Can I Use A Sprint Phone On An AT&T Network?
AT and T and Sprint are both major carriers in the telecommunications industry and each of them uses a unique wireless technology. Sprint uses a CDMA network known to accommodate a huge number of users, but locks phones to their networks, while AT and T uses GSM, which is not only versatile but allows users to use their devices with different sim cards from the various networks.
In light of the above, a Sprint phone cannot be used on an AT and T network, and AT and T can also not be used on Sprint. The latter when compared to other national carrier’s offers the best devices at a budget-friendly, and this also goes for the services; even better is that most of their prices are inclusive of the taxes and fees.
Understanding CDMA and GSM networks
Advantages of using CDMA |
Advantages of Using GSM |
Matches with other cellular technologies |
Users don’t have to pay roaming fee because GSM is worldwide |
Users are allocated with code words which reduces interference |
Offers a large variety of phones |
Accommodates many users who share the same bandwidth |
Provides extensive coverage |
CDMA is effective in its own rights but we cannot also deny that this network does have some serious flaws. For example, one of the advantages of using this network is that it can accommodate a huge number of devices; however, users must also realize that with a large number of devices in the network the overall quality of services becomes greatly compromised.
Devices under the CDMA network tend to be limited when it comes to movement, meaning that if you were to go international then you might have to switch to GSM. And despite the serious flaws, CDMA has been adopted for many different applications such as in radar and navigation systems, it is used by the military among other commercial applications.
GSM, on the other hand, is used globally, a fact that has paved way for the development of more versatile phones, by the relevant carriers. The above inadvertently gives consumers the liberty of settling with phones that suit their style. Some of the services offered by GSM are such as barring of the outgoing and incoming calls, offers the multiparty service, call forwarding, and call hold among others.
The applications of GSM are not as vast as those of CDMA, as it is mainly centered on telecommunication and users will, therefore, be able to benefit from computer to computer communications, communication through landlines, and data connectivity.
Other AT and T, and Sprint Compatible Networks and Phones
So, while a Sprint phone cannot be used exclusively on an AT and T network, there are other compatible networks in the name of MVNO’s that use Sprint and which make profits by providing content associated with the brand and through the value-added services. The MVNO’s that use the Sprint network are such as Boost, Virgin, Tello, Gen, and Credo mobile.
Remember that we have just established that we cannot use a Sprint phone on an AT and T network, so which phones can we use with the Sprint MVNO’s. Most of the Samsung models seem to be compatible with Sprint, for example, the Samsung S20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the One plus 8, and the Samsung Galaxy Z flip 5G among others.
AT and T is a national carrier and just like Sprint, it has accommodated other MVNO’s on its network such as the Cricket wireless, the Red pocket mobile, Tracfone, Pure Talk USA, H2O wireless, and the Pix wireless among others. Moving on to phones that you can use on the AT and T network and you will realize that you have a long list to choose from, so you can never miss one that suits your style and personality.
We, therefore, have the iPhone 12 series, the Apple iPhone SE, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, the Samsung Galaxy Z flip, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, and the LG Velvet 5G among others.
Conclusion
Sprint and AT and T are carriers and each of them rides on a special wireless technology, none of them can integrate with the other in terms of devices, which then means that you have the task of finding compatible devices to use with each carrier. The article above has consolidated some of the compatible phones complete with the alternative MVNO’s, so whichever you decide to settle with ensure that it is reliable as regards your location.
FAQ’s
- Is Sprint roaming a premium service?
No, Sprint global roaming is free
- What is the major advantage of using AT and T?
AT and T offers the best coverage and download speeds