"unlocked" cell phones...

[Hyperlite]

I'm looking for a new phone. I'm with verizon...am i correct it thinking that only GSM phones, not CDMA verizon phones, can be deemed unlocked, or without a SIM card? could someone help me understand how this works?

 

[imported_Mike]

You are correct, GSM phones use the term "unlocked" meaning they are not locked to a particular company & said company's SIM card.

If you have Verizon, you must get a CDMA Verizon phone.

 

[MichaelD]

Not to hijack this thread...but I'm currently in an area that requires the use of a GSM phone (needs a SIM card). If I wanted to buy a phone that can be used here with a SIM card, but can be used in the United States with say, Sprint or Verizon, what type of phone would I need? Thanks.

 

[Hyperlite]

Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

 

[Hyperlite]

so that means no V3i or V3x for verizon customers, at least not for a while...

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

 

[Hyperlite]

Well, for anyone technically inclined, that would be where a decision would have to be made between cingular and vzw. so quad band phones can be used on either? i've seen them, but never looked into them. The sim card idea is excellent, but your right, it doesnt make much money.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

Actually, T-Mobile and Cingular use SIM based cell phones. In regards to your first question, I have never heard of a phone that is both GSM and CDMA capable.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

What are you talking about? Only Sprint/Nextel and Verizon are using CDMA/TDMA. Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile use GSM...

 

[Hyperlite]

yep

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Well, for anyone technically inclined, that would be where a decision would have to be made between cingular and vzw. so quad band phones can be used on either? i've seen them, but never looked into them. The sim card idea is excellent, but your right, it doesnt make much money.

A quad-band phone is a phone that can be used on 4 different GSM networks, aka overseas. None of those 4 networks belong to Sprint or Verizon b/c they don't use GSM networks.

 

[Hyperlite]

ah, i see. its the numbers right? like 800, 1000, etc...

 

[MichaelD]

OK, I'm learning stuff here. Told you I wasn't smart on the cell phone stuff.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

What are you talking about? Only Sprint/Nextel and Verizon are using CDMA/TDMA. Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile use GSM...

Uhh GSM is TDMA based so Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile still have TDMA networks, in particular Cingular and ATT. Sprint/Nextel and Verizon use CDMA which is code based. TDMA is time based just like GSM.

Originally posted by: Mike

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

Actually, T-Mobile and Cingular use SIM based cell phones. In regards to your first question, I have never heard of a phone that is both GSM and CDMA capable.

Yes there are phones that are GSM and CDMA compatible. A few are out in Korea but that's because they use CDMA networks as well. This is called a TRUE WORLD PHONE. While many people think quadband = world phone because you can use all GSM networks available, you still can't roam in CDMA.

Quadband refers to GSM typically, and it includes 850, 900, 1800, 1900. 850 is US-only, and IMO you can live without it if you live in major metropolitan cities. I have gone with foreign phones for the past 2 years and I have yet to run into any problems because of lack of 850 reception. If you use T-Mobile, realize that all t-mobile native coverage is in 1900. Cingular is the only one that deploys 850 networks, and even then you should be fine without 850 in major cities. I dounderstand that some suburban and rural areas in particular require 850, but yo uneed to do your own research.

And yes, unlocked = unbranded cell phone. Basically any cell that is sold direct from the manufacturer (not in a Cingular/Tmobile box) is unlocked. You can do some unlocking/debranding on your own also even if you do have a phone that comes from a carrier. My old Motorola V600 was T-Mobile branded but I got it unlocked so I could use it around the world. Quadband too. Pretty nice for a phone in its time, but yea..

 

[oogabooga]

The tough reality MichaelD is that CDMA != GSM. They are two different bands of technology (I think) - and even if technically i'm wrong, the fact is verizon + sprint/nextel = CDMA, cingular + t-mobile = GSM. Any t-mobile phone or cingular phone you buy won't work on verizon's network (verizon does carry some of the same models though).

A sim card is a card that stores your info/phone numbers/etc. If you've been on verizon it is highly unlikely that you've had one before. a Unlocked GSM phone can have a sim card inserted into it and used (pending some restrictions based on network). Basically - you can buy a phone (any unlocked phone) and use it, so that opens up a lot more options,etcetc.

multiband usually just means that they are multiple bands of the same network (CDMA 800,CDMA 1900) or whatever the numbers may be.

With verizon - I believe your best bet in getting a phone is just getting a verizon one. It's difficult to get a non VW-badged phone onto their network from what I understand.
I think lately with verizon - You HAVE to use one of their phones, or at least one that is GPS capable, unlocked, and a couple other conditions

Good hunting, I think i might get that new LG Chocolate phone when my contract is up in two weeks. Looks pretty sleek and positive reviews.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

What are you talking about? Only Sprint/Nextel and Verizon are using CDMA/TDMA. Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile use GSM...

Uhh GSM is TDMA based so Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile still have TDMA networks, in particular Cingular and ATT. Sprint/Nextel and Verizon use CDMA which is code based. TDMA is time based just like GSM.

Originally posted by: Mike

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

Actually, T-Mobile and Cingular use SIM based cell phones. In regards to your first question, I have never heard of a phone that is both GSM and CDMA capable.

Yes there are phones that are GSM and CDMA compatible. A few are out in Korea but that's because they use CDMA networks as well. This is called a TRUE WORLD PHONE. While many people think quadband = world phone because you can use all GSM networks available, you still can't roam in CDMA.

Quadband refers to GSM typically, and it includes 850, 900, 1800, 1900. 850 is US-only, and IMO you can live without it if you live in major metropolitan cities. I have gone with foreign phones for the past 2 years and I have yet to run into any problems because of lack of 850 reception. If you use T-Mobile, realize that all t-mobile native coverage is in 1900. Cingular is the only one that deploys 850 networks, and even then you should be fine without 850 in major cities. I dounderstand that some suburban and rural areas in particular require 850, but yo uneed to do your own research.

And yes, unlocked = unbranded cell phone. Basically any cell that is sold direct from the manufacturer (not in a Cingular/Tmobile box) is unlocked. You can do some unlocking/debranding on your own also even if you do have a phone that comes from a carrier. My old Motorola V600 was T-Mobile branded but I got it unlocked so I could use it around the world. Quadband too. Pretty nice for a phone in its time, but yea..

My apologies for adding TDMA. However, Cingular did have "GAIT" phones for awhile that were CDMA/GSM combined. You can still find them on Ebay.

I see no reason for having CDMA worldwide unless a specific country (like Korea) has it in relatively high use. How many US-based CDMA carriers even have great agreements for Worldwide usage? Verizon's Worldwide roaming seems to be extremely small when compared to GSM carriers. GSM is available to 2 billion people while CDMA is available to about 300 million. There's no point in having a phone with both. GSM is the clear winner for International roaming. The next step up is a satellite phone through Iridium or another company. Extremely expensive, but you'll have coverage in most spots.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Not to hijack this thread...but I'm currently in an area that requires the use of a GSM phone (needs a SIM card). If I wanted to buy a phone that can be used here with a SIM card, but can be used in the United States with say, Sprint or Verizon, what type of phone would I need? Thanks.

Impossible.

 

[JackRipper]

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

What are you talking about? Only Sprint/Nextel and Verizon are using CDMA/TDMA. Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile use GSM...

Uhh GSM is TDMA based so Cingular/ATT and T-Mobile still have TDMA networks, in particular Cingular and ATT. Sprint/Nextel and Verizon use CDMA which is code based. TDMA is time based just like GSM.

Originally posted by: Mike

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Thats exactly the problem MichaelD, GSM phones take SIM cards, but verizon phones are CDMA (no sim). I think sprint is CDMA as well?

Right. I know Sprint is CDMA...I had service with them for a long time. I have read that there are some phones (Quad band or something...I obviously am not smart on this stuff) that use a SIM, but also can be used on a CDMA network.

Until recently, I'd never used a SIM-cell phone before. Personally, I think it's a great idea and BETTER than the CDMA phones in the states. Your phone number, your address book, your pictures, everything is on the SIM. Take the card out, put it into another phone and it's instantly "your phone." What a great idea. And probably precisely why none of the carriers stateside do it; there's too much money to be made forcing you to buy another phone every time you change carriers. :roll:

Actually, T-Mobile and Cingular use SIM based cell phones. In regards to your first question, I have never heard of a phone that is both GSM and CDMA capable.

Yes there are phones that are GSM and CDMA compatible. A few are out in Korea but that's because they use CDMA networks as well. This is called a TRUE WORLD PHONE. While many people think quadband = world phone because you can use all GSM networks available, you still can't roam in CDMA.

Quadband refers to GSM typically, and it includes 850, 900, 1800, 1900. 850 is US-only, and IMO you can live without it if you live in major metropolitan cities. I have gone with foreign phones for the past 2 years and I have yet to run into any problems because of lack of 850 reception. If you use T-Mobile, realize that all t-mobile native coverage is in 1900. Cingular is the only one that deploys 850 networks, and even then you should be fine without 850 in major cities. I dounderstand that some suburban and rural areas in particular require 850, but yo uneed to do your own research.

And yes, unlocked = unbranded cell phone. Basically any cell that is sold direct from the manufacturer (not in a Cingular/Tmobile box) is unlocked. You can do some unlocking/debranding on your own also even if you do have a phone that comes from a carrier. My old Motorola V600 was T-Mobile branded but I got it unlocked so I could use it around the world. Quadband too. Pretty nice for a phone in its time, but yea..

Not to be a d1ck but there are some clarifications...

GSM is not TDMA based but rather both of them are AMPS based... (TDMA is an older system of course)...

A phone can be unlocked yet not debranded... debranded means you do not see the Tmobile/Cingular/Whatever brand loading logo,branded ringtones, wallpaper etc... basically a stock phone. Unlocking a phone does not make it stock.

GAIT phones are both GSM and CDMA but they are horrible...

Back to OP's original question...

Yes CDMA phones can be unlocked, however you do need to know the frequency of the phones u are unlocking (ie Sprint phones can not be unlockd and used on Verizon... however there are some foreign phones that can be unlocked and used on Verizon)...

IMO, GSM is the way to go... most of the world uses GSM, phones are cheaper and nicer...

for more info on unlocking/bands/networks etc... goto

http://www.gsmhosting.com/vbb/index.php

JR

 

[NaOH]

<===== Have been using unlocked phones forever. No contracts, no crippling, higher resale value after I'm done with the phone so I can purchase a new one.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Not to hijack this thread...but I'm currently in an area that requires the use of a GSM phone (needs a SIM card). If I wanted to buy a phone that can be used here with a SIM card, but can be used in the United States with say, Sprint or Verizon, what type of phone would I need? Thanks.

Impossible.

Text

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: kalster

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Not to hijack this thread...but I'm currently in an area that requires the use of a GSM phone (needs a SIM card). If I wanted to buy a phone that can be used here with a SIM card, but can be used in the United States with say, Sprint or Verizon, what type of phone would I need? Thanks.

Impossible.

Text

Impossible. That phone right there, is impossible.

 

[drinkmorejava]

Originally posted by: JackRipper

Not to be a d1ck but there are some clarifications...

GSM is not TDMA based but rather both of them are AMPS based... (TDMA is an older system of course)...

A phone can be unlocked yet not debranded... debranded means you do not see the Tmobile/Cingular/Whatever brand loading logo,branded ringtones, wallpaper etc... basically a stock phone. Unlocking a phone does not make it stock.

GAIT phones are both GSM and CDMA but they are horrible...

Back to OP's original question...

Yes CDMA phones can be unlocked, however you do need to know the frequency of the phones u are unlocking (ie Sprint phones can not be unlockd and used on Verizon... however there are some foreign phones that can be unlocked and used on Verizon)...

IMO, GSM is the way to go... most of the world uses GSM, phones are cheaper and nicer...

for more info on unlocking/bands/networks etc... goto

http://www.gsmhosting.com/vbb/index.php

JR

They can be unbranded, you just flash the firmware. In fact, if you have a good phone you more likely want a new firmware than be able to unlock it. Just about everyone but altel murders their phone features.

 

[JackRipper]

Originally posted by: drinkmorejava

Originally posted by: JackRipper

Not to be a d1ck but there are some clarifications...

GSM is not TDMA based but rather both of them are AMPS based... (TDMA is an older system of course)...

A phone can be unlocked yet not debranded... debranded means you do not see the Tmobile/Cingular/Whatever brand loading logo,branded ringtones, wallpaper etc... basically a stock phone. Unlocking a phone does not make it stock.

GAIT phones are both GSM and CDMA but they are horrible...

Back to OP's original question...

Yes CDMA phones can be unlocked, however you do need to know the frequency of the phones u are unlocking (ie Sprint phones can not be unlockd and used on Verizon... however there are some foreign phones that can be unlocked and used on Verizon)...

IMO, GSM is the way to go... most of the world uses GSM, phones are cheaper and nicer...

for more info on unlocking/bands/networks etc... goto

http://www.gsmhosting.com/vbb/index.php

JR

They can be unbranded, you just flash the firmware. In fact, if you have a good phone you more likely want a new firmware than be able to unlock it. Just about everyone but altel murders their phone features.

You didn't read my post carefully... I just said unlock does not mean debranded... (the post before mine stated that unlock = debrand)

Unlock = release locks set by service providers
Debrand = removing all carrier addon's making them a stock phone...


-JR