i have boon looking around and havent seen this brought up (hopefully not just because it is a stupid question)but it appears from all he phone sites that the spint touch pro will have a faster processor than the verizon version. if i was to purchase the sprint release could it be used on verizons network?
dont laugh at me if the question is a ridiculous one. at least just answer it out of pity.
spanks
i think they are different network technologies so I serisouly doubt it but I could be wrong. Wiat on someone to confirm but doubtful in my limited knowledge. Even if it could, it would have to be SIM unlocked for sure
The Sprint and Verizon networks are both CDMA, which means that SIM cards are not used (and that their radio networks are compatible). Instead, the phones have unique IDs that need to be activated by the carrier. The problem is, most carriers (Sprint is one, I believe), will not activate a phone they did not sell. Verizon has an open policy (supposedly), so you might get them to activate a Sprint phone.
I'm sure there are ways around this with the right connections (and cost), but I'm not familiar with them. They are probably the same ways that phones are cloned for illegal use of others' cell plans, so I don't think you want to go that route. Try calling the carrier you want to switch to and ask. They'll probably say "no", but it can't hurt to check.
bugdeyez said:
i have boon looking around and havent seen this brought up (hopefully not just because it is a stupid question)but it appears from all he phone sites that the spint touch pro will have a faster processor than the verizon version. if i was to purchase the sprint release could it be used on verizons network?
dont laugh at me if the question is a ridiculous one. at least just answer it out of pity.
spanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this article you should be able to and its right from the horses mouth!
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2277399,00.asp
a fast way to do it is to say your having issues with the internet on sprint and thaat 6 digit code they give u will be the Subsidy lock
1st off, if this is in the wrong place, please dont flip out on me. Just re-route the thread with a verbal response.
My issue @ hand. I've typically been a GSM customer through-out various companies. I've had a handful of devices running a handful of OS's. I'm familiar with rooting, jailbreaking, flashing roms, kernals, recoveries, etc. But recently I switched to a low-level cell provider by the name of Ntelos. This network is CDMA, and has, I must say, has a horrible line up of phones with the HTC Desire being their biggest "hit". I am currently using a Samsung Gem ( ) and have not found ways of rooting it. Since this phone isn't up to my standards either way, I intend on finding a new device. A business-friend of mine, who sells for this company, is willing to flash me a CDMA device for a simple fee. He claims I can use any CDMA phone, and "shouldn't" have any trouble with it, even if said device should happen to have a bad ESN.
So to the point.... I'm looking for any kind of help / resources I can get to flash CDMA phones to network of choice. In this instance it is Ntelos, and I have no desire to learn how to flash to any other network. I'm probably going to end up finding myself a Sprint device, because along-side T-Mobile, I feel they have the best devices (With the occasional Verizon device). Any suggestions, point-to's, or even advice would be taken with great appreciation. I just don't want to have to pay the man if I can do it myself. Thanks, Your response(s) are anticipated.
Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-
ahanecurren said:
Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a legitimate complaint to file with the FCC. On behalf of all those who own an S3, please contact them.
Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.
AlexDeGruven said:
Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you by chance read the law?
You don't actually believe the "future update" crap do you?
ancashion said:
Have you by chance read the law?
You don't actually believe the "future update" crap do you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Edit: Even if you're in the "Screw Verizon" crowd, there is much more incentive for them to unlock the GSM capabilities than to not. It would allow them to say "Hey look! We have the best coverage in the US, AND you can use it all over the world!", which is fantastic marketing.
For them to say they're going to unlock that and to not do it is marketing suicide. And if Verizon does one thing right, it's their marketing.
ancashion said:
You have a legitimate complaint to file with the FCC. On behalf of all those who own an S3, please contact them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Legitimate complaint??
Are you kidding me, where do people come up with this BS??
AlexDeGruven said:
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon IS screwing us though, again! Look at our bootloader and everyone else's, the rest of the world. And if this phone is a world phone with gsm capabilities, why lock it to begin with then promise to unlock it soon "in the future"? Do you actually believe that crap?
Put in an AT&T or T-Mobile sim in your phone first BEFORE rooting, it'll ask you for a sim unlock code, enter 000000 or 123456, that should unlock it. If it doesn't ask for a code, don't worry about it, root the phone (at your own risk) using the "Root66" method on this forum. Then go to this thread, whether you were able to unlock it with those generic codes or not.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775566
Read all the instructions. You should be able to get voice and SMS working for any gsm carrier, and you should be able to get 2G (maybe also 3G and HSPA+ on some gsm carriers) working, you'll have to find their APN settings and manually switch to those using the instruction in the linked page though. 2G has been confirmed working on AT&T and t-mobile, no one has been able to test 3G and HSPA+ on AT&T yet. Good luck.
AlexDeGruven said:
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Edit: Even if you're in the "Screw Verizon" crowd, there is much more incentive for them to unlock the GSM capabilities than to not. It would allow them to say "Hey look! We have the best coverage in the US, AND you can use it all over the world!", which is fantastic marketing.
For them to say they're going to unlock that and to not do it is marketing suicide. And if Verizon does one thing right, it's their marketing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jmorton10 said:
Legitimate complaint??
Are you kidding me, where do people come up with this BS??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AlexDeGruven said:
Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BS, you say? Off base, you say?
Here's the regulations regarding any device sold by Verizon as a "4g capable" phone...
ยง 27.16 Network access requirements for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787
MHz bands.
(a) Applicability. This section shall apply only to the authorizations
for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787 MHz bands assigned and only if
the results of the first auction in which licenses for such
authorizations are offered satisfied the applicable reserve price.
(b) Use of devices and applications. Licensees offering service on
spectrum subject to this section shall not deny, limit, or restrict the
ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their
choice on the licensee's C Block network, except:
(1) Insofar as such use would not be compliant with published technical
standards reasonably necessary for the management or protection of the
licensee's network, or
(2) As required to comply with statute or applicable government
regulation.
(c) Technical standards. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this
section:
(1) Standards shall include technical requirements reasonably necessary
for third parties to access a licensee's network via devices or
applications without causing objectionable interference to other
spectrum users or jeopardizing network security. The potential for
excessive bandwidth demand alone shall not constitute grounds for
denying, limiting or restricting access to the network.
(2) To the extent a licensee relies on standards established by an
independent standards-setting body which is open to participation by
representatives of service providers, equipment manufacturers,
application developers, consumer organizations, and other interested
parties, the standards will carry a presumption of reasonableness.
(3) A licensee shall publish its technical standards, which shall be
non-proprietary, no later than the time at which it makes such
standards available to any preferred vendors, so that the standards are
readily available to customers, equipment manufacturers, application
developers, and other parties interested in using or developing
products for use on a licensee's networks.
(d) Access requests. (1) Licensees shall establish and publish clear
and reasonable procedures for parties to seek approval to use devices
or applications on the licensees' networks. A licensee must also
provide to potential customers notice of the customers' rights to
request the attachment of a device or application to the licensee's
network, and notice of the licensee's process for customers to make
such requests, including the relevant network criteria.
(2) If a licensee determines that a request for access would violate
its technical standards or regulatory requirements, the licensee shall
expeditiously provide a written response to the requester specifying
the basis for denying access and providing an opportunity for the
requester to modify its request to satisfy the licensee's concerns.
(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on
handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are
compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of
this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks.
(f) Burden of proof. Once a complainant sets forth a prima facie case
that the C Block licensee has refused to attach a device or application
in violation of the requirements adopted in this section, the licensee
shall have the burden of proof to demonstrate that it has adopted
reasonable network standards and reasonably applied those standards in
the complainant's case. Where the licensee bases its network
restrictions on industry-wide consensus standards, such restrictions
would be presumed reasonable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's too much to read, or too hard to comprehend, let me point out the specific part of those regulations...
(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on
handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are
compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of
this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still too much.. let me make it a little clearer...
nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Verizon says, and admits, no, you cannot have the unlock code to make your device available for use on other networks like they did for the OP.
But Verizon says, and will supposedly, release an "update" to allow this feature. Mind you- a feature it was required by the above regulation to come with out of the box. So exactly when, will Verizon comply with the Regs? When someone complains loudly enough, that's when.
I'm open to discuss this, and it's meaning and how the FCC will interpret it but from where I'm sitting, it's pretty clear. The OP does, infact, have a legitimate complaint. I ain't full of **** nor off base.
How many other devices has Verizon released that do not comply with the above regulations? It isn't just the S3, that's for sure. It won't end here either unless we petition the powers that be to force them to comply, or, give up the block C frequencies for re-auction to a company who will comply.
Frankly, I'm disgusted with the pro-Verizon rhetoric that's invaded XDA recently. Are they astroturfing for Verizon? How does anyone find Verizon's business practices acceptable? I like Verizon for the pipe it offers me, not for meddling with my phones and rendering the software on my phone obsolete because it's locked out third party developers and the powers that be decide it "isn't worth putting the newest OS on" is a good enough excuse to scam you into purchasing a new phone.
newuser134 said:
Put in an AT&T or T-Mobile sim in your phone first BEFORE rooting, it'll ask you for a sim unlock code, enter 000000 or 123456.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?
roachkv said:
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't work the other way around.
roachkv said:
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not as simple as just switching the sim card on Verizon. Unlike the GSM networks, Verizon only allows devices that already have their ESN/MEID in the system.
Yes, should be working with proper steps..
ahanecurren said:
Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775566&page=10 has a lot of information. My post #95 details the steps that I have taken, and I can confirm that I was able to get it to work with a T-Mobile card. I am heading to Russia and will test it there in GSM mode with a local card. I have an HTC Incredible 2 world phone as backup which I know works.
The key is that you must use HiAPN to be able to edit/change the internal APN setting to allow for other Sim cards. ALso load Phone Info to change the radio setting. I've already loaded APN's for three different Russian companies and hope that I can just pop them in, change the APN, change the radio and be good to go.
Hope this helps.
Great Post!
My friend do you hang out in the irc channels too?
I have a question:
I am currently using the verizon samsung galaxy s3 (SCH-I535) and will be moving to Japan in September, what can you recommend me to do? I want to be able of use the s3 with either 3g, LTE oe 2g with any carrier in Japan. I know if I unlock the phone via root and unlock I can use the softbank (japan carrier) for call/text 2g not data plan though. But If that is the only thing I can do I will get a pocket wifi so I can have data wherever I go that way.
Any recommendations? I still can't understand about the global unlocking update coming to verizon s3 ?
Thank you in advance!
ancashion said:
BS, you say? Off base, you say?
Here's the regulations regarding any device sold by Verizon as a "4g capable" phone...
If that's too much to read, or too hard to comprehend, let me point out the specific part of those regulations...
Still too much.. let me make it a little clearer...
But Verizon says, and admits, no, you cannot have the unlock code to make your device available for use on other networks like they did for the OP.
But Verizon says, and will supposedly, release an "update" to allow this feature. Mind you- a feature it was required by the above regulation to come with out of the box. So exactly when, will Verizon comply with the Regs? When someone complains loudly enough, that's when.
I'm open to discuss this, and it's meaning and how the FCC will interpret it but from where I'm sitting, it's pretty clear. The OP does, infact, have a legitimate complaint. I ain't full of **** nor off base.
How many other devices has Verizon released that do not comply with the above regulations? It isn't just the S3, that's for sure. It won't end here either unless we petition the powers that be to force them to comply, or, give up the block C frequencies for re-auction to a company who will comply.
Frankly, I'm disgusted with the pro-Verizon rhetoric that's invaded XDA recently. Are they astroturfing for Verizon? How does anyone find Verizon's business practices acceptable? I like Verizon for the pipe it offers me, not for meddling with my phones and rendering the software on my phone obsolete because it's locked out third party developers and the powers that be decide it "isn't worth putting the newest OS on" is a good enough excuse to scam you into purchasing a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon S3 Global Root Unlock
Can anyone tell me if i did this root and global unlock does that mean i can put a international verizon wireless plan and use it overseas or is this just to be able to use international SIM's?
I'm going to say it would be for local pre-paid SIMs only. If you call into Verizon and try to get international data on your line, it will throw up serious red flags for them. Verizon doesn't support (officially) this device to be used abroad yet. So if you call in saying you got it unlocked, you may get into a bit of a sticky situation.
ahanecurren said:
I'm going to say it would be for local pre-paid SIMs only. If you call into Verizon and try to get international data on your line, it will throw up serious red flags for them. Verizon doesn't support (officially) this device to be used abroad yet. So if you call in saying you got it unlocked, you may get into a bit of a sticky situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatively, one could do it, get into this sticky situation with them and invite the FCC in on the conversation.
I would love to have VZW chew my ass for some **** that they agreed to not block, just to turn around and use their information against them.
Oh, wait.. that's what I did with my FCC complaint! :silly:
ancashion said:
Alternatively, one could do it, get into this sticky situation with them and invite the FCC in on the conversation.
I would love to have VZW chew my ass for some **** that they agreed to not block, just to turn around and use their information against them.
Oh, wait.. that's what I did with my FCC complaint! :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never read anything about a grace period in the block c regulations so I wonder how vzw can get away with dragging their feet with the damn global unlock? I don't get why it's taking them so long. You won't be able to use it on say at&t or T-Mobile when it gets unlocked will you?
Imatoasta said:
I never read anything about a grace period in the block c regulations so I wonder how vzw can get away with dragging their feet with the damn global unlock? I don't get why it's taking them so long. You won't be able to use it on say at&t or T-Mobile when it gets unlocked will you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to provided your radio is compatible with the others network. That was the nature of block c's "openness" or the idea behind it anyways.
Vzw challenged the block c regs in court, after they made the purchase, and lost. I think they are being defiant on purpose.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
How to unlock and set up your SGS3 phone for world use.
I fyou have not yet seen this, go to this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314 and it will walk you through the steps that worked for me to use the Verizon Galaxy S3 overseas in GSM mode.
If it helps, give a thanks!
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.
I have seen too many tutorials to root devices with carrier T-mobile, Verizon, AT&T etc.
My question is, Can we root devices restricted to a network carrier? Can we install custom recovery and install custom ROM's on them?
Yes, you can do all of this.
However, the carrier may have rules against this and may void any warranty if they find out.
ajayudayagiri said:
I have seen too many tutorials to root devices with carrier T-mobile, Verizon, AT&T etc.
My question is, Can we root devices restricted to a network carrier? Can we install custom recovery and install custom ROM's on them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on the phone and the carrier in question. Verizon and AT&T typically do their most to prevent users from hacking their phones. T-Mobile is the most lax. Verizon is definitely the most restrictive. AT&T might get Gestapo on their own phones, but you can always bring your own phone. Verizon however only allows devices they themselves sell. And the devices they sell are typically locked down as hard as they can. You need to understand that when it comes to carriers, the same phone is not necessarily the same phone. For example, a Galaxy S5 from T-Mobile is vastly different from the Galaxy S5 from Verizon, despite being the "same" phone.
Nothing is impossible, in theory, as Towelroot proved, but that doesn't mean that everything is possible, either. It depends on the provider and the phone.