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Is iPhone service with AT&T only?

Discussion in 'APPLE iPhone, iPad Tablets and all iOS Devices' started by melm, Sep 27, 2009.

  1. melm

    melm New Member

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    I have been thinking about getting the new iPhone , which appears to only be with At&T.
    On Ebay I have seen ones with Verizon and unlocked phones for sale.
    Are they reputable?

    Can I use iPhone like a pay-as-you-go phone, such as Pageplus or is it so new that apple has linked it exclusively to AT&T?
     
  2. M in LA

    M in LA Mobile 28 Years Plus
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    You can use the iPhone with other GSM carriers as long as the phone is unlocked. You cannot use it with Verizon, as they are CDMA.

    As long as the phone is jailbroken/unlocked, you should be able to use it with GSM prepaid carriers, but some functionality disappears without using it on AT&T. Also, you will be paying for any data you use on the phone (will come out of prepaid bucket). Without a data plan of some kind, the iPhone is just an iPod touch with phone capability.

    If you choose to buy an unlocked phone from eBay, just beware. Some sellers have no idea what they're doing, let alone understanding cell phone networks and limitations.

    Personally, I would NEVER buy a mobile phone off eBay, but that's not to say you shouldn't. Just know what you're getting into before spending your money. Otherwise you could be wasting it.
     
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  3. melm

    melm New Member

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    Thanks for the Info...

    I was leaning towards purchasing from AT&T as I get a discount through work.
    Now that I know how it would affect the function to get it elsewhere, I will definitely stick with the carrier.

    Thanks again.:D
     
  4. Telekom

    Telekom Bronze Senior Member
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    I've bought several handsets on eBay. Like everything else you need to do your research and bid and buy wisely.
     
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  5. melm

    melm New Member

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    I agree. Research is the key. I have had good luck on ebay so far...

    Thanks.
     
  6. crood

    crood Senior Member
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    I've noticed that some eBay sellers will put every provider in their listings to increase the number of hits, even though no phone can work on all of them.
     
  7. Telekom

    Telekom Bronze Senior Member
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    And let's not forget how insertion for auctions works as well. You can "customize" your entry or you can use their "template" which includes such things as stating that it works with AT&T and T-Mobile even if you're planning on marketing it to people in Europe, Asia or anywhere else.
     
  8. Critic

    Critic The Digital Ruler
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    Anyone who says they have an iPhone that will work on VZW is liar and not reputable. There is not, has not ever been, nor will ever be a CDMA iPhone. The rumor is that VZW had their chance at the iPhone at the very start but said "no thanks", so Apple went GSM.

    VZW may get the iPhone after the LTE switchover, so maybe in 2013...which would be the 7th generation iPhone.
     
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  9. elmo01

    elmo01 Senior Member
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    apple or att will not unlock an Iphone... but as with *any* software there is always a way... IMHO you are taking a risk if you buy one... 3g and 3gs Iphone CANNOT activate as prepaid devices
     
  10. abigaill

    abigaill Banned

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    I've purchased some phones on ebay and it worked good for me !!! But it is always good to surf the internet and do some researches before you buy anything!!!
     
  11. Eileen89

    Eileen89 Bronze Senior Member
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    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPad 4G using Tapatalk HD.
     
  12. brainjohn

    brainjohn New Member

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    You mean Iphone can be operated as CDMA phone as well ? I thought it works with GSM carriers only after jail breaking.
     
  13. Eileen89

    Eileen89 Bronze Senior Member
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    The GSM iPhone can not be operated on CDMA. A GSM iPhone once "unlocked" can work on other GSM networks.


    Sent from my 4G iPad using Tapatalk HD.
     

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