[Q] Buying European phone to work on Verizon plan? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Hello,
I am looking into purchasing a Galaxy S3, full retail price, in order to preserve my unlimited plan with Verizon. I have a contact in Germany, employed at T-Mobile, who can get me the SIII GT-I9300 at an employee discount. I am on board to get it, however I am concerned about whether Verizon will let me activate and use this phone in the US or not. My German contact talked to a service clerk who said it will work in the US, however I'm not so sure about the legality of it and whatever tricks Verizon might have up their sleeves.
Also, I read something about it being a "GSM" phone and not working on Verizon because it uses "CDMA." Is this true? Does that mean this option is totally out??
Sorry if I sound like a newbie about this! I don't know much about the smartphone world.
Thanks

Don't think the -I9300 will work on Verizon different insides
Edit- I called big red for you. they said no it won't work on Their network.
stripped apart rebuilt with Clean Rom&XdaTechnology!!!

Hulk0069 said:
Don't think the -I9300 will work on Verizon different insides
Edit- I called big red for you. they said no it won't work on Their network.
stripped apart rebuilt with Clean Rom&XdaTechnology!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely correct because of this...
skaista said:
Also, I read something about it being a "GSM" phone and not working on Verizon because it uses "CDMA." Is this true? Does that mean this option is totally out??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would work only for T mobile or AT&T.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Absolutely correct because of this...
It would work only for T mobile or AT&T.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only options are:
1) Buying/giving up my unlimited data for a verizon sIII, which is inferior to the international version
2) Waiting until Verizon comes out with something better at a reasonable price (haha)
3) Buying the phone from my friend, who wont be able to get me the deal for very much longer because he's switching companies in a couple months. Then start up with T-Mobile USA and dump Verizon.
Does anyone have any experience switching to T-Mobile? Any suggestions? Might I have another option in this whole mess?

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When I was in Germany I visited the electronic store to get a vodafone sim card for my (American) Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3. I was able to use text and make and receive phone calls but no data. The problem lies in Verizon software which does not allow adding an APN. All of the European Samsung Galaxy S3's are already unlocked. You may want to have your friend verify. I rooted, unlocked and flashed a rom that now allows me to add APN and my German Vodafone sim card now works.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Related

[Q] sold tp2 uscc to verizon guy

Hi I sold an unlocked xpress rom tp2 to a guy who had verizon.. he said verizon would not activate it at the verizon place.. i thought it would work??
well **** he did ebay dispute and it took the money out of my paypal acct! talked to him on the phone and he is sending phone back tomorrow.. learned something today ;/
Of course the company isn't going to support a custom ROM. I would have sked for my money back too. You should have returned it to stock conditions before selling it.
cajunflavoredbob said:
Of course the company isn't going to support a custom ROM. I would have sked for my money back too. You should have returned it to stock conditions before selling it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
custom rom wont affect activation, the fact that it was a uscc phone caused the problem, next time only say it will work on uscc unless it has a bad esn
Diamond_dawg said:
custom rom wont affect activation, the fact that it was a uscc phone caused the problem, next time only say it will work on uscc unless it has a bad esn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a branded phone doesn't make a difference so long as you are going from GSM to GSM or CDMA to CDMA. Verizon and USC both are CDMA. Several people on these forums have done the same thing.
He said the other guy took his phone into a Verizon store. If they see you aren't running the stock ROM, they will refuse to activate it. I used to do the same thing when I worked for T-Mobile. We could take someone with an AT&T phone and port their number, but if we found out they used a custom ROM, then they would have to get a new device.
Custom ROMs are never, ever supported by carriers. I'm not saying that this is definitely the problem, but it is very likely.
cajunflavoredbob said:
Using a branded phone doesn't make a difference so long as you are going from GSM to GSM or CDMA to CDMA. Verizon and USC both are CDMA. Several people on these forums have done the same thing.
He said the other guy took his phone into a Verizon store. If they see you aren't running the stock ROM, they will refuse to activate it. I used to do the same thing when I worked for T-Mobile. We could take someone with an AT&T phone and port their number, but if we found out they used a custom ROM, then they would have to get a new device.
Custom ROMs are never, ever supported by carriers. I'm not saying that this is definitely the problem, but it is very likely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to Learn a bit more on CDMA. Just cause a phone is unlocked won't mean it can be used on other carriers. Verizon has to add the esn to their database after Whiich he can have a Verizon line added to it. So it's not the same as gsm
Yeah guy took it to verizon and they actually tried working with him but no luck with activation over the phone..they didn't care that it was uscc supposedly... Thanks for the help.. To bad these a hole carriers won't do WHAT THEIR TOLD! AH HA.. Thanks for info
Sent from my HTC DESIRE using XDA App
tp2me said:
Yeah guy took it to verizon and they actually tried working with him but no luck with activation over the phone..they didn't care that it was uscc supposedly... Thanks for the help.. To bad these a hole carriers won't do WHAT THEIR TOLD! AH HA.. Thanks for info
Sent from my HTC DESIRE using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing happened with boost. They could not activate it cuz it was not added to the database. I think only metro pcs would do it for a fee. Not releally sure
Verizon will NOT add a foreign esn to their database. They will only activate verizon phones.
yup, Verizon doesn't activate anyone else's phones. Only phones with ESN's they have in their own database and they won't add a phone to it just cause you want them to.

Bounty - Enable International Capability

Hello all! Although I have been a forum follower daily, this is my first post.
I am offering up a bounty of $1000 USD to help me finally resolve the global capabilities of the Verizon I535.
Recently, I purchased this phone, replacing an iPhone, from Verizon in the US. I returned home here to the Dominican Republic and learned that this phone is not capable of connecting to our local networks other than Edge technology.
I started trying all the advanced settings through various ROM's and actually came VERY close to enabling 3G. The signal came on for about 30 seconds and then reverted back to Edge. CM10's ROM was the closest that gave me this option.
So! Who wants to join in this Bounty???? OR, would someone be interested in swapping my I535 for an ATT model??
Thanks everyone and looking forward to the follow up posts!!
dkintzel said:
Hello all! Although I have been a forum follower daily, this is my first post.
I am offering up a bounty of $1000 USD to help me finally resolve the global capabilities of the Verizon I535.
Recently, I purchased this phone, replacing an iPhone, from Verizon in the US. I returned home here to the Dominican Republic and learned that this phone is not capable of connecting to our local networks other than Edge technology.
I started trying all the advanced settings through various ROM's and actually came VERY close to enabling 3G. The signal came on for about 30 seconds and then reverted back to Edge. CM10's ROM was the closest that gave me this option.
So! Who wants to join in this Bounty???? OR, would someone be interested in swapping my I535 for an ATT model??
Thanks everyone and looking forward to the follow up posts!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread in the development forum regarding this...I would suggest going over to that thread and see if what they have will work for you
trafalger888 said:
There is a thread in the development forum regarding this...I would suggest going over to that thread and see if what they have will work for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did try everything that has been on that forum link.
I found another that I believe is on the right track to what may be missing in enabling true 3G.
This was the quote that caught my attention:
"If it is anything like the Rezound, it comes SIM unlocked from the factory, but the stock TW framekwork may not support the full GSM capabilities yet. CM10 doesn't sim unlock it, it just adds the missing code. "
Again, thanks for any info!
dkintzel said:
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did try everything that has been on that forum link.
I found another that I believe is on the right track to what may be missing in enabling true 3G.
This was the quote that caught my attention:
"If it is anything like the Rezound, it comes SIM unlocked from the factory, but the stock TW framekwork may not support the full GSM capabilities yet. CM10 doesn't sim unlock it, it just adds the missing code. "
Again, thanks for any info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there possibly is not a fix for this issue, is someone willing to trade a working Global phone for my S3?? Today I looked at a friend who has a Droid Razor that just received an update from Verizon and it works flawlessly. Also, the same friend has a Rezound working too.
Any takers? I'm starting to really HATE this S3 with this issue. It is like being on Dial Up internet service on an old Commodore 64 PC!
Frustrated....
You could buy an unlocked phone for the $1000 bounty.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 2
skennelly said:
You could buy an unlocked phone for the $1000 bounty.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I could, but I was trying to keep my i535. I cant find an ATT model S3 here locally in the DR for anywhere near $1000.
My carrier is Claro and the cost to buy one from them is approx $1485 USD. So, the Bounty is still less.
Good phones here in the DR are better than having gold in your pocket. Literally! People kill each other over technology here, sad but true.
If you want it bad enough - prepare to pay heavily.
You have a phone you would like to sell me then??
Holy cow, that's crazy. No I don't have one to sell you.
Sent from my SCH-I535
dkintzel said:
Yes, I could, but I was trying to keep my i535. I cant find an ATT model S3 here locally in the DR for anywhere near $1000.
My carrier is Claro and the cost to buy one from them is approx $1485 USD. So, the Bounty is still less.
Good phones here in the DR are better than having gold in your pocket. Literally! People kill each other over technology here, sad but true.
If you want it bad enough - prepare to pay heavily.
You have a phone you would like to sell me then??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're looking for an AT&T model why don't you post in the AT&T forum?
You could go to the market and buy what you want/ need for less money......
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Possible? Metro phone flashed to a S2 (att)

I got a old S2 I want to give to my buddy but shes on a metro. No sim cards.
Now im not asking for any bad advise that might get people in trouble but the guy at store said don't flash phones anymore but he wouldn't explain what that means (prob didn't know)
What did he mean? If there no sim card how did they put a metro phone onto a S2.
Can I do it? I know I got the tools? I can follow driections good... any advise? or just tell her can't do it..
I like her so try and help if you can
What country do you live in? There is a thread in the general forum with information regarding that it is illegal to unlock phones after 1/26. I don't think anyone really knows what the implications are at this time. See that thread for more info.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
jd1639 said:
What country do you live in? There is a thread in the general forum with information regarding that it is illegal to unlock phones after 1/26. I don't think anyone really knows what the implications are at this time. See that thread for more info.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't worry about this lol ^^^^
as for your friend, metro PCs?? is I believe a CDMA network, which doesn't use sim cards. Since your phone is GSM phone its hardware is incompatible, no way to make it work.
if you're looking for a CDMA compatible phone loom for unlocked ones in your area with craigslist.com or eBay, make sure they're unlocked and that u get the imei to check If the phone was stolen
I can do that. Well only reason I thought possible is metro git said they used to flash them. Was he full of it
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
maybe it was a CDMA / international version. the skyrocket is a gsm variant of the s2.
so basically unless he was talking about a different model, yes, he was full of it lol. no sim means no service on this phone

Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..

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.
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Questions and help issues go in Q&A
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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.

Can I use international S6 on Verizon

Previously on the S4 I came to the conclusion I could use the international variant of it on Verizon as it had the proper CDMA bands for the job, is this the same case with the S6? Could I buy the international one that is unlocked and use it on VZW network without problems and if I have them what would they be? Going to do my own homework of course but I always want XDA's opinion on things like this.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
Previously on the S4 I came to the conclusion I could use the international variant of it on Verizon as it had the proper CDMA bands for the job, is this the same case with the S6? Could I buy the international one that is unlocked and use it on VZW network without problems and if I have them what would they be? Going to do my own homework of course but I always want XDA's opinion on things like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually in the process of typing up this thread myself! I am also interested in the answer to this one. And can the international version be rooted? I need me some Greenify!
Edit: After speaking to a Verizon rep online, I was told "In theory, it should work; but we cannot guarantee device usability and stability from non-verizon devices".
Any other XDA thoughts?
Basketballhero75 said:
I was actually in the process of typing up this thread myself! I am also interested in the answer to this one. And can the international version be rooted? I need me some Greenify!
Edit: After speaking to a Verizon rep online, I was told "In theory, it should work; but we cannot guarantee device usability and stability from non-verizon devices".
Any other XDA thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International one is fully bootloader unlockable and rootable from the start, hence why I want it over this locked down one. Though someone suggested to me in a PM to post this in the international forum so I will try that and update here with whatever results I get.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
The International one is fully bootloader unlockable and rootable from the start, hence why I want it over this locked down one. Though someone suggested to me in a PM to post this in the international forum so I will try that and update here with whatever results I get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I could find it won't work because it's GSM and won't work with CDMA carriers. Here is a link to the info I found.
I remember reading that the Verizon and Sprint variants have a separate Qualcom modem in them to connect to their CDMA and LTE bands.
I have the US Verizon Galaxy S6 as well as my wife now. Currently in Cancun using a popped in TelCel SIM card seeing crazy 4G speeds on the hotel strip area.
So yea. The S6 from Verizon is killer with foreign SIMs.
Lil
lilsalmon said:
I have the US Verizon Galaxy S6 as well as my wife now. Currently in Cancun using a popped in TelCel SIM card seeing crazy 4G speeds on the hotel strip area.
So yea. The S6 from Verizon is killer with foreign SIMs.
Lil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i ask what this has to do with OPs question?
Sorry I just reread the post and thought it was referencing using the vzw version abroad.
You can delete my post if it offends you that much. Was just trying to help because I just went through the process of using it in Mexico for the first time.
It's not that big of a deal, I just thought I was missing something
No worries here ...
Any answers yet? Thanks.
Just want to let you all know the international version will not work on Verizon.
I have one was going to sell on craigslist and we met at verizon and it will not recognize the mobile network.
Im still trying to sale this thing lol

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