Can I use a simple mobile phone on AT&T?

The simplest reason to unlock your phone is to use it on another GSM network. U.S. GSM virtual carriers compatible with unlocked phones include Cricket, MetroPCS, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, H2O Wireless, Black Wireless, Ready SIM, and many others. Large CDMA carriers, in general, do not accept unlocked phones.

You might need a new phone if your new carrier insists on it or your old handset is incompatible (T-Mobile and AT&T phones use the GSM network, Verizon and Sprint phones the CDMA one), but you may well be after a new one anyway—it’s one of the perks of switching over to a new provider.

Purchasing an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus on the installment-plan options of AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile frees you from coming up with $650 or more all at once, but it will also leave the phone locked to those carriers. Verizon, however, doesn’t lock its phones even when sold on a payment plan.

Verizon is a CDMA carrier, and operates on a different technology than AT&T and T-Mobile (which are GSM). However, you should still be able to use your unlocked Verizon 4G LTE device on AT&T or T-Mobile, as most handsets will be compatible with both carriers’ LTE bands.

Verizon. Although Verizon uses the CDMA standard and not GSM, you still may be able to use your AT&T 4G LTE device on Verizon’s LTE network, as they both run on the same spectrum; so LTE data should, theoretically, work fine.

If you have two AT&T phones, or two T-Mobile phones, you can transfer wireless service between them by moving the SIM card from one device to the other. You don’t have to take your phone to a retail store, or otherwise get any special permission to switch.

IMEI’s are associated with GSM devices (phones that use SIM cards). Here at AT&T we use GSM devices. Most CDMA phones are not compatible on a GSM networks, however there are some that are compatible. If the device has a bay for a SIM card that’s a good start.

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Unlocked. Unlocked phones are compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile as well as with services that run on GSM SIM cards.

MVNOs. MVNOs or Mobile Virtual Network Operators are smaller carriers such as Cricket Wireless, Credo Mobile, Ting, and Red Pocket.

Verizon.

AT&T.

T-Mobile.

Sprint.

All unlocked phones work on carriers that use GSM networks. Popular U.S. carriers that use GSM networks include AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Simple Mobile and Tracfone. You will need to use a SIM card from a GSM provider to get service for your unlocked phone.

AT&T has Cricket, Sprint has Boost Mobile, T-Mobile has GoSmartMobile and Verizon has Total Wireless. The sub-brands use the same towers and systems as the major brands, but at a lower price and with no contract. Although you should check first, the parent network phone should be compatible with the sub-brand service.

Yes, it is possible to transfer numbers from all carriers. Just make sure to request a phone number transfer at time of initial activation. The transfer of a telephone number can be done online, by calling Customer Care at 1-877-878-7908 or by visiting your local dealer.

Straight Talk is a type of carrier known as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), which means that it doesn’t run or own a wireless network. Instead, it purchases the right to use towers from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.

According to a February PhoneNews report, Total Wireless is owned by América Móvil, which also operates the TracFone Wireless family of MVNO brands. The report also said that the Total Wireless service runs on Verizon’s network.

Yes, your SIM card will work with an AT&T compatible or unlocked GSM phone. Per the Straight Talk website; to activate your service, you will need a Straight Talk Unlimited 30-day Service Plan card or credit card. Some data services may not be available with all wireless devices.

Get up to $650 in Credit Per Line to Help You Switch. Beginning today, AT&T1 is offering you up to $650 in credits to help you switch your wireless service to us. Simply purchase a new smartphone on AT&T NextSM, activate eligible service, port your number, and trade-in your current eligible smartphone.

Technically, it’s possible to use a Sprint phone on T-Mobile or AT&T’s GSM networks, if your device is LTE-capable or an iPhone. Some handsets sold by Sprint are marked as ‘global’ phones, meaning they are also have room for a SIM card, and have dual CDMA/GSM capability.

In many areas where they don’t have enough of there own they do roam onto At&t, cellularone, and any other GSM carrier that may be in that area. They never use verizon or sprint towers as they are CDMA carriers. Different technology. T-Mobile has a LOT more cell sites than just the ones on their own towers.

A. Yes, it is possible to keep the number you already have from another wireless or wireline carrier. First, check to see if your existing number is eligible for transfer to AT&T. If it is, then all you have to do is follow the instructions to authorize the transfer.

Which carriers are compatible with one another?

CDMA Technology: Verizon and Sprint both run off CDMA technology. However, Verizon devices will not work with Sprint services and vice versa.

GSM Technology: AT&T and T-mobile both run off GSM technology.

Switching carriers – the carriers outside of the big four all run off one of the big four’s networks.

All T-Mobile and AT&T devices are compatible with one another when you switch carriers. They both run off the same software technology, GSM. GSM devices are compatible across the board. All Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular devices are not compatible with one another when you switch carriers.