Expert: DebiN - 1/2/2010

Question
Hi DebiN,

I am looking to purchase the HTC Hero and have found a few that would imported that I like. I wanted to know if it would be compatible with the Sprint network as they sell the HTC Hero but not the exact same model number as I am looking at. I am looking at the HTC Hero Android A6262 Pink Smartphone Unlocked Import. As I was reading about Unlocked phones and how they should work with any network by reading their SIM cards, I am still confused by some of the other Q and A's I've read about it. Could you help me out? Thank you so much!!!!
Kristina


Answer
The HTC Hero that you are looking at will not work with Sprint service. This is a GSM phone and Sprint only works with phones that run on the CDMA network. There won't be any SIM unlocked or GSM phones that will work with Sprint service. The only HTC models that work with Sprint are the ones that they sell (or have sold in the past). I strongly recommend that if you want to get a new phone for your Sprint service that you get it directly from Sprint, if at all possible. If not possible because of your current contract, then buy a used or new Sprint branded phone only. That is the only way that you can guarantee that it will work with Sprint. Some people will sell flashed phones for Sprint. These may work, but you are better off with a phone that is branded by Sprint. Sprint does not use SIM cards - only the GSM carriers use SIM cards. What you are reading is only valid for AT&T and T-Mobile and other GSM carriers (in the US). Outside of the US, most of the carriers work on GSM technology and that's why these phones work on most networks there. In the US, Sprint and Verizon (Cricket, MetroPCS, old Alltel, Virgin, US Cellular) use CDMA technology and T-Mobile and AT&T (and some other smaller carriers) use GSM. GSM networks are 85% of the world, but in the US, it's split between CDMA and GSM. GSM phones don't work on the CDMA network and vice versa. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN