Switching Carriers

By Susan, 5 August, 2012

Forum
iOS and iPadOS
I am purchasing an IPhone 4 S that belongs to a friend of mine. If possible, I would like to switch carriers because I can get more value and a better data package. Will Sprint unlock a IPhone that was originally purchased through Verizon? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. Please understand that I don't feel qualified to undertake the process of jail breaking on my own. I am just beginning to learn my way around my IPod Touch.

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Comments

By MarkSarch on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 17:36

Hi Susan i am Sprint Costumer and I have knowlege of CDMA NetWork works very rigurous on each device, Sprint and Verizon Wireless offer service under CDMA right, vs AT&T and T/ Mobile under GSm The iPhone 4S works under both services CDMA and GSm.but the issue here is you could not activate between CDMA networks it sounds impossible, the only way that it works will be switching from Verizon to GSM NetWork or from sprint to GSM too. but will not work from GSM AT&T to CDMA include here Sprint and Verizon. you need to be carefull about it, and it is sounds very confiuse and just I hope this helps. you can call at 1 (00) Sprint1 . They cam answer all your questions. Goodluck Susan.

By Michael Hansen on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 17:36

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team
Hi Susan, First, I am no expert, so it would help to check with both Sprint and AT&T (a good strategy is to call a couple times to cross-check your information). From what I've read, AT&T will unlock a used iPhone...as long as the contract of the original account-holder has been completed. While I think AT&T would also unlock an iPhone whose contract was terminated and the account-holder paid the early termination fee, I am not sure about this. So, my best advice would be to ask before you buy, if you haven't already bought the phone.

By KE7ZUM on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 17:36

Yeah sprint and VZ are the only ones ou can switch to if your phone is CDMA. I hear sprint's network is not all that good but for 79 dollars for unlimited everything what can you expect. lol!

Helo Susan is Marco again.. I forgot mention something it is respect about the iPhone that you want to purchase, And to say before star very good observation Michael, I called this morning to Sprint and I did the quick question and they say not. But you should call again later. One point who I want to explain to you is the fallow, the CDMA carriers (Sprint and Verizon) they need to copy a seriel number from the device that allows activate each device under account, this seriel number on the iPhones are located on Settings / general / about / meid. With this meid number they already know all information tide a the device. If it has clean ESN (stolen, missed, replacement, etc) this seriel number allows know the model, manufacture, capacity and even the color. I would recommend to you wait until debut the iPhone 5 and you could get the previous models a very good price $50 or 100 less of actual price. So anyway call at the carriers before purchased this iPhone