unlocked verizon devices

[robk84]

My understanding is that Verizon is supposed to fully roll out lte to their entire footprint in the next few months. With the open devices clause from their spectrum auction, does that mean Google could in theory throw an unlocked nexus device together that would work on verizon's network?

 

[Jaguarr40]

In theory YES but it all depends on Google and the Carrier in this case Verizon coming to an agreement.

 

[robk84]

They wouldn't need an agreement though would they? Don't they have to let any compatible device use their network?

 

[Jennifer Stough]

Verizon does a vigorous check of phones for activation on their network. If they don't recognize the imei then chances are its not getting activated, even if your phone is unlocked and supports their bands.

Sent from my Verizon Droid DNA

 

[Aquila]

My understanding is that Verizon is supposed to fully roll out lte to their entire footprint in the next few months. With the open devices clause from their spectrum auction, does that mean Google could in theory throw an unlocked nexus device together that would work on verizon's network?

This is going to be weird given that they're still using CDMA for calls and even though my area has LTE, in certain parts it still defaults to 3G... not 100% sure why, but this makes me suspect that more than one or two overlaid networks are in play here.

 

[TheDave]

I've wondered this as well. Verizon desperately wants people on LTE to consume data faster and easier, giving them more cash. They might agree to an unlocked LTE-only, just to get people used to the idea.

Truely unlocked bootloader, etc? Don't count on it.

 

[Mooem]

In the short term, no. CDMA will continue to be the underlying network primarily used for voice calling. Since Verizon's CDMA network is not bound by those spectrum rules and is locked down/proprietary, Big Red can continue to hold a tight grip, for the most part, on what devices run on their network. Until Verizon gets VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) rolled out, and thus make available LTE-only devices, then I wouldn't expect to see any unlocked smartphones for Verizon anytime soon. I believe VoLTE is slated for a roll out in 2014 so a theoretical LTE-only Nexus could work that year. It should be an interesting time to be a Verizon customer then.

 

[robk84]

In the short term, no. CDMA will continue to be the underlying network primarily used for voice calling. Since Verizon's CDMA network is not bound by those spectrum rules and is locked down/proprietary, Big Red can continue to hold a tight grip, for the most part, on what devices run on their network. Until Verizon gets VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) rolled out, and thus make available LTE-only devices, then I wouldn't expect to see any unlocked smartphones for Verizon anytime soon. I believe VoLTE is slated for a roll out in 2014 so a theoretical LTE-only Nexus could work that year. It should be an interesting time to be a Verizon customer then.

I am hanging in there. I upgraded my dad's dumb phone line and transferred the phone to me (store reps idea) to keep my unlimited data when I bought my note 2 in December. If they roll out VoLTE next year and we get a nexus with nexus 4 like pricing I will be the happiest kid in town.