“Can this phone work in other carriers like AT&T or even abroad? I'm currently using Verizon phones but I may start to use AT&T next year. Will this phone work there as well? And I'm also planning to go abroad so I'm wondering whether this phone could work on the local carriers there.”
Answer This Question
1-6 of 6 Answers
Verizon vs. AT&T Unfortunately, Verizon and AT&T phones and networks don't really like each other. Verizon uses a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network where each cell phone (or wireless device) is permitted access to their network individually. With CDMA you cannot move from the intended service provider to another with the same device. AT&T (as well as most of the rest of the world) on the other hand use GSM (Global System for Mobiles) networks. With GSM networks rather than authorizing a single phone to be used on the network they authorize a SIM card to be used. The SIM card can easily be taken out of one phone and put into another and that's all you have to do to change phones or with an unlocked phone, change networks (more on that later). Due to the different types of networks you cannot go from one to the other though. U.S. Phone vs. Overseas As I said above, AT&T and most other countries use GSM networks, where switching your SIM card can easily be done to change the phone you use or the network you're on. That would bee optimal if you plan on doing a lot of international travel, but there's a catch. You have to make sure you get an "unlocked" GSM cell phone, because most of the phones you buy in the U.S. are locked to a single carrier (see oligopoly) which prevents the owner of that phone from using it on any other network despite the fact that is how the technology was designed to work. This is mostly because carriers pay for most of the phone (typically around $800 for "top of the line") and require the buyer to pay a smaller portion and sign a 2 year contract. If you get an unlocked GSM phone you will pay significantly more for the phone, but you won't have a contract and you can switch from AT&T to Europe Mobile (I just assume that's the name of a company) with the switch of a SIM card and you will no longer be roaming internationally. You will have to use prepaid SIM cards for whatever country you're in at the time, so also keep that in mind. Then when you come back to America, replace your AT&T SIM card, re-enable your account (unless you want to pay for AT&T while you're gone and not using it) and continue using the same phone. NOTE: Right now Best Buy (online) has an unlocked AT&T S4 (refurbished) for $690. So you can get the same phone, but also if you're paying that much out of pocket I strongly recommend getting the Best Buy protection (it's the best insurance I've found) unless you're willing to pay the original cost again if something happens to your phone. Other tips and tricks Constantly using prepaid SIM cards can get expensive even if it is significantly cheaper than international roaming. If you have a good internet connection consider using Google Voice when you're at wherever you're staying so you can call any number in America for free from anywhere in the world, and calling a number in any other country is usually less than ¢3 per minute.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.These phone don't normally come unlocked for carriers which is what would allow you to bring from carrier to carrier, that being said their is a possibility you can have it unlocked for global purposes, I would call Vzw global department you can have a customer service rep transfer you, if there is a way to do it these guys will find a way. What I find with unlocking a carrier specific phone is that all of the phones technology's don't work cause of the dif frequencies like data will work but voice and text won't or the opposite. Unlocked phone will have the ability to use all frequencies and be able to be carried carrier to carrier. Hopes this helps and have a safe trip if you have not left yet:)
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.When going abroad notify your carrier before hand giving dates, the country you are visiting and add the international calling option to your account. Your can remove the international calling approx. 30 days after your return to the states. As long as you change the sim card for the correct carrier you should not have a problem.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Verizon phones are not compatible with AT&T towers. Therefore it will not work there as well however Carriers will usually buy your old devices from other carriers to aid in the initial setup costs. As for internationally you may be able to purchase a prepay sim card from Vodafone they are the European equivalent to Verizon. However Verizon may need to unlock that functionality.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.The short answer is no, Verizon and AT&T use different parts of the wireless spectrum for their phones. As far as international travel I was under the impression that the S4 Verizon phone will work internationally. One thing to research if you don't need your specific phone number is to see if there are compatible sim cards of the country you are going to that will work with this phone. It might be cheaper unless you need to be reached on your US number. In that case open up your wallet, because Verizon ain't cheap when you go abroad from what I remember.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I would like to thank you for considering Best Buy for your Mobile needs. Best Buy does not sell contract phones unlocked. We do, however, carry several brands of unlocked phones to choose from. Best Buy does not ship outside of the USA. Here is the link on our website for you: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Unlocked-Cell-Phones/All/pcmcat156400050037.c?id=pcmcat156400050037 Best Buy Mobile and Connectivity Specialist, Kraig
Top 10 Contributor
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.