Can an "unlocked" cellphone be used for Verizon Wireless even though the phone is not listed on their website?

Question

I want to buy a phone that is not offered by Verizon Wireless on their webiste and use it for my Verzion Wireless service. Can I buy any "unlocked" cell phone and activate it for use for my Verizon Wireless service?

Answer 1

The term "unlocked" is specific to GSM phones. These phones use a SIM card to obtain all the necessary network information so you can make calls. Most networks sell phones locked to only their network so your phone will not work with SIM cards from other networks. When a phone is unlocked it means it can be used with any GSM network in the world, so long as the phone and the network operate on the same frequency. Verizon uses CDMA technology, not GSM so an "unlocked" phone will not work with Verizon.

Answer 2

Locked and unlocked are terms for GSM capable phones.

Verizon, is a CDMA network.

They, are quite simply, incompatible.

So the answer to that would be no....non-Verizon phones cannot be used with Verizon service...period.

Answer 3

There isn't a way to get Verizon service to a phone that doesn't normally come with it. You have to call them to activate a phone, and they can tell if it's a Verizon phone or not.

Answer 4

Is it CDMA? if not - then NO. It needs to be CDMA and run on 850/1900 frequencies. Not sure if the phone you are interested in is or not? go to www.phonescoop.com and put in the model number and it will tell you. If that phone says CDMA you are fine. If it says GSM - it will NOT work. GSM is for Cingular and Tmobile.

Answer 5

only if Verizon uses a chip.

I know for sure T-Mobile uses it, so you can use unblocked phones