.
EDIT: The country you're visiting must have CDMA-variant verizon partners to roam, I highly doubt they will as CDMA is not widely supported unless your in the USA or China.

TheCraig said:
The Verizon variants have a CDMA antenna and not a GSM antenna, so its not possible.
EDIT: The country you're visiting must have CDMA-variant verizon partners to roam, I highly doubt they will as CDMA is not widely supported unless your in the USA or China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news!
The good news is that owners of the Samsung Galaxy S3 through Verizon now have global roaming capabilities. The bad news is that Verizon apparently believes the "sometime after launch" promise it made equals a half-year wait.
Last June, when the Galaxy S3 was about to launch, I wrote about how Verizon promised it would allow for global roaming and using any SIM card, not just one locked to a Verizon calling plan.
source:Cnet:'After launch' update for Verizon Galaxy S3 took six months

Related

[Official] US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S III Info/Pre-Order/Chat Thread

[Official] US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S III Info/Pre-Order/Chat Thread
This thread is for all users on US Celluar.
Please post here if you are going to get it/sell your phone to purchase it?
It seems to be on the website now. Pre order starts June 12 online
Website Link: Email Signup: http://social.uscellular.com/
Online Order: http://www.uscellular.com/uscellula...ge+Hero+Slide+1-_-USCC+Home+Page+Hero+Slide+1
I will be getting it when it is released, sounds like some time in July. I hope US cellular uses similiar software as the other carriers. I have the s2 and is rooted, but not much else is compatible so hopefully the s3 will have more options once rooted as the other carriers. US cellular is the only carrier in my area with 4g service, so that is why I am staying with us cellular, why pay for a 4g phone if you cant utilize 4g I figure
US Cellular Pricing
Samsung Galaxy S® III - Blue 16GB $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate
Samsung Galaxy S® III - White 16GB $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate
Samsung Galaxy S® III - White 32GB $249.99 after $100 mail-in rebate
WEB-ONLY PRE-ORDER:
Pre-order the Samsung GALAXY S® III online today. This device is scheduled to ship approximately 4-6 weeks from pre-sale start date (June 12, 2012). Customer's credit card will be charged within 72 hours of customer placing the order. Completed mail-in rebate forms for Samsung GALAXY S® III pre-order customers will be honored if received by U.S. Cellular® prior to December 18, 2012.
Does that mean that only the pre-order customer will get the rebate? Six weeks from today means the phone should be shipping by July 24
ROM info
GGerk said:
I will be getting it when it is released, sounds like some time in July. I hope US cellular uses similiar software as the other carriers. I have the s2 and is rooted, but not much else is compatible so hopefully the s3 will have more options once rooted as the other carriers. US cellular is the only carrier in my area with 4g service, so that is why I am staying with us cellular, why pay for a 4g phone if you cant utilize 4g I figure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have researched the various carriers and offerings for a yr or so anticipating a new phone upgrade myself. US Cellualar uses CDMA technology for the service which is the lesser used of the 2 in the USA. The other is GSM, which constitutes 70% of the market here. I currently have a I Wireless Galaxy Vibrant S which is a partner of T-Mobile. This is GSM based and has had quite an extensive ROM development on xda. I have checked the CDMA US Cellular models on xda and have found none. I checked other CDMA phones and found some Sprint and Verizon phones. Their coverage lacks in my area. Do not hope for development on xda on a US Cellualar version of the SIII. I hope I'm wrong. Although, due to coverage issues, I may still be getting the US Cellualar SIII. My second choise is AT & T which also is a GSM carrier, but coverage in my 2 areas of need is worse than US cellualar. Good luck.
dbethards said:
I have researched the various carriers and offerings for a yr or so anticipating a new phone upgrade myself. US Cellualar uses GSM technology for the service which is the lesser used of the 2 in the USA. The other is CDMA, which constitutes 70% of the market here. I currently have a I Wireless Galaxy Vibrant S which is a partner of T-Mobile. This is CDMA based and has had quite an extensive ROM development on xda. I have checked the GSM US Cellular models on xda and have found none. I checked other GSM phones and found very few here. The market share is so small that there is little development on GSM phones save some Sprint phones (Sprint also uses GSM). Therefore, do not hope for development on xda on a US Cellualar version of the SIII. I hope I'm wrong. Due to coverage issues, I may be getting the US Cellualar SIII. My second choise is AT & T which also is a CDMA carrier, but coverage in my 2 areas of need is worse than US cellualar. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that US Cellular is GSM? They are a CDMA carrier, I believe you have facts incorrect
dhonzik said:
Are you sure that US Cellular is GSM? They are a CDMA carrier, I believe you have facts incorrect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reverse all my comments concerning GSM and CDMA in the quoted text. I got mixed up. I edited the original post. Thanks dzonzik.
Here's the carriers and their technology types:
CDMA: Alltel, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Verizon
GSM: AT&T, T-Mobile
iDEN: Nextel
But, xda has not been a ROM developer for US Cellular phones. Some Verizon and Sprint though.
dbethards said:
Reverse all my comments concerning GSM and CDMA in the quoted text. I got mixed up. I edited the original post. Thanks dzonzik.
Here's the carriers and their technology types:
CDMA: Alltel, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Verizon
GSM: AT&T, T-Mobile
iDEN: Nextel
But, xda has not been a ROM developer for US Cellular phones. Some Verizon and Sprint though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best place to look for android development besides here is:
http://www.rootzwiki.com
You could also check out www.teamuscellular.com.
Talked with a US Cellular store Rep and she related it should be coming out around 9 July

Is Verizon S5 unlocked? Can it be used on T-Mobile?

Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
It is GSM/LTE unlocked (as are all Verizon LTE devices), but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have T-Mobile's LTE bands (or at the very least it doesn't have all of their bands).
From what I have been reading, on a Verizon phone, calls and data using GSM and WCDMA bands would work. But LTE bands are Verizon specific hence would not work.
Tl; Dr Voice /data using GSM/WCDMA. No LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 AM ----------
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean, once unlocked, T-Mobile and AT&T versions would work on each other's networks including LTE?
I also noticed that with S5, there aren't GSM carrier specific versions. Meaning they are going IPhone route with making all GSM phones enabled that for that country's LTE bands. Is that right reading?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
it is unlocked
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't locked.
Sent from my SM-G900T
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Teo032 said:
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Teo032 said:
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks.
It is odd that the apple phones -- and some of the Android phones -- are totally unlocked so that you can use them on ATT/TMobile in the US -- but some (like the S5, apparently) are not. I still am interested to know how some of the other users in this thread got their S5s working on TMobile...
Why would anyone want to buy a Verizon GS5 and use it on T-Mobile? The bootloader is locked and there is currently no unlock method available.
Would you like to exchange?
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
sy3dal29 said:
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check out Swappa. There may be some people that are interested.
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm the Verizon GS5 is compatible with T-Mobiles LTE network I'm using one now with LTE all you have to do is go to settings mobile network and switch to Global mode some times you'll have to toggle LTE then back to global to get LTE to kick in.
I am able to successfully use my VZ Galaxy Note 3 and my wife uses her VZ Galaxy S5, both devices on T-mobile Edge, HSPA, HSPA+ (21mbps), and LTE (band 4) frequencies. These devices unfortunately will not do DC-HSPA+ (42mbps), but that's not a big deal for us because LTE coverage is good where we live. We have no issues with making voice calls, or sending SMS/MMS, and don't have to switch APN's or toggle between Global Mode or GSM/UMTS mode. We leave them on Global Mode with the correct APN settings.
Here's the guide I followed for both (with correct APN settings screenshots to accommodate for MMS on page 4 or 5 i believe):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747
..
How
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the Verizon S5? BTW theres a bounty on doing so.
..
This is all new info to me. I have an AT&T galaxy S5 that I want to use on Verizon. Is it possible or do I need to trade for a Verizon-specific model?

[Q] Switching Carriers & Unlocking Download Booster

i am currently on Sprint and have had it with their service. I live near Chicago, supposedly one of Sprint's maiden Spark cities, and their speeds have either stayed the same or have been worse than in the past. Because I just bought my phone under contract and other reasons, I am looking to jump to T-Mobile.
One thing I am considering is whether or not I should keep my current S5 or trade it into T-Mobile and get a new S5 from them. I know T-Mobile has the Download Booster feature unlocked on their handsets, but I am not sure if this is something deleted from Sprint's handsets before they sold them, or if the device is locked by the SIM or any other reason.
Has anyone else had an experience making this switch? I am curious what others have experienced.
u can not use Sprint S5 on T-Mobile anyway, time for new S5 if u made that switch.
koolboyztn said:
u can not use Sprint S5 on T-Mobile anyway, time for new S5 if u made that switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, that is true. The S5 actually uses a SIM card and can be used on a GSM carrier.
lookup Sprint S5 (CDMA) and T-Mobile S5 (GSM) then u will know what is the different.
koolboyztn said:
lookup Sprint S5 (CDMA) and T-Mobile S5 (GSM) then u will know what is the different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fully aware the difference between Sprint's CDMA network and T-Mobile's GSM network. If you look at Sprint's S5 specs, it still has a GSM antenna. Here's my reference.

What network can the old Cricket Samsung Galaxy S4 (SCH-R970C) CDMA be used on?

Hi - I wanted to switch to Cricket so I purchased an S4 from Craigslist (beautiful phone & perfect condition) and took it to the Cricket store to activate it. I was told it was one of the old CDMA phones and they can no longer activate them. This wasn't really the story I got when I called Cricket Customer Service and gave them the IMEI, but that's neither here nor there.
QUESTION: What network can the old Cricket Samsung Galaxy S4 (SCH-R970C) CDMA be used on?
The specs on the Samsung site shows it supports the following Frequencies and Data Type LTE: Bands 2/4/25; CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev.A: 800/AWS/1900MHz.
P.S. Searched the forums quite extensively, but to my surprise, I couldn't find much on this. I'm sure there are a lot of these Cricket phones out there though. What has everyone else done with theirs?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4
Here you can see what different frequencies are used in the different models. That way you can crossreference.
Based upon the frequencies, it appears it could be activated on Sprint or Verizon, assuming either company has a means of allowing out of network phones on their network. High speed data won't be happening with this S4. Sprint Spark doesn't use LTE, and Verizon blocks LTE on phones that aren't Verizon branded.
For anyone else looking in the future: I also found a carrier ting.com that appears to show 4G could be used.
Ting is a Sprint MVNO, which means it uses Sprint Spark for its high-speed data. Earlier this year they started offering GSM coverage, and that coverage apparently is through T-Mobile. HSPA+ should be doable through Ting, just as it should be doable on all MVNOs. LTE is unlikely.
using mine on verizon with gusto 3 donor phone

Sprint best GS 7 to buy for most carrier support?

I am leaving post paid service and going pre paid.
I since majority if prepaid US carriers are Sprint, T-Mobile and some AT&T. I want a GS 7 that will support all three carriers with as much bands possible.
Any suggestions or does the Sprint version support (once unlocked) support AT&T and T-Mobile.
Technically, any GSM unlocked phone would work on any GSM network, but that wasn't your question.
I ordered the sprint version to use with cricket (at&t network). What I read, the sprint version will support AT&T better than tmobile. In the end, once rooted, you could add in the band's not supported by default.
Music to my ears!
Will have to get the Sprint version and hope for the best.
S7E's sprint version can't turn off shutter camera. But im still happy with the 50%off promo
Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
bdsullivan said:
Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet. I have the nexus 6 now and considering getting one for the SD card access alone. Is there a noticeable difference in data speeds with the LTE advanced, does it offer data and voice at the same time?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
TehPirate_ said:
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just seems that way, or it's because it has a better antenna in general. LTE Plus doesn't get you a stronger signal. The beamforming that helps at the cell edge is a tower-side enhancement. As long as your phone supports band 41, you're able to take advantage of LTE Plus - just not the Carrier Aggregation component.
I am very eager to see what happens in this regard as well. Sprint is notorious about locking down their phones to include very few LTE modes so that the phone is truly only for Sprint. Samsung's CDMA version of the Galaxy phones have been crippled in this way all the way up to the S6.
You can see various phones like the S4, S6, LG G4 and the S7. The S7 CMDA variant does not appear on this comparison chart yet but I'm hoping that it won't need to.
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/compare.php?p=4066,4769,4773,5081,4928
The last phone in that comparison is the iPhone 6s Plus, which is the same no matter which carrier you use worldwide. I really, really hope Samsung does the same thing.
The only other phones with lots of LTE bands like the iPhone on Sprint is the Nexus 5s/6p and Moto X Pure.
PLEASE let LG and Samsung include all the default LTE modes by default on the CDMA versions of their phones!
Edit: nope, Sprint made Samsung get rid of the most important worldwide LTE band, 7, along with 13 and 20. LAME.
More info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65825260&postcount=14
I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands
YankyA said:
I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today's news concludes that all US (Qualcomm) variants of the S7 indeed have a locked bootloader except for a select few apparently. Verizon and AT&T lock the bootloader tighter than others, such as Sprint. Sprint and T-Mobile didn't lock the bootloader themselves but rather Samsung. Samsung locked the bootloader to better add security to their consumers and there's been hints they may release an unlock kit/tool for developers but this hasn't been confirmed.
I got Sprint to unlock my G930P and works perfectly with AT&T. The S7, at a hardware level, is the same phone for all US variants where the only thing that changes is the software. Meaning a Sprint phone on the Verizon network would essentially have the same network performance as if you were to use an actual Verizon variant. Once the device is unlocked, at least for me, it knew my sim was on the AT&T network and switched the bands to AT&T on reboot.
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)
TehPirate_ said:
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM will work as expected.
LTE, however, will be crippled depending on the country you go to.
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
According to that list, Sprint purposely took out three very important LTE bands: 7/13/20. Why does that matter? Because much of the world uses these three bands, especially band 7 and especially Europe! Sprint purposely crippled the LTE radio modes for this phone and I cannot understand why.
So yes, you'll probably get normal GSM and some LTE if they offer one of the other bands but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.
Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
asuh said:
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gigadigit said:
Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The splash screen says LTE Plus, not LTE Advanced. LTE Plus is simply the new branding for Sprint SPARK. Was that the OPs question?
LTE Plus is not Sprint Spark , its more in depth. Carrier aggregation by antenna beam forming.
For those interested, Sprint is releasing an unlocked S7 that works on all the carriers and has a full range of US LTE bands:
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=17870

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