Verizon to include global roaming on Galaxy S III
Fans of Samsung's Galaxy S III may be able to have conversations around the world with a software update that Verizon is said to offer with the phone.
Word on the street is that international travelers using Verizon Wireless might be able to talk on their Samsung Galaxy S III no matter what country they're in.
According to PhoneScoop, Verizon confirmed this rumor. Here's what PhoneScoop says:
Verizon Wireless confirmed to Phone Scoop in an email that its variant of the Samsung Galaxy S III will eventually be able to roam onto the 2G/3G networks of overseas network operators. The capability won't be available at launch, but will be enabled down the line through a software update. Verizon didn't say when that update might become available.
Last month, Verizon confirmed that four of its Android-powered smartphones would soon get a software update allowing them to operate on Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, networks, which is the dominant global wireless technology and the standard in Europe. Verizon said GSM roaming would be activated on the Droid Razr, Droid Razr Maxx, Droid 4, and HTC Rezound.
Over the years, Verizon customers couldn't use their cell phones while traveling internationally because Verizon's technology was incompatible with most of the world's wireless carriers. So, the company eventually started offering "world phones," which allowed customers to roam onto most carrier networks overseas.
It seems that what Verizon will be offering for the Samsung Galaxy S III will work in a similar fashion since it will be using 2G/3G networks of overseas network operators.
CNET contacted Verizon for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
