Do GSM Phones work with Verizon

No, GSM phones do not work with Verizon because Verizon strictly runs on CDMA technology and is, therefore, not compatible with the GSM technology. But as a strategy to increase its market share and boost its revenue, Verizon has introduced the 4GLTE phones which come unlocked, and for it to utilize the GSM technology the user must ensure that the phone is GSM compatible and supports the same LTE frequency bands that both T-mobile and AT and T support.

Important to note is that most of the GSM phones are configured in such a way that the service will be provisioned using a Sim card. Let us also not forget that unlike CDMA, GSM phones utilize Sim cards thus switching from one network to another is relatively easy. Considering the above, it would only be fair if we outlined the networks that utilize GSM and CDMA respectively.

In the United States, the US Cellular, Sprint, and Verizon are known to utilize CDMA while GSM is commonly used by T-mobile, Cricket, AT and T, and the Metro PCS. Now for mobile phone users who traverse between countries, they are better off with a GSM phone, because a good number of the foreign carriers are known to utilize the GSM networks.

For the latter, a user must ensure that they utilize a Sim card from a GSM provider so that they can get service for their unlocked phones.

What is the future of the GSM phones that work with Verizon

Given the ripple effect that the 4G LTE has caused there have been a lot of shakeups and changes in the telecommunications industry. Most of the carriers are upgrading which then means that their consumers don’t have a choice but to upgrade with their carriers. Verizon has therefore, made some significant changes that have trickled down to 2021, mostly concerning the CDMA network.

Verizon had initially announced that it will turn off its CDMA network and the question many people had on their minds is whether the GSM phones will then be able to work on Verizon given the scheduled shut down of CDMA. What happens is that the individuals using the GSM devices, can suspend and resume service, they will then have to change their phone numbers, and upgrade their devices to the one’s that are compatible with 4G and 5G, then proceed with activation.

According to media reports, Verizon was only determined to retire CDMA at least by December 31, 2019, meaning that by the arrival of the New Year, the devices used by consumers should be Volte and HD voice capable. We can also not fail to note that the changes being made by Verizon concerning its CDMA network were gradual, for example back in 2018 dealers were restricted from activating the CDMA data only devices, including the swaps and the HD/Volte phone devices.

Verizon phones that are 4G LTE

Back then Verizon encouraged its consumers to reduce the activation of devices that were not compatible with Verizon‘s wireless 4G HD voice and the 4G LTE data networks. Fast forward to 2021, and Verizon on its official website announced the retirement of the CDMA network. Users were, therefore, updated with the activities that came in line with the transition to 4G and 5G, the above was, therefore, a confirmation that the 3G/4G non-HD voice CDMA devices had been shut down.

So as of 2021 some of the significant changes and currently supported services, by Verizon were such as the activation of the new lines, but of the 4G/5G devices. The telecommunications provider also ran upgrades and device changes to compatible 4G and 5G devices, including the plan or feature change.

Conclusion

Mobile phones are no longer being restricted to carriers, so the only remaining strategy for carriers to continue making profits is to focus on enhancing the already existing services or introduce new niche products and services. And even better is that most phones in the market nowadays work with both the GSM and CDMA technologies.

FAQ’s

1. What are some of the services that are not supported by Verizon in 2021?

The 3G devices that were roaming out of the US were not supported, the 3G CDMA/4G non-HD voice on prepaid service were not activated. And the Bring your own device, which provided either a 3G or a 4G non-HD voice CDMA device that was used for activation on an existing line was also not supported among other services.

2. When did GSM become a global standard for mobile communications?

GSM became a global standard for mobile communications back in the mid-2010s, to the point of scooping up, up to 90% market share, and proceeded to spread its operations to over 193 countries.