SIM-free iPhone 6S (A1633) on Verizon?

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Level 1

9 points

SIM-free iPhone 6S (A1633) on Verizon?

Are there any disadvantages to buying the SIM-free version of the iPhone 6S with the intent of using it on a current Verizon account? I'd like the SIM-free version just in case I ever switch to AT&T(I understand the A1633 supports AT&T’s exclusive band 30).

It will replace an iPhone 4 which doesn't have a SIM card. Could I buy the Sim-free iPhone from an Apple store and take it to a Verizon store for the SIM card and activation. Has anyone gone through that process? Does Verizon sell the SIM card, if so, how much is it? Thanks!

Posted on Mar 23, 2016 7:54 PM

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Answer 1

Jay-Ray

Level 4

3,750 points

Mar 23, 2016 8:04 PM in response to Yagisamaa

Verizon is primarily a CDMA network which uses the MEID for national communications and only taps the SIM card and IMEI radios for international use. Try calling them and asking if they support that model before you buy. I'm sure they have made huge advances in recent years, but I'm not sure its that huge 😝 I hope that helps!

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Answer 2

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Mar 23, 2016 9:59 PM in response to Yagisamaa

Verizon used to have a policy of not accepting carry in phones but they will accept the 6s. I've never heard anything about an exclusive band 30 on the AT&T/T-Mobile models, you might want to check with Apple about this. On the Verizon iPhone the GSM side of the iPhone is unlocked per an agreement they made with the FCC.

Just so you know the Verizon LTE network is GSM, not CDMA and as time progresses the Verizon CDMA network will fade away. They don't tap the SIM just for international use.

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Answer 3

Yagisamaa Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 24, 2016 1:59 PM in response to deggie

The extra band is on the A1633 and A1635 models:

http://www.apple.com/iphone-6s/specs/

Model A1633*

Model A1634*

LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)

TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)

TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)

UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)

CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)

GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Model A1688*

Model A1687*

LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)

TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)

CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)

UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)

GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

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