Specifically, I'm going to Montreal for two weeks and I'm very ignorant on what networks are available for me to use, as well as the process to get my phone to be able to use their SIM cards. Anybody willing and able to provide me with the necessary info, it's much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from Galaxy S III on Verizon (Unlocked Bootloader)
Young War said:
Specifically, I'm going to Montreal for two weeks and I'm very ignorant on what networks are available for me to use, as well as the process to get my phone to be able to use their SIM cards. Anybody willing and able to provide me with the necessary info, it's much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from Galaxy S III on Verizon (Unlocked Bootloader)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would imagine you could call verizon and see if they can do something like temporarily add roaming onto your plan but i'm not sure if that would work or not. I believe you can add phone coverage for the time that you are there (not sure how much that costs) and im sure you can add data coverage as well (that probably costs more) but it would most likely require a call to verizon, personally i would go to a verizon store and talk to somebody there about it. But you'll probably want to just add phone coverage and just use wifi for data, but that depends on what you'll be doing there.
Now since i'm trying to plan a trip up there myself ill be watching this thread and seeing what happens
Edit: As of right now, the galaxy s3 isn't "unlocked" to work on global networks anyways, so unless verizon unlocks them within the next few days your probably out of luck.
http://businessportals.verizonwireless.com/international/Global_Phone/North_America/Canada.html
http://businessportals.verizonwireless.com/international/GlobalData/North_America/Canada.html
Not a bad idea to do it legitimately, but I was more so looking at possibilities with regards to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
I'm hoping that there's a cheaper method than adding international coverage to my current t plan.
Sent from Galaxy S III on Verizon (Unlocked Bootloader)
Young War said:
Not a bad idea to do it legitimately, but I was more so looking at possibilities with regards to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
I'm hoping that there's a cheaper method than adding international coverage to my current t plan.
Sent from Galaxy S III on Verizon (Unlocked Bootloader)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could work, i'm not sure whether it would work in canada. Most of canada uses CDMA anyways, you could definitely go that route. If it were me though, i'd just add the international on temporarily for the two weeks you'll be there. But it depends on why your going too. For me it would be personal and i wouldn't need data or voice anyways, i'd just use wifi for data and skype to call home and check in So unless you need the data and voice outside of wifi areas you could probably get away with not having it
Related
I have spent a few hours researching this issue and I am not sure it will work out, hoping I can get some guidance from someone more educated on the subject.
I currently travel back and forth between Kuwait and the United States on a regular basis. I really like the Samsung Galaxy SIII, so I am considering buying one at full price from Verizon. I have been using Verizon's service since 2009 and have never been late on a bill or anything. I would like to be able to buy a Samsung Galaxy SIII and unlock the SIM for use in Kuwait on a local carrier like Wataniya, Zane, Viva or any other local carrier in Kuwait as long as the phone will work. Of course 4G would be nice, but I can live without it if I am stuck using 3G while out of the states. I would prefer not to pay for a separate phone for both locations, as I do not want to use some crappy flip phone while I'm in Kuwait, but I do not want to pay for two expensive smart phones either.
The representative at the Verizon store told me I would have to go with an iPhone, but I do not like to give companies like Apple money and I certainly prefer Android over iOS.
Any help / guidance would be greatly appreciated.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
voodoomanx said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RAZR Maxx is the other phone I have been considering. Are you saying that I can do what I need to do with the RAZR Maxx without all the trouble this thread implies I am going to have to go through to get it working with the Samsung Galaxy SIII?
I don't suppose there is any chance that anyone on these forums has actually used a Verizon Android phone in Kuwait on a Kuwait provider before?
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if there are any Verizon Android phones I could just say pay cellunlocker to unlock and go?
So I did a little research on the providers available within Kuwait and this is what it looks like is available.
Wataniya
GSM: 900 and 1800 MHz
EDGE, GPRS and MMS
3G 1900/2100
Viva
We offer Dual Band radio frequencies on GSM 900/1800 MHz, and WCDMA 2100.
We also have broadband data services (HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS and MMS) service so you will be able to check emails, read news, watch content, send and receive MMS and more while you're on the move.
Zane
Dual band GSM 900/1800 handsets, but Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 preferred
Is it likely the Samsung Galaxy SIII or RAZR Maxx will work on any of these networks? Any chance of 4G or 3G?
Again I appreciate all the responses.
Any ideas? I would like to make sure if I pay full price for a Verizon Android phone and go through the trouble to unlock it that it will definitely work.
There is a dual sim adapter and app that you can use on the s3, if you search xda you will see what im talking about. I suggest that you post in that topic and see if there is any better info.
Good luck it looks like the s3 will work but i would get as much info as possible. And the dev edition might be an option. I don't know the price difference between it and Verizon version. But it might be worth seeing if one has different specs for the area you want to use it in. Good luck
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
Caldaga said:
I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to consider the Developer version now with the bootloader unlocked. (e.g. there isn't going to be anything the developer edition allows you to do that the regular retail version will not). With regard to which bands the Verizon S3 supports, in theory the MSM8960 chipset (Snapdragon S4) supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1700/1900/2199, CDMA 800/850/1900, and LTE 700/750/1700/1900. The thread linked earlier seems to offer some hope of getting it working, but such things are always going to be a little complicated.
thanx for the info guys
verizon global svc
Couple questions.
I travel overseas extensively. Mainly HK/China and EU countries.
I want to use my phone and it would be nice to not have to swap Sims as I then have to update my contact information to customers etc.
I have the unlimited plan and paid full retail for my phone.
I have rooted my phone and am running the stock debloated ROM.
Can Verizon support a modification to the phone that would allow usage on GSM networks?
Alternatively is there some sort of service available that will forward calls from my VZW phone number to a PPsim card?
Additionally, it unclear to me with these unlock processes, do I have to modify my phone upon return to the states and use of my native Sim card should I choose one of these options.
Makes no sense to me why Verizon would want to inhibit this feature on this phone. They could charge me exorbitant rates and get away with it just for the convienence of not having to screw with apn's swap Sims etc.
Thanks for the help
voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
FMinMI said:
I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
tsachi said:
The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha. Good point!
try this may be help u:laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2231544
Hi experts,
Here on xda-developers, I read, that if we get the Samsung Galaxy S3, with the Exynos Processors, the APNs can be modified and can be used as a World Phone.
That means, if we are in the US we can use Verizon 4G LTE Network.
If we go to Europe, we can use the local SIM Card and use the local 4G LTE even from a GSM or a CDMA provider.
Here are my questions.
1. Is this possible? Is the information true?
Here is the link for that.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/port-us-galaxy-s-iii-roms-to-other-variants/
If this is possible, can the same be applied to the Snap Dragon Processors?
Swapping the Samsung Galaxy S3 between different carriers, Is this possible?
From Verizon to use it with AT&T and vice versa?
2. There is also a thread which shows that, the Galaxy S3 can now be booted from a SD Card.
Here is the link for that.
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...ader-released-for-galaxy-s-iii-galaxy-camera/
If that is possible, can the Bricked G3 Phones from Verizon or AT&T can be reused?
Thanks a lot for the answers and sharing of Your wisdom on this.
Peace,
A J.
I'm travelling to Canada next week and am buying a $10 micro SIM card and a $20 prepaid plan from Rogers Wireless.
One of the Verizon Global support team people I spoke to on the phone said that the S3 will work the way you want as long as it has the latest stock JB OTA update. (That's the 4.1.1 / VRBLK3 update for anyone reading this in the future). Most importantly, the patch unlocks the phone to use on foreign carriers, so I was told I was already good to go without any added steps on Verizon's part or mine.
Of course, I'm running a rooted version of VRBLK3. Don't know if that affects global capability, but I'll let you know if this works for me or not in British Columbia.
i dont know if you will get full capabilities in terms of data signal but i know i can get call the text to work. depends on what frequencies the phone has or allows you to have.
look here for some related info.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
Sent from my SGS3 using Tapatalk 2
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
elzapato said:
I'm travelling to Canada next week and am buying a $10 micro SIM card and a $20 prepaid plan from Rogers Wireless.
One of the Verizon Global support team people I spoke to on the phone said that the S3 will work the way you want as long as it has the latest stock JB OTA update. (That's the 4.1.1 / VRBLK3 update for anyone reading this in the future). Most importantly, the patch unlocks the phone to use on foreign carriers, so I was told I was already good to go without any added steps on Verizon's part or mine.
Of course, I'm running a rooted version of VRBLK3. Don't know if that affects global capability, but I'll let you know if this works for me or not in British Columbia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reporting back - I was able to get voice service in Canada with a Rogers Wireless SIM, but no data. The pohne couldn't register an APN - couldn't manually enter any information into it either.
So there you go.
how is the 4g service in Canada?
elzapato said:
Reporting back - I was able to get voice service in Canada with a Rogers Wireless SIM, but no data. The pohne couldn't register an APN - couldn't manually enter any information into it either.
So there you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You needed to download "APN Manager Pro" to edit your APN's as per the Global roaming thread in the dev section. You would have had data to some extent had you done this.
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
No ROM has that it is an entirely different procedure involving unlocked sim cards.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Kenof said:
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
mapatton82 said:
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Kenof said:
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
landshark68 said:
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh theres always a way ..
Correct me if I'm wrong.
But.
The Verizon galaxy s3 uses a CDMA antenna.
So if you were to unlock it. You could use on CDMA carries.( Verizon Wireless, Sprint, MetroPCS, Cricket, and U.S. Cellular)
However. If you can get your phone to FULLY work on GSM (T-MOBILE or at&t)
You should make a thread about it and I'm sure you will get tons of donations.
There is already something for T-Mobile. But I heard it has limited success.
Sent from team liquid smooth.
Vice Versa
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Psychotacon said:
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look up, you'll see how you can use the VZW GSIII on TMO. I think the primary issue would be that you only get Edge data when using the VZW GSIII on TMO.
For pricing, TMO is better plus you can stop worrying about third party hacks to use a phone on another carrier since top unlocked GSM phones can be imported.
Hey all,
I'm really new to this community and rooting in general and I just have a question regarding rooting between carriers. I've never really had to root my phone till my new HTC one (m8) blocked my tethering app =(.
Anyways the question is whether or not rooting my HTC one on a verizon network would be the same as rooting it on a t-mobile network. My plan was to upgrade 2 year contract via verizon and then have t-mobile buy out my contract so I can still get unlimited data (verizon takes away the unlimited plan once you upgrade and my phone is now ancient.) Since all the new 4g verizon phones come unlocked, I am free to switch over to t-mobile. The problem is I don't know anything about rooting, and while I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, I did see different sub forums for the same phone but different network. Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?
Sorry for the rant and thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
LatrommiSumac said:
Hey all,
I'm really new to this community and rooting in general and I just have a question regarding rooting between carriers. I've never really had to root my phone till my new HTC one (m8) blocked my tethering app =(.
Anyways the question is whether or not rooting my HTC one on a verizon network would be the same as rooting it on a t-mobile network. My plan was to upgrade 2 year contract via verizon and then have t-mobile buy out my contract so I can still get unlimited data (verizon takes away the unlimited plan once you upgrade and my phone is now ancient.) Since all the new 4g verizon phones come unlocked, I am free to switch over to t-mobile. The problem is I don't know anything about rooting, and while I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, I did see different sub forums for the same phone but different network. Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?
Sorry for the rant and thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, welcome to xda.
Why upgrade on Vzw and then jump over to TMo? Sounds like you have no contract obligation with Vzw right now. From the TMo ads I've seen on tv, you won't be able to keep any new Vzw phone when you go to TMo (TMo gets it). So I don't understand what you're trying to achieve.
You said "... I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, ...". Yes and no. The M8's on different carriers are NOT all the same. There are carrier-specific differences. The M8 for instance - bootloader is locked for Vzw phones and others such as TMo. But with TMo you could go to HTC Dev and get the bin code to unlock the bootloader; not possible with Vzw M8 (but a root exploit makes that point moot).
I'm not entirely sure what you want to do, but I think the answer to "Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?" is yes.
Hope that helps.
Thanks!
dm5530 said:
First off, welcome to xda.
Why upgrade on Vzw and then jump over to TMo? Sounds like you have no contract obligation with Vzw right now. From the TMo ads I've seen on tv, you won't be able to keep any new Vzw phone when you go to TMo (TMo gets it). So I don't understand what you're trying to achieve.
You said "... I'm fairly certain networks have nothing to do with rooting a phone, ...". Yes and no. The M8's on different carriers are NOT all the same. There are carrier-specific differences. The M8 for instance - bootloader is locked for Vzw phones and others such as TMo. But with TMo you could go to HTC Dev and get the bin code to unlock the bootloader; not possible with Vzw M8 (but a root exploit makes that point moot).
I'm not entirely sure what you want to do, but I think the answer to "Should I wait till I've hopped over to t-mobile before attempting to root my phone?" is yes.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the response and welcome =). The reason I don't want to switch directly over to TMo right now is because I broke my galaxy S4 a month back and I have no smart phone to use. My plan was to use the Vzw upgrade to get a new phone since TMo is willing to buy out contracts to get new customers. I mostly wanted to know if it was possible to use my Vzw M8 on the TMo network via rooting. I read about the CDMA vs GSM network problems and was wondering if there was a fix around that. As for TMo getting my phone, they only require you trade in and buy a phone for contract buyouts, but I can do that with cheap phones (trade in my htc tbolt for 50 bucks and buy a flipphone.) Thanks again for your response, can use all the help I can get =)
LatrommiSumac said:
Hi,
Thanks for the response and welcome =). The reason I don't want to switch directly over to TMo right now is because I broke my galaxy S4 a month back and I have no smart phone to use. My plan was to use the Vzw upgrade to get a new phone since TMo is willing to buy out contracts to get new customers. I mostly wanted to know if it was possible to use my Vzw M8 on the TMo network via rooting. I read about the CDMA vs GSM network problems and was wondering if there was a fix around that. As for TMo getting my phone, they only require you trade in and buy a phone for contract buyouts, but I can do that with cheap phones (trade in my htc tbolt for 50 bucks and buy a flipphone.) Thanks again for your response, can use all the help I can get =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your situation better now.
If TMo doesn't force you to turn in the M8, then I think you could find a way to use the Vzn M8 on TMo. If you do this, you'll be looking in the Vzn thread for many things since that is the version of the phone you bought. Not sure if you could use ROMs, etc from the TMo M8 thread (don't think so); I'd be cautious about doing that. Think of yourself as using a Vzn M8 in a foreign (TMo) country.
From what I found here, (in particular, I'm talking about this post) you won't be able to get LTE service and you'll have to find out how to set up the phone so there might be some challenges, too.
Just another caution - don't know if Vzn has a minimum time after start of contract where the ETF situation is even more costly than say 6 months to a year down the road. Wouldn't want to start the ball rolling then find out there are some other fees that TMo won't pay.
Good luck.
Cheers!
dm5530 said:
I understand your situation better now.
If TMo doesn't force you to turn in the M8, then I think you could find a way to use the Vzn M8 on TMo. If you do this, you'll be looking in the Vzn thread for many things since that is the version of the phone you bought. Not sure if you could use ROMs, etc from the TMo M8 thread (don't think so); I'd be cautious about doing that. Think of yourself as using a Vzn M8 in a foreign (TMo) country.
From what I found here, (in particular, I'm talking about this post) you won't be able to get LTE service and you'll have to find out how to set up the phone so there might be some challenges, too.
Just another caution - don't know if Vzn has a minimum time after start of contract where the ETF situation is even more costly than say 6 months to a year down the road. Wouldn't want to start the ball rolling then find out there are some other fees that TMo won't pay.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for all the help! Vzw has a max 350 contract cancellation fee and TMo offers up to 350 per line so I should be fine. My main worry was indeed about the switch from CDMA to GSM network and having trouble with LTE =/. I think I might just sell the phone on Swappa and buy a TMo version if the fixes don't work. Thanks for the links, they're very helpful, and I really appreciate the help overall.
Simple right? I have a factory Verizon Samsung galaxy S5 now I have T-Mobile service, can't I just wipe the Verizon software and replace it with the T-mobile software? ..... but I just don't know how and of course T-mobile isn't going to help me they want me to buy a phone, but the super nice lady tech was smitten that another lady was talking "geek" to her so she sent me to the experts. YOU!! Point me in the right direction or something I can figure out the rest. I don't worry about make-up before I leave me house I spend time on making sure my brain can carry me through, so help me work out my greatest asset by handing over some more knowledge. If you have any questions about auto mechanics I could answer those in return.
AZConfusion said:
Simple right? I have a factory Verizon Samsung galaxy S5 now I have T-Mobile service, can't I just wipe the Verizon software and replace it with the T-mobile software? ..... but I just don't know how and of course T-mobile isn't going to help me they want me to buy a phone, but the super nice lady tech was smitten that another lady was talking "geek" to her so she sent me to the experts. YOU!! Point me in the right direction or something I can figure out the rest. I don't worry about make-up before I leave me house I spend time on making sure my brain can carry me through, so help me work out my greatest asset by handing over some more knowledge. If you have any questions about auto mechanics I could answer those in return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon S5's bootloader is locked. If you don't know what that means, it means non-official software/firmware/OS/etc cannot be flashed to the device. Even if the bootloader wasn't locked, the phones (afaik) are physically different (modems/radios/etc) to work on different network technologies.
I know some Verizon phones will work on T-Mobile's (and AT&T's network) simply by popping in the proper SIM. From a quick google search, it seems that the Galaxy S5 is one of them. You just have to change the APN settings or you won't get texts. Follow the directions here (they're for the Note 3, but it's the same process). If there's an update from Verizon, you might have to pop in a Verizon SIM card (and download it off of wi-fi obviously). The SIM doesn't need to be active (use your old one), the phone just has to recognize a Verizon SIM. LTE will work (with the proper APN) because Verizon and T-Mobile both use band 4.
Apart from the T-Mobile account app, there's really nothing about the T-Mobile version that you'd really care about. Different company, different useless bloatware. And as long as there's a T-Mobile SIM, you can still download the account app. If you just don't want anything "Verizon" about it, just google up a guide on what bloatware to disable and how to do it.
FYI, if you're in/around Tucson or Phoenix, supposedly this year we're finally going to get band 12. It's a 700MHz band (like Verizon's band 13), which, being a lower frequency travels further and penetrates buildings better. The Galaxy S5 does not support band 12 - it's not new enough. So if you're boiling your butt off in saguaro country like me, it might behoove you to get a newer phone. The reason we're waiting on band 12 is that there's a UHF TV station in Phoenix that conflicts with that frequency (and the broadcast radius clips the northern Tucson suburbs), but I guess the TV station is going to switch (probably with financial motivation from T-Mo).
If you're not in Tucson or Phoenix (I can't speak for Flagstaff), but in a more rural area, or just where there's poor LTE coverage, it still might behoove you to get a different phone rather than use your Verizon one. The problem is that it doesn't support T-Mobiles better/faster GSM bands, so you would get slower data speeds if not on LTE, even in an area with good HSPA+ or EDGE coverage.
Of course, the other option is simply to buy a T-Mobile phone (like a used S5 off of Swappa) then sell the Verizon one. Or find someone to trade with. An AT&T one would work as well as long as it's carrier unlocked (but not Sprint).
I don't have a car.
Planterz said:
The Verizon S5's bootloader is locked. If you don't know what that means, it means non-official software/firmware/OS/etc cannot be flashed to the device. Even if the bootloader wasn't locked, the phones (afaik) are physically different (modems/radios/etc) to work on different network technologies.
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Just saying, VZW s5 bootloader has been unlocked lately!
Won't make a difference for this user anyways....
Newyork! said:
Just saying, VZW s5 bootloader has been unlocked lately!
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No kidding?
Planterz said:
No kidding?
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There's already 201 pages on the unlocking thread!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909