Root [Verizon] SIM card used for Verizon now?

[FirebirdStud]

I am wondering, since the S4 on Verizon is now a global phone, does it come with a SIM card?

If so, does Verizon have an option to unlock the SIM card for global use?

I ask because no mater what, I am locked into paying the contract for 2 years, so they shouldn't care if I unlock the phone to use whatever SIM I want while abroad...

 

[chadwick108]

yyes I can verify that S4 does have sim and must be unlocked for global capabilities.. I believe that all VZW 4G phones and 4G capable tablets require a sim in order to work on network. I also know Droid 3 had a sim card but don't believe it was required unless using global capabilities.

 

[FirebirdStud]

Do you know if Verizon will unlock the SIM for use abroad while on vacation or working?
If not, can I do it myself or through a third party safely?

 

[chris2k5]

It is already unlocked. If you insert another SIM card from another carrier, most likely only voice will work.

To get data to work, you need to do some APN setting changes. This requires root and then a quick edit of an APN config file. Then you replace the file in your phone with the one you already did.

XDA developers has the full tutorial on this. They even edited the file with well over 20 carriers so you just download it and then replace the original file in your phone using Root Explorer.

 

[betsuni78]

The phone has a SIM card, but I believe the card is strictly for LTE. Voice is still CDMA, which does not use SIM cards.

 

[FirebirdStud]

excellent, thanks guys! At least I know I have an option to make it work.

 

[FirebirdStud]

Yep, Verizon confirmed the SIM is only for 4G, and that voice and messages are still CDMA. So, this phone isn't worth a crap abroad. I think I will still get it, but just know that unless the country you are going to has 4G, this phone simply wont work outside of America.

 

[CyberWinter]

I know on my Droid 3 I had to call Verizon to enter a code to allow me to use a SIM from Greece, therefore a new phone #. Of course no data though.

 

[Gman9831]

Not all 4G phones are global, for some the slot is strictly UICC (4G Card) and some they're SIM slots the VZW S4 is a global phone though.
Verizon does not use sim cards even though they refer to it as one they're called UICC's.

Even said it in the press release http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2013/04/samsung-galaxy-s4.html

 

[jhawkkw]

Yep, Verizon confirmed the SIM is only for 4G, and that voice and messages are still CDMA. So, this phone isn't worth a crap abroad. I think I will still get it, but just know that unless the country you are going to has 4G, this phone simply wont work outside of America.

Which ever Verizon rep told you that was misinformed. The sim slot will take a gsm sim card and work as long as it's a global phone, the sim is unlocked, and you use a carrier that uses frequencies that your phone supports.

every 4g phone we have ever released has a sim card in it. they are global CAPABLE but you must add a feature to your contract that will unlock it for overseas use.

Not every LTE phone is global capable, though just about any modern one is. There are a couple older ones like the Galaxy Nexus, Droid Charge, etc that don't have gsm radios in it.

 

[Grecho]

I can say for sure, the phone will work with a foreign inserted sim card. Just returned from Europe where i purchased a prepaid sim card, inserted and immediately had data and voice coverage.

Just make sure that the sim you are purchasing uses frequencies that your phone is compatible with

Annoying notification though that a non-verizon sim was inserted. I believe that verizon is selling all phones global ready now, that is, they are no longer requiring an unlock code to use abroad.