Will a Sprint SGS3 work on Verizon? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

I've seen a lot of threads about different devices on other networks, but I haven't been able to find an answer on this question. I've seen pictures of the back of Sprint SGS3s compared to VZW, AT&T, T-mobile, etc and I know it doesn't have a SIM card slot - but I've only seen this in reference to global capability. I also know the Verizon is locked, but obviously that is only important from going Verizon to a different carrier. How does this apply when going from a different carrier to VZW?
I have a company phone on Sprint, and a personal cell phone on Verizon. I just got a new phone on Verizon, but it isn't working (the screen doesn't turn on 95% of the time) and didn't get insurance on it. I do, however, have an upgrade available through my company Sprint phone. Sprint's service is awful in Phoenix, though - so I'm hoping to be able to get an SIII through Sprint but use it on my Verizon plan. Is this possible?
Thanks!

kasmira said:
I've seen a lot of threads about different devices on other networks, but I haven't been able to find an answer on this question. I've seen pictures of the back of Sprint SGS3s compared to VZW, AT&T, T-mobile, etc and I know it doesn't have a SIM card slot - but I've only seen this in reference to global capability. I also know the Verizon is locked, but obviously that is only important from going Verizon to a different carrier. How does this apply when going from a different carrier to VZW?
I have a company phone on Sprint, and a personal cell phone on Verizon. I just got a new phone on Verizon, but it isn't working (the screen doesn't turn on 95% of the time) and didn't get insurance on it. I do, however, have an upgrade available through my company Sprint phone. Sprint's service is awful in Phoenix, though - so I'm hoping to be able to get an SIII through Sprint but use it on my Verizon plan. Is this possible?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
I honestly don't know but I know Sprint phone went with with Verizon's lte
Sent from my SPH-L710...if some one helps you press the thanks button

Related

Possible to get Galaxy Nexus to work on Sprint?

I want to know if this is possible at all, does anyone know of any ways to put a verizon phone on sprints network? I think it has been done before, I will buy this phone if I can get 3g to work on sprint
Nope, VZW and Sprint operate at 2 different frequencies AND if you could somehow do it I don't think Sprint allows Third Party/Unlocked Phones.
actually they are teh same frequencies. how else would our roaming on verizon's network work?
shakuyi said:
actually they are teh same frequencies. how else would our roaming on verizon's network work?
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Click to collapse
Yea I actually think you are right because verizon and sprint share a tower here in Virginia. But sprint would never allow it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I've been told different things by different reps at different Sprint locations. One guy in-store told me that it's "very possible" but that the customer has to do all the unlocking, etc. Another rep at one of their call centers reiterated the same. "If you unlock it, we can do it. Otherwise, there's nothing we can do."
So the question remains, how can we unlock it? I'd LOVE to stay with Sprint. Does anyone have expertise in this area? I've seen a few threads on this and they all seem to go unanswered...wondering if it's not a popular topic or if it's something we shouldn't be discussing?
Thanks!
Run around clockwise half naked below freezing while chanting "goosfrabah"...
Seriously no need to be posting such a thread. It's been posted and debated and talked about. Google and such should be your friend.
Either make googley eyes (and maybe much "more") at someone deep inside Sprint to add a VZW ESN to their database, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, or murk in the underworlds of ESN cloning and modification, NOT HAPPENING HERE on XDA...
Posting from another thread.
No, the ESNs are in a computer database. If the rep enters an incorrect ESN or, in this case from their point of view invalid, the system will not move forward.
Even if that wasn't the case, I don't believe Verizon and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies. Not to mention LTE. EVEN if that wasn't the case, the Galaxy Nexus pulls its subscriber information(like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
http://phandroid.com/2011/12/20/spr...e-given-the-green-light-for-activation-rumor/
Possible, YES. Depends only on if sprint want to activate it or not. Phones generally support the entire spectrum and not just the subset that carrier uses.
For example on GSM, phones either support ALL of the 900 spectrum or none of it. The fact that the spectrum is split in two and used by different operators doesn't make a difference - thats just handled by the simlock/Activation of ESN.
It wouldn't make much sense for a hardware manufacturer to cripple a radio baseband to part of the spectrum if it can handle all of it, otherwise they would need to make new mainboards for each operator.
LTE is a different situation. As the spectrum is not split, and each operator use an entirely different spectrum. It would be more costly to add other spectrums on a Verizon device with no real benefit, if they have no plans to offer it on any other operator. Also it may be more cost or design effective to make two different boards if for example they can't fit an antenna that can handle both frequencies.
unremarked said:
Posting from another thread.
No, the ESNs are in a computer database. If the rep enters an incorrect ESN or, in this case from their point of view invalid, the system will not move forward.
Even if that wasn't the case, I don't believe Verizon and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies. Not to mention LTE. EVEN if that wasn't the case, the Galaxy Nexus pulls its subscriber information(like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies, 1x CDMA 2000 and 3G. How else do Sprint and VZW roam off each other for voice and data? When it comes to 4G, that's where they differ, LTE vs WiMax (for now). Even when Sprint goes LTE, they'll be running on a different LTE frequency than VZW and AT&T, so LTE roaming shouldn't be on anyone's radar for the foreseeable future.
And NO, the VZW GNex does not pull "its subscriber information (like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones)." Subscriber info is pulled from the ESN/MEID unique to any CDMA phone (VZW and Sprint included) to authenticate on the network. The SIM in VZW LTE phones is for LTE purposes ONLY, 4G data only and nothing else.
Why dont you get the galaxy s II? Wish I could get it for Verizon
LordLugard said:
VZW and Sprint operate on the same CDMA frequencies, 1x CDMA 2000 and 3G. How else do Sprint and VZW roam off each other for voice and data? When it comes to 4G, that's where they differ, LTE vs WiMax (for now). Even when Sprint goes LTE, they'll be running on a different LTE frequency than VZW and AT&T, so LTE roaming shouldn't be on anyone's radar for the foreseeable future.
And NO, the VZW GNex does not pull "its subscriber information (like the phone number, data plan, etc) from its SIM card(just like GSM phones)." Subscriber info is pulled from the ESN/MEID unique to any CDMA phone (VZW and Sprint included) to authenticate on the network. The SIM in VZW LTE phones is for LTE purposes ONLY, 4G data only and nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification on the frequencies thing. I wasnt 100% sure what Sprint operated on.
As for the SIM, I am 100% sure. Trade SIM cards with a friend, even to another microSIM device like a Samsung Stratosphere Restart your phone and then call eachother. The numbers will be swapped. Heck, even easier. Yank your SIM out and make a test call or check under the About Phone options.
EDIT: I know that Sprint uses CDMA(1x) and EVDO(3G). But what bands do they operate on? Just like AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM(aka edge) and HSPA(3G) but on different bands so not all their phones are entirely cross compatible.
EDIT2: Found my own answer. VZW operates on 850mhz, and 1900mhz. Sprint is 800mhz and 1900mhz. So you may in theory use a 3G Verizon phone on Sprints network with limited capability. I'd imagine it would be just like if you put an ATT iPhone on T-Mobile and be able to make calls but only get 2G.
Regardless of the frequencies you still have the ESN lockout as well as the SIM card issue.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Sprint not going to activate the phone no matter what you do.
CDMA carriers have the last say so of what goes on their network and what does not. They chose what you use not you. They base the their phones off of the ESN/MEIDs if those do not match up to a "clean" one in their system then no go. Its their way of forcing contracts, "if you have to get a sprint phone may as well get the contract with it." they thing. GSM on the other hand you can do it because the identification of the carrier is on the SIM card rather then the phone. However, some carriers will "flash" a phone over like Criket or metro pcs (however they can brick the phone and then you can't even do anything with it.)
MetroPCS lets you bring in any CDMA phone and activate it on their network. I'm sure sprint could do the same if they wanted to.
tommyz2kool said:
MetroPCS lets you bring in any CDMA phone and activate it on their network. I'm sure sprint could do the same if they wanted to.
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Click to collapse
Emphasis on "IF THEY WANTED TO." If past behavior is indicative of the future then reason says they don't.
Lets assume Sprint suddenly changes its mind after years of hemorrhaging customers and move beyond that, as I've previously said the Galaxy Nexus(and all 4G LTE phones) behave more like GSM phones than CDMA and pull their subscriber information from the SIM card. Don't believe me? Try to use your VZW Galaxy Nexus without your SIM. Mine didn't work. Further my theortical point about the supported bands still stand. Who wants a Galaxy Nexus on 1X data?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I thought that Sprint was going to offer the Gnex at some point. Was I just dreaming that? Does anyone know if Sprint is going to get the GN?
I could have sworn I heard that Sprint was getting it somewhere....
unremarked said:
Emphasis on "IF THEY WANTED TO." If past behavior is indicative of the future then reason says they don't.
Lets assume Sprint suddenly changes its mind after years of hemorrhaging customers and move beyond that, as I've previously said the Galaxy Nexus(and all 4G LTE phones) behave more like GSM phones than CDMA and pull their subscriber information from the SIM card. Don't believe me? Try to use your VZW Galaxy Nexus without your SIM. Mine didn't work. Further my theortical point about the supported bands still stand. Who wants a Galaxy Nexus on 1X data?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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Click to collapse
The reason your LTE VZW phone will not work without the SIM has nothing to do with pulling subscriber info but more to do with just authenticating with the LTE network, period.
Once again, your subscriber info is more hard coded to your ESN/MEID.
The LTE network could go down (like it has done now several times) and your phone will work fine with CDMA voice and 2G/3G. If the CDMA network goes down then you're screwed because all authentication starts there.
Sent from my SPH-D710
bradm23 said:
Why dont you get the galaxy s II? Wish I could get it for Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That.
+1 char
LordLugard said:
The reason your LTE VZW phone will not work without the SIM has nothing to do with pulling subscriber info but more to do with just authenticating with the LTE network, period.
Once again, your subscriber info is more hard coded to your ESN/MEID.
The LTE network could go down (like it has done now several times) and your phone will work fine with CDMA voice and 2G/3G. If the CDMA network goes down then you're screwed because all authentication starts there.
Sent from my SPH-D710
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Click to collapse
I'd love to hear your explaination for the following behaviors. The only thing I changed was I took out my SIM card. You'll notice now even the time is wrong since the phones sync their time with the carrier.
EDIT: removed pictures because I'm paranoid/OCD about personal info.
You can post as many pics as you want. Your "subscriber info" is tied to your esn/meid in the system. Without those, whether you have an LTE sim or not on a CDMA network like VZW, your phone will not function. The LTE sim doesn't handle voice or any calling functions, just data.
When your phone connects to a cell tower (or the network), certain parameters are sent for a sort of handshake, which are your esn/meid.
I think you need to better familiarize yourself with the fact that VZW is a CDMA network first and foremost (and with all that entails, esn/meid/msid etc) with an LTE based data-only network (for now) built alongside it.
Sent from my SPH-D710

Unlocking

Hey Xda
I was wondering if its possible to flash the Verizon galaxy nexus to Sprint since they both use LTE. Would it be as easy as flashing the stock firmware for the sprint version or would more (complex) work be needed on the software side including the bootloader etc to get it running on sprint.
Also in theory if there were no carrier restrictions on this device would a T-Mobile micro sim work on the Device even if its at 2G speeds?
Reason being is I've figured out that Verizon is not the right carrier to support my habbit of switching phones every other month. I'm thinking about getting the T-Mobile sim only plan which is cheaper even though I get an employment discount for Verizon since I worked for Staples.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
vendetta718 said:
I was wondering if its possible to flash the Verizon galaxy nexus to Sprint since they both use LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it will not work. Even if Sprint accepted devices with ESN's they don't personally sell (they don't), there's no way to flash the VZW model to work on Sprint. Not to mention that Sprint doesn't exactly make their LTE SIMs regularly available, as they're embedded in their devices.
Would it be as easy as flashing the stock firmware for the sprint version or would more (complex) work be needed on the software side including the bootloader etc to get it running on sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you will negatively affect your device by intentionally trying to flash the wrong firmware. Possibly bricking it (though not likely, its not worth trying).
Also in theory if there were no carrier restrictions on this device would a T-Mobile micro sim work on the Device even if its at 2G speeds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon (or Sprint) Galaxy Nexus does not have a GSM radio. Just because it has a SIM doesn't mean its compatible with the other network.
Reason being is I've figured out that Verizon is not the right carrier to support my habbit of switching phones every other month. I'm thinking about getting the T-Mobile sim only plan which is cheaper even though I get an employment discount for Verizon since I worked for Staples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, sorry you made a bad choice for your habits, but this was all easily available information before you chose to sign up with them. Sell your phone and pick up the GSM model ($399 brand new, less used) and you can easily use it on T-Mobile.
well good thing you like to change phones every month just wait till this month is over and then get a phone that can be used for sprint/t-mobile...simple
Yea. Ive decided to terminate my verizon contract and sell my verizon Gnex
im considering the hspa+ Gnex or Tmobile s3 as my two choices for the t mobile monthly 4G plan.
Thanks anyway.

Sprint SGSIII Other Carriers?

Hi
I was recently offered a good deal on a Galaxy S3 from a friend of mine, but he is currently with Sprint. I know that Sprint Galaxy S3 devices don't have a Sim Card slot, which sucks. I used to have Sprint, and though I cancelled on good terms without a balance. I don't feel like going back to Sprint. Especially while I'm paying $50.00 a month with T-Mobile.
My question is, are there any other carriers that I could take the Sprint Galaxy S3 to? Maybe through Flashing or carriers that will add the ESN to their database?
Slap-Yourself :) said:
Hi
I was recently offered a good deal on a Galaxy S3 from a friend of mine, but he is currently with Sprint. I know that Sprint Galaxy S3 devices don't have a Sim Card slot, which sucks. I used to have Sprint, and though I cancelled on good terms without a balance. I don't feel like going back to Sprint. Especially while I'm paying $50.00 a month with T-Mobile.
My question is, are there any other carriers that I could take the Sprint Galaxy S3 to? Maybe through Flashing or carriers that will add the ESN to their database?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carriers are in your area? That should narrow your list down. You will want to look for CDMA carriers. You can check the list at the link below to see what carriers have what network type, if you don't already know. Beware, some carriers won't allow this (though you may be able to get it to work by flashing.) I read that Verizon tends to give people a hard time with this. Good luck.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_wireless_communications_service_providers
P.S. If you can, get some speed tests on those networks. Don't get yourself trapped on a slow network.
Killa357 said:
What carriers are in your area? That should narrow your list down. You will want to look for CDMA carriers. You can check the list at the link below to see what carriers have what network type, if you don't already know. Beware, some carriers won't allow this (though you may be able to get it to work by flashing.) I read that Verizon tends to give people a hard time with this. Good luck.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_wireless_communications_service_providers
P.S. If you can, get some speed tests on those networks. Don't get yourself trapped on a slow network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, from what I know we have:
T-Mo
AT&T
Verizon
Sprint
Virgin
Boost
Cricket
I don't there are any others available. Last time I knew Cricket service sucked A** here, and Virgin and Boost don't offer 4G speeds (Not that we have it available here anyway.) :/
I can't think of any other CDMA carriers though since I don't really deal with them......
I will most likely be moving to Houston, TX in the next 5-7 months though.
Slap-Yourself :) said:
Well, from what I know we have:
T-Mo
AT&T
Verizon
Sprint
Virgin
Boost
Cricket
I don't there are any others available. Last time I knew Cricket service sucked A** here, and Virgin and Boost don't offer 4G speeds (Not that we have it available here anyway.) :/
I can't think of any other CDMA carriers though since I don't really deal with them......
I will most likely be moving to Houston, TX in the next 5-7 months though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Small world. I'm actually trying to get a job I have Houston at the moment. Most of those carriers should have good coverage and data speeds in Houston though. Last time I used sprints service in Houston it was about the same as it is here in Lufkin as far as coverage and speed. I dont know about the other carriers, though LTE most likely won't be compatible with the other networks LTE.

Need Help Getting Sprint Network on Verizon Note 2

Okay, I'm sure the information is all out there, so before I get told to search forums or google, I have. My issue is that I'm just having the hardest time putting all the scattered information together and understanding it. There's too much information to decipher whats needed, accurate andd up to date for my situation. So I was wondering if someone whose done this before could just give me the straight to guide.
I have verizon, my girlfriend has sprint. She broke her S4. I have an old verizon note 2 that is unlocked, rooted, custom recovery and on CM11.
What I need to do is get it on the sprint network and get her service switched over to it.
I know it has something to do with APN settings, but there's so many different ones whether it's for internet and MMS. I basically just want her to be able to use it to make phone calls and maybe regular texts. I got all confused when I saw things dealing with PRL and what not, so I don't actually know which things I need to make this work.
I put the sim card from her S4 into my Verizon note 2 and opened the access point settings under mobile network. There are a bunch of sprint ones in there now, I don't know which one to choose. I tried the one just labeled "Sprint" and then rebooted to get the APN settings to switch over but I still have no service to try and activate the phone.
So could someone please give me a simplified walk-through of putting in sprint's settings on a verizon note 2. I tried flashing a Sprint CM11 rom but it failed. So now i am going to try flashing a sprint touchwiz rom to see if that will make all the necessary changes for me.
Update: I Just finished flashing jellybomb touchwiz rom, it flashed but wont get into the phone setup, says there's an encryption error and the phone needs to be reset. I did that and it still does the same.
Thanks in advance guys, I've flashed a lot of roms, I've just never switched my phone to another carrier before.
You can't activate a non Sprint branded phone on the Sprint network. Period. The esn is not in the Sprint database and even if you wanted to use the phone strictly for traveling internationally, The sim card from Sprint will not work in the Verizon phone for the same reason. You'd have to "clone" the phone/esn and that is completely illegal. I would spend my time on craigslist or Facebook and try to trade your Verizon phone for a Sprint one. That's what I would do.
FYI . Verizon phones are actually in demand due to the much larger customer base so making a trade for a Sprint S4 or Note 2 should be fairly easy. But MAKE SURE you check the ESN with Sprint before making a trade because a blacklisted esn phone can NOT be activated and you will be SOL.
So only networks like at&t and T-mobile will work on my Unlocked verizon phone?
TruEastSydeBoi said:
So only networks like at&t and T-mobile will work on my Unlocked verizon phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're referring to your Verizon phone being a "world phone" which does in fact have a sim card and gsm network capabilities, then technically yes it would perhaps be possible to get it to work on AT&T or T-Mobile onl;y but it would be very difficult and time consuming to unlock the sim portion of the Verizon phone and hack it so that it would not be rejected by either network due to the ESN. You'd have better luck trying T-Mobile because they seem to be more lax with unbranded iPhones etc on their network. But in all honesty you would be better off trading your Verizon phone especially if it has a clear esn and getting a phone that's ready to go with no headaches and fully functional on the network.
thanks for the replies

[Q] Note 2 from Sprint to Verizon, basic questions

I got a galaxy note 2 with Sprint on it, and plan to switch over to Verizon wireless (I use one of those 3rd party companies that use Verizon lines) and I heard they don't like unlocked phones. I have a few basic questions, please note my phone doesn't have a SIM card. I like Sprint, but their coverage is more city based, and the problem there is I don't live in a city, and big red has got us covered under 4G LTE.
Will I be able to pick up a Verizon LTE service, I remember there was some sort of error with my older S3 and it roamed on a Verizon 4G network, i'd assume my Sprint note 2 can do the same, and is capable of picking up that signal.
Also, will the company be able to know I have an unlocked phone? Or will it assign me a new MEID with Verizon when I select that option, (Yes I know how to unlock, real simple process) And when I go to type in the MEID/ESN for activation, will it recognize it is on an unlocked phone, if so how do I fix that without doing anything illegal (Like changing the MEID, which is very complex, and illegal)
And will I be able to keep my current MEID I have on Sprint, if I select Sprint under the network options.
If you are confused on my wording, i'll be glad to help you out. Also if you know anything about the HTC One M7, will I be able to switch that over too, and would I also need a Verizon SIM.
Thanks for the help, I am not an expert so try not to be too complex, I also perfer to avoid CDMA tool if possible, I dread that software at times.
If there's also a way if 4G won't work to trick it into thinking I have a 3G only devise under Verizon that would be cool too. I don't expect this to even be possible without a dreadful process.
Bump, not sure if you are supposed to do this.

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