[datum9]

specifically, I am asking about Samsung S8+ G955V (Verizon) - can that phone work on a GSM network that the rest of the world uses? Or is that phone permanently married to CDMA?

[Mr. Toad]

It will work. Just verify the bands on the phone to the country you are going to.

Forget CDMA and Verizon. It is now an LTE network and will be shutting down most of the older technology at the end of the year.

[datum9]

So what does it mean in practical terms?

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...twork-shutdown

[Rukbat]

It means that it uses CDMA2000 and 1xEV-DO on 3G but GSM for the rest of the phone. Check the LTE bands here against the bands the European carrier uses (the phone has to have the bands the European carrier uses - which you can find out by googling the carrier name, the country and the word frequencies).

[lmdroid]

It will work. Just verify the bands on the phone to the country you are going to.

Forget CDMA and Verizon. It is now an LTE network and will be shutting down most of the older technology at the end of the year.

Will 3G still work as I don't get LTE only 3G is available in my home or will my phone be useless.

[Mr. Toad]

Will 3G still work as I don't get LTE only 3G is available in my home or will my phone be useless.

It won't be good for you. I would get a phone with wifi calling if you have internet. Hopefully they add some coverage in your area.