Expert: DebiN - 7/14/2011

Question
Hi. I have AT&T and I bought an unlocked verizon phone from ebay. I could put in a sim card. When I tun it on, all my contacts are there but I can't receive or send texts and the same with phone calls. If I try to call someone it says it'll transfer me to a verizon rep or I have to use a credit card. I called at&t and they can't figure it out. They also tried to charge me more since it was a smartphone and I have a reg phone. I called verizon and they tried to get me to get sign up with them. I told him I have at&t and the guy didn't even care. So what do I do? Do I buy an unlock code? I really don't want to return it.

Answer
Verizon uses CDMA technology in the US and their devices that take SIM cards only work on the GSM network outside of the US. The reason your SIM fit into the phone is because the device is a Verizon world phone and therefore will work abroad with an international plan.

Here's the real honest answer to your question. You cannot use this phoen with AT&T service, period. There's no roundabout special way to do it. A Verizon phone will not work with an AT&T SIM card even if it's "unlocked". I strongly recommend that you return the phone unless you decide you want to switch to Verizon service. For someone with AT&T, you will need either an AT&T branded phone or a minimum of a quad band SIM unlocked GSM phone. Any phone from Verizon, Sprint, MetroPCS, Cricket, Alltel, Virgin, Nextel, WON'T work. There's no way to do it. They don't have the proper radio antennas built into them. I'm very hopeful that the person you purchased from will refund your money. Hope this helps.