Would a Verizon LTE Nexus 4 be sold unlocked on Google Play?

[biggbrother2]

Just curious. In a few months if Google decided to produce an LTE version of the Nexus 4, could it sell one unlocked in the Play store that supported Verizon LTE? This would allow Verizon customers to simply insert their SIM card into the Nexus 4 like the HSPA+ model, correct?

Then Google would control all updates to the phone, just like it does to the HSPA+ models, correct?

 

[jpprice]

It would still have to be CDMA for voice which means I seriously doubt that they would allow it to be unlocked.

 

[zedorda]

CDMA device will never be sold by anyone but the carrier and its authorized dealers. The play store will never carry CDMA devices.

F.Y.I. LTE is not a CDMA technology.

 

[biggbrother2]

But if the manufacturer controls the CDMA license (either LG or Google thru Motorola Mobility) they would not need Verizon or Qualcomm's approval.. no?

 

[biggbrother2]

Then why can I go on Ebay and buy a CDMA phone, call Verizon and give them the IMEI number, and add it to my account?

 

[jpprice]

The nature of CDMA requires it to be provisioned on the carrier end. So regardless, Verizon would have to provision it on their network in order for it to work which means Verizon would have the ultimate say

 

[zedorda]

But if the manufacturer controls the CDMA license (either LG or Google thru Motorola Mobility) they would not need Verizon or Qualcomm's approval.. no?

Maybe but they don't and can't "control" the CDMA license they lease it.

 

[jpprice]

Then why can I go on Ebay and buy a CDMA phone, call Verizon and give them the IMEI number, and add it to my account?

Verizon has to provision it on their end so they ultimately control what goes on their network.

 

[bobjohnson201]

Just curious. In a few months if Google decided to produce an LTE version of the Nexus 4, could it sell one unlocked in the Play store that supported Verizon LTE? This would allow Verizon customers to simply insert their SIM card into the Nexus 4 like the HSPA+ model, correct?

Then Google would control all updates to the phone, just like it does to the HSPA+ models, correct?

doesn't work like that for CDMA. phones on cdma networks have unique serial numbers (called a ESN) for each device. only the carrier would know what they are. example: sprint and verizon are both cdma, but even if you were say to buy a GS3 at full price from sprint you wouldn't be able to activate it on verizon because they wouldn't be able to activate it with the ESN you gave them for sprints phone. with cdma your restricted to the carrier you got your phone from, as far as I know.

 

[Channan]

They could, but you would only get LTE. That means you wouldn't be able to make normal voice calls or send SMS/MMS and you wouldn't get any service outside of LTE areas. Several years down the road this will be a possibility.

 

[biggbrother2]

Why is Apple able to sell the iPhone for Verizon LTE from its own actual stores and online store then? And then why is Apple able to send OS updates to the iPhone without going through Verizon testing?

 

[blaze5]

Why is Apple able to sell the iPhone for Verizon LTE from its own actual stores and online store then? And then why is Apple able to send OS updates to the iPhone without going through Verizon testing?

Success that's why the iPhone has sold so much that veriuzon agreed to let them have control over OS updates and without having carrier branding its all about sales

Sent from my PC36100

 

[Ziptied]

There won't be, and even if there was, no the play store couldn't sell it.

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Why is Apple able to sell the iPhone for Verizon LTE from its own actual stores and online store then? And then why is Apple able to send OS updates to the iPhone without going through Verizon testing?

VZW does ok the updates, apple waits for universal OK's before they are sent OTA.