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Question

S6 on Verizon towers using Straightalk

Apr 14, 2015 2:41AM PDT

I have a Samsung S5 I originally purchased from Verizon then I switched service to pay as you go. Later, I signed with Straightalk, paid a small fee and received a mini-sim card, gave them my IMEI # and received service on VZ towers. My phone indicates I am receiving 4G/LTE radio signals.

Here is my question. I am considering buying a factory unlocked S6 but the ones offering on Amazon,ebay and others state the phone can only be used on GSM networks,NOT CDMA like Verison, Spring, etc. The frequency specs seem to be the same for the S5 and S6. I understand the phones offered can not be used on Verizon's CDMA network but what about Verizon's 4G/LTE which is available where I live. With the installation of a sim from Straightalk does anyone know why the S6 would not run on Verizon's towers (AT&T gets lousy coverage in my area)? The phone is either too new or Straightalk just doesn't have the expertise to answer so I am reaching out for input.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's harder than you think.
Apr 14, 2015 2:56AM PDT

Not only must you know it's a S6 but a S6 with the CDMA 4G/LTE radio. Not all appear to have this cellular radio. S6 is the line, not a specific model. If it states GSM but not CDMA, it's not the model you are looking for.
Bob

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S6 on Verizon towers with Straight Talk
Apr 14, 2015 6:27AM PDT

I guess my confusion comes from AT&T having the capability for 4G LTE as I understand it. Verizon has 4G LTE. So if the S6 has 4G LTE radios, why can't it work on Verizon? I understand it would not work with CDMA only but Verizon , at least in my area, offers strong 4G LTE. The S5 I have uses 4G LTE as it would on AT&T.

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Sorry
Apr 14, 2015 6:30AM PDT

But the discussion of CDMA, GSM, and why both call out 4G LTE is one that I can't repeat. It's one or the other (CDMA, GSM.)

There are long back and forth discussions on other forums and I can't bear a repeat of that. Maybe someone will jump in and repeat it.

As to what works with what, GSM unlocked is very portable among networks. CDMA? Too many caveats for me to guide you. Only your carrier will be able to tell you if that model will absolutely be fine on their network.
Bob

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2 Links
Apr 14, 2015 6:46AM PDT
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S6 on Verizon towers with Straight Talk
Apr 14, 2015 1:38PM PDT

Thanks Bob for your helpful comments. I believe I have solved my questions. I am buying a Verizon S6 and will use a Straight Talk sim card in the same way I did on my S5 I bought from Verizon and switched to Straight Talk. That transition went smoothly. All I had to do was give ST my IMEID and order a $6.95 sim card. After that, since I already had an S4 with service from ST, they just ported my number from the S4 to the S5 I had bought from Verizon. After discussing this with ST, I was assured the S6 will go the same way. I didn't even have to cancel the service with Verizon....ST did it for me with the transfer. We'll see how this time around works out.
Larry

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question about bringing your own phone to ST.
Nov 9, 2015 7:51AM PST

Larry,
I am looking at bringing a Verizon S6 over to ST and using on the Verizon towers.
Do you use the Easy Exchange program? I have gotten 3 different answers. I really want the S6, but I don't know if I want to miss out on the insurance.
Thank you!

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Simplified- voice vs data
Apr 14, 2015 1:39PM PDT

CDMA is the technology Verizon still uses for their voice network, hence you requiring a handset that includes that particular type of radio. Right now they only use LTE for data, but will eventually (completely) roll out VoLTE (voice over LTE), eventually making the legacy CDMA network obsolete.

Bottom line, Bob is 110% correct that you should focus on handsets with the CDMA radio under the hood. Check inventory & ultra-specific model numbers very carefully when buying these devices online from third parties such as ebay, etc.(!)

Some fun reading here:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-the-heck-do-4g-4gx-xlte-lte-a-and-volte-mean/

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S6 on Verizon towers with Straight Talk
Apr 14, 2015 1:41PM PDT

Thanks Pepe7, believe I have solved the problem. Now all I have to do is wait until the 16th when my S6 arrives and give my IMEID to ST and order the sim card for the S6. Maybe?????
Larry