[lzr0]

Hi,
I wonder, if a phone is unlocked and it supports the frequency bands of a particular network, does it mean it will work in this network, or there are some other factors besides frequencies that determine the phone compatibility?

For example, if it's a GSM phone which also supports 850 and 1900 MHz [that are used in CDMA networks], will it work in a CDMA network (such as Sprint) with a proper sim card?

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› See More: What determines unlocked phone compatibility with a different network?

[tavenger5]

It is up to sprint to activate the phone on their network or not. Generally, if it's not made for Sprint, I doubt they'll activate it. CDMA phones aren't locked in the same way that a GSM phone would be. Since Sprint only uses CDMA, the GSM antennas on the phone wouldn't be used at all.

[lzr0]

Hi, tavenger5,

I am not concerned about activation. I have a Sprint service already. I wondered if I buy an unlocked non-Sprint gsm phone, would it work if I just move into it sim card from my sprint phone.

[tavenger5]

No you cannot. I should have been more clear - it's up to Sprint to activate the phone on your line or not, and they more than likely will not since the phone is not made for their network. It doesn't matter if it's unlocked or not since this mainly only applies to GSM networks and switching phones between those networks.

Can I bring my own compatible phone? Sprint will
activate devices that have been certified to operate on
Sprint networks. Generally, if the non-Sprint device is a
CDMA device, voice services may function, although
many other features and services may not and system and
network updates may become problematic over time with
the non-Sprint phone. Sprint works carefully with phone
manufacturers to optimize Sprint devices for the Sprint
networks, systems and software choices. Thus, in order to
ensure the best possible wireless experience, Sprint will
not generally allow non-Sprint branded phones on its
networks.

from http://www.sprint.com/landings/ctiac...y-postpaid.pdf

[lzr0]

Thank you.