Help Does Thunderbolt roam to GSM?

[hamneck]

I've heard and read a lot of conflicting information about the Thunderbolt's ability to roam (both domestically and internationally). Does anyone know, for sure, whether or not the Thunderbolt can roam to GSM networks, either for data, voice, or both?

I've called verizon support 3 times, and gotten 3 different answers each time. And, an extensive internet search hasn't yielded me any concrete answers. I have found this link, as it pertains to LTE in general: [FONT=&quot]LTE ~ GSM World[/FONT]

in that article, it states: [FONT=&quot]. LTE has the advantage of being backwards compatible with existing GSM and HSPA networks, enabling mobile operators deploying LTE to continue to provide a seamless service across LTE and existing deployed networks.

 

[Silent Thunder]

I've heard and read a lot of conflicting information about the Thunderbolt's ability to roam (both domestically and internationally). Does anyone know, for sure, whether or not the Thunderbolt can roam to GSM networks, either for data, voice, or both?

I've called verizon support 3 times, and gotten 3 different answers each time. And, an extensive internet search hasn't yielded me any concrete answers. I have found this link, as it pertains to LTE in general: [FONT=&quot]LTE ~ GSM World[/FONT]

in that article, it states: [FONT=&quot]. LTE has the advantage of being backwards compatible with existing GSM and HSPA networks, enabling mobile operators deploying LTE to continue to provide a seamless service across LTE and existing deployed networks.”[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]that would seem to suggest that LTE can roam to GSM. But, i've read a few things that seem to suggest otherwise. Anyone know for sure? Anyone been able to successfully roam to GSM?[/FONT]

Nope I don't think so.

 

[jasoraso]

I think the radio chip inside the Thunderbolt IS capable of being programmed to roam on GSM; including ALL the frequencies in the US and overseas, but I don't think that Verizon/HTC has programmed it to do so.

It is possible that Verizon could issue a radio/firmware update that enabled this capability (at least for "global" use); but I am not too optimistic that they will. They have some new phones coming out next week that sound like they will be "global" (although NOT LTE/4g compatible) and I don't think that will want to cannibalize those sales by enabling global capability ...

see this post:http://androidforums.com/htc-thunderbolt/293452-evdo-lte-problem-thunderbolt.html#post2396926

There aren't any sources for this information, but if it is correct it certainly sounds like it COULD, but doesn't.