Are Sprint phones compatible with Verizon's network

[hytek369]

I am trying to determine if I can buy a Sprint phone to use on my Verizon plan.

 

[WackyDan]

NO

 

[hytek369]

What's the reason?

 

[ForumMaster]

Originally posted by: WackyDan
NO

yeah why? i thought Sprint was GSM but they also switched to CDMA like verizon. i know that T-Mobile and Cingular use GSM so they are compatible. why are verizon and Sprint phones incompatible?

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: hytek369
What's the reason?

It depends. Phones sold by a provider (in the US) are almost always "locked" and will only work on that network. Unlocked phones are more expensive, since you don't get the hefty rebates that the cell company throws in when you buy a new phone with a 1- or 2-year service contract.

Also, different companies use different network standards (GSM, CDMA, EVDO, etc.) A phone that only 'speaks' GSM cannot be used -- at all -- on a CDMA network, regardless of whether it is locked or not. Some phones are 'dual-mode' (usually CDMA/GSM) or 'tri-mode' (usually GSM/CDMA/EVDO) and can work on more networks. Generally phones which are sold both internationally and in the US are dual- or tri-mode, while US-only models are more likely to work only on a single network (and to be locked to one provider).

If you buy an unlocked phone that can be used on the network type that Verizon uses, it should work. However, you may not have access to some of the specific features of their network (like online services, etc.) if you do not have a specifically supported phone.

Brief research seems to show that Verizon is using CDMA, and EVDO for data transfer. Sprint appears to be using the same standards, so I would think any "sprint" phones should work on Verizon's network (again, only if unlocked, and maybe not for anything but normal phone service).

 

[hytek369]

Thanks Matthias. Your explanation makes sense.
Now I just need to find a hacker.

 

[Metron]

Or just buy an "unlocked" phone... somebody has an unlocked black RAZR for sale in FS/FT.

 

[hytek369]

I really want the Treo 700wx
I want to stay on Verizon, since my family is on it and my company is paying for it.