Unlocked CDMA phones for Verizon troubles - Answered!44057
techsupport posted in Verizon, Sprint, Setup Instructions on July 14th, 2005
If you have purchased an unlocked CDMA phone which was originally on the Sprint network and is noted as ‘unlocked for Verizon,’ and are experiencing troubles with activation, this article will provide you detailed instructions for activation.
First, let’s understand the purpose lifecycle and sales cycle of these phones. These phones were originally made for and distributed to customers on the Sprint network. They they are unlocked for use on Verizon and are NOT for activation on the Sprint network. We repeat, ARE NOT.
When Sprint takes a phone back from a customer, they sell them to third parties who test them for proper operation, ensure the battery charges properly, disinfects and cleans them up, repairs anything which may have been wrong with them and box them with the proper accessories and offers them to companies for resale. When sold, Sprint “removes” the phones IMEI number from their ‘eligible’ for activation database. Sprints records, if queried, will provide the previous user’s name in relation to this IMEI and they may even go as far as to say they are “lost” or “missing” phones, as their database no longer has any physical hardware to relate this information to.
Verizon and several other prepaid phone carriers are more than happy to activate these phones. You are able to purchase them at great prices, help extend the phone’s lifespan instead of filling up landfills with them and use technology that is just as good for use today as it was for the original user. The phones are not offered for sale by Verizon, but thousands of independant sellers who have purchased them from refurbishing processors and resellers.
Verizon’s policy on using “existing phones:”
Can I use an existing phone with Verizon Wireless service?[Verizon] can activate your existing phone provided it is compatible with [their] CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) digital network. NOTE: Although a wireless phone may be compatible with [the] network, [Verizon] cannot guarantee the equipment’s performance nor can [they] honor the manufacturer’s warranty on wireless phones not purchased through Verizon Wireless.
To activate your handset, you may do so online at Verizon’s website. Simply follow these instructions:
How do I activate my phone ?
Your phone may be activated with Verizon online through ‘My Account’.
- 1. Login to Your Verizon Account. If you are not registered, register for a Verizon online account.
- 2. Select “Account Maintenance” from the top menu bar.
- 3. Click “Activate Phone.”
- 4. Follow the online directions to activate new equipment or existing equipment.
This information can be found at this link.
If you are having a problem with a CDMA unlocked phone activation, please email us or give us a call at 1-800-800-8300 (international callers please dial +1 305-415-2200). Note that Verizon, Sprint and other carriers may have restrictions or requirements in place regarding non-carrier issued hardware, generally as noted above. We cannot guarantee activation by any carrier.
Phones which are defective, have a broken screen or other physical problem upon receipt can be exchanged within 30 days by calling the customer service department of the company from which you made the purchase or contacting us by email. This is the official support method for all customers of: Global Computer Supplies, Global GovEd, InfotelUSA, TigerDirect.ca and TigerDirect.com. The 30 day warranty on these items is exclusive to the individual who placed the order and not to any individuals who have purchased the item from a third party. Only purchases from the previously identified companies are supported via GSM Support Center.