Can I use a CDMA (VZ) iPhone 6 with a GSM SIM card outside the US?

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Level 1

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Can I use a CDMA (VZ) iPhone 6 with a GSM SIM card outside the US?

I'm planning on purchasing my first iPhone--a 6. I'm debating between Verizon (VZ) and AT&T and understand that VZ uses CDMA and AT&T uses GSM. I'm hoping to have a phone which I could use a local wireless carrier's GSM SIM card outside the US if I'm traveling. I've done this with unlocked GSM phones in the past and would like that option in the future--but I'm wondering if I were to get a VZ (CDMA) phone if that'd be possible? Likewise, if one's outside the US do you have to use an unlocked phone for a local wireless carriers's GSM SIM to work?

Thanks in advance for your response!

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)

Posted on Nov 21, 2014 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 21, 2014 11:33 AM in response to ellamama

1. Yes. The GSM portion of the Verizon iPhone (It has 2, CDMA and GSM chips inside) is unlocked and can be used with any compatible GSM carrier sim card outside the U.S.

2. Yes, you need the GSM portion of an iPhone to be unlocked. So if you go the AT&T route, you would need to request AT&T unlock the iPhone so it can use sim cards from other providers. Locked cell phones will only work with sim cards from the carrier they are locked to.

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Answer 2

ellamama Author

Level 1

20 points

Nov 21, 2014 11:35 AM in response to Phil0124

Thanks. So, if I understand you correctly, the GSM portion of a CDMA iPhone comes unlocked so I could--in theory--use it while still "on contract" with VZ outside the US with a GSM SIM from a local carrier whereas AT&T's GSM phone would need to be "unlocked" (which you can't do on contract) before it could be used with a local GSM carrier abroad?

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Answer 3

Nov 21, 2014 11:38 AM in response to ellamama

That is correct.

AT&T will unlock a device under the following circumstances:

The person requesting the unlock code must be one of the following:
- A current AT&T customer
- A former AT&T customer who can provide the phone number or account number for the account
The AT&T Mobile Device was designed for use on the AT&T wireless network.
The AT&T Mobile Device has been paid for in full.
The AT&T Mobile Device has not been reported lost or stolen.

You're allowed the following number of device unlocks:

Current customers are allowed up to five device unlocks per account, per year.
Former customers are allowed a total of five device unlocks per former account.

http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB414532&cv=820#fbid=z2ZOyDeJX0P

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

Level 10

230,840 points

Nov 21, 2014 11:41 AM in response to ellamama

ellamama wrote:

Thanks. So, if I understand you correctly, the GSM portion of a CDMA iPhone comes unlocked

No. That is NOT entirely true.

The GSM portion of a Verizon LTE capable CDMA iPhone is unlocked. That is required by law in exchange for winning a spectrum auction a few years ago by Verizon. It does NOT apply to ANY other CDMA carriers. Sprint phones, for example are NOT GSM unlocked. Neither are those from any of the regional CDMA carriers in the US.

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Answer 5

Nov 21, 2014 11:45 AM in response to KiltedTim

KiltedTim wrote:

ellamama wrote:

Thanks. So, if I understand you correctly, the GSM portion of a CDMA iPhone comes unlocked

No. That is NOT entirely true.

The GSM portion of a Verizon LTE capable CDMA iPhone is unlocked. That is required by law in exchange for winning a spectrum auction a few years ago by Verizon. It does NOT apply to ANY other CDMA carriers. Sprint phones, for example are NOT GSM unlocked. Neither are those from any of the regional CDMA carriers in the US.

Missed that specific point. Thanks.

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