Verizon iPhone 5 reportedly ships unlocked for GSM networks

Verizon iPhone 5 operating on AT&T's HSPA+ network. | Source: iDownloadBlog

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Hours after the iPhone 5 hit store shelves across the U.S. on Friday, it has reportedly been discovered that the CDMA Verizon version of the device can be used on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks with a simple GSM micro SIM card modification.

Website iDownloadBlog claims it was able to trim down and install a micro SIM card into

the new Verizon iPhone 5, which was purchased under contract, and connect to AT&T's HSPA+ "4G" network.

The publication contacted a Verizon representative who confirmed the handset is indeed unlocked, meaning it can use SIM cards from other carriers even under contract. This is encouraging to travelers who own a CDMA Verizon iPhone 5 but need to hop onto international GSM networks from time to time.

Verizon iPhone 5 with trimmed GSM micro SIM installed.

While the installation is anything but elegant, in this case requiring a paper clip and a piece of tape to hold the card in place rather than the supplied tray, AT&T and T-Mobile nano-SIMs are likely to have a better fit.

With the iPhone 5, Apple is implementing new nano-SIM cards that bring a 40 percent reduction in size compared to last-generation micro SIM cards.

💬 27 Comments

tallest skil

said about 10 years ago

And if CDMA carriers were be forced to accept user devices, the AT&T model would be unlocked for Verizon…

So when VoLTE is finished, how will that work? Will the CDMA guys slowly dismantle the old and switch to SIMs for the new?

tulkas

said about 10 years ago

I wonder if this is because if the FCC requirement regarding the 700Mhz spectrum.

Was reading this over at hofo, might be interesting for those here:

http://www.howardforum.com/showthread.php/1777112-Verizon-iPhone-5-s-must-be-unlocked!-FCC

[quote]

Verizon iPhone 5's must be unlocked! - FCC

I've been reading up on the open access provisions in regards to the C-Block of 700 mhz LTE spectrum. There is a very specific line saying that a licensee(Verizon)cannot configure devices to be locked against use on another network. This means that Verizon would be violating Federal law if the iPhone 5's sim slot is even partially locked. Unlike on the iPhone 4S - these regulations mean that Verizon must even allow an AT&T sim card to be used in any Verizon iPhone 5.

The relevant law is found here in the Code of Federal Regulations
Title 47 - Telecommunication. CHAPTER I - FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED). SUBCHAPTER B - COMMON CARRIER SERVICES. PART 27 - MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. Subpart B - Applications and Licenses. § 27.16Network access requirements for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787 MHz bands.

Take a look at this : (e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks.[/quote]

mstone

said about 10 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tulkas

The relevant law is found here in the Code of Federal Regulations

Title 47 - Telecommunication. CHAPTER I - FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED). SUBCHAPTER B - COMMON CARRIER SERVICES. PART 27 - MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. Subpart B - Applications and Licenses. § 27.16Network access requirements for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787 MHz bands.

Take a look at this : (e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks.

Why does this law only apply to Verizon? Can AT&T lock their handsets?