Validity of Asian knock-off phones
I am posting on this forum specifically because I know there are some very knowledgeable Verizon reps here and because I am a VZW customer.
I have seen websites that sell a wide variety of knock-off smart phones and I would like to know if they are compatible with the Verizon network. There is some really interesting product out there. I've seen a an iPhone that runs Windows mobile OS and an iPad that has a Google Android OS. There are also several styles of psuedo BlackBerry's that look identical to their authentic counterparts, but I know that it's what inside that really counts. The price point is in the range of $75 to $150 which is enticing, but my gut tells me that this would be a huge mistake. That and the fact that they only accep...
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I have seen websites that sell a wide variety of knock-off smart phones and I would like to know if they are compatible with the Verizon network. There is some really interesting product out there. I've seen a an iPhone that runs Windows mobile OS and an iPad that has a Google Android OS. There are also several styles of psuedo BlackBerry's that look identical to their authentic counterparts, but I know that it's what inside that really counts. The price point is in the range of $75 to $150 which is enticing, but my gut tells me that this would be a huge mistake. That and the fact that they only accep...
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Short answer is that they won't work.
Longer answer
Assuming the devices offer CDMA in the appropriate spectrum (most dont since these companies prefer GSM)
Verizon requires that devices be registered with the network (approved) before they can be activated. This is done via the ESN on the device being on the approved list in the system.
The only way an ESN gets approved normally is if it's a verizon branded device. There are a few exceptions (some alltel phones for example) but typically unless it's a Verizon phone. Someone high up enough in the company can place an esn in the system for you, but it costs them their job, so you won't find people willing to do it.
Maybe this will change with LTE, but for the moment, unless ...
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Longer answer
Assuming the devices offer CDMA in the appropriate spectrum (most dont since these companies prefer GSM)
Verizon requires that devices be registered with the network (approved) before they can be activated. This is done via the ESN on the device being on the approved list in the system.
The only way an ESN gets approved normally is if it's a verizon branded device. There are a few exceptions (some alltel phones for example) but typically unless it's a Verizon phone. Someone high up enough in the company can place an esn in the system for you, but it costs them their job, so you won't find people willing to do it.
Maybe this will change with LTE, but for the moment, unless ...
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That's exactly what I needed to hear. I knew I would get an intelligent response. And you're right, they are all spec'd as GSM, DCS or PCS phones.
Thanks Menno!
Thanks Menno!
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Digital cross-connect systems, part of switching circuitry, if memory serves. Part of the multiplexing process.
Not sure why it was mentioned.
Not sure why it was mentioned.
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Hey Epik, did you read any of CamelTowing's posts in the Clearwire trimming expenses headline?
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Which part of the thread is it? There's a ton of posts in there, and I haven't read most of the forum.
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Here check this post out, people like CamelTowing ruin this website:
https://www.phonescoop.com/news/discuss.php?fm=m&ff= ... »
https://www.phonescoop.com/news/discuss.php?fm=m&ff= ... »
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Very interesting.
It's people like this that caused me to want to start my own site.
It's people like this that caused me to want to start my own site.
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I think he's about as sick of it as I am. I'm certain he has more patience than I do, and I feel like I do a pretty good job in the patience department.
The thing that bothers me most about contributors who contribute nothing to the conversation is the lack of respect to people just coming to the forum to ask a question. This site used to have a regular flow of consumers checking in for help from the regulars, but now the regulars are more likely to insult and berate people for asking what they consider to be a simplistic or dumb question. The Verizon side of the forum doesn't get it nearly as much as the other carrier forums seem to, for which I am grateful.
The only question I find "dumb" would be the "how do I cheat my way out ...
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The thing that bothers me most about contributors who contribute nothing to the conversation is the lack of respect to people just coming to the forum to ask a question. This site used to have a regular flow of consumers checking in for help from the regulars, but now the regulars are more likely to insult and berate people for asking what they consider to be a simplistic or dumb question. The Verizon side of the forum doesn't get it nearly as much as the other carrier forums seem to, for which I am grateful.
The only question I find "dumb" would be the "how do I cheat my way out ...
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Well, a lot of times other CDMA devices worked because they happened to land in the ESN range and no one bothered to split it up appropriately. That's why soem Alltel and even Metro PCS phones can work on Verizon.
For example, if phone X has a range of ESN 1000 - 9000 (I know these aren't real ESNs) and Verizon purchased in bulk the units of 1000 - 4999 and Alltel purchased in bulk 5000 - 7999, then Verizon decided they needed more so they picked up 8000 - 9000. Well, most of the time the person punching this stuff in would just punch in 1000 - 9000.
For example, if phone X has a range of ESN 1000 - 9000 (I know these aren't real ESNs) and Verizon purchased in bulk the units of 1000 - 4999 and Alltel purchased in bulk 5000 - 7999, then Verizon decided they needed more so they picked up 8000 - 9000. Well, most of the time the person punching this stuff in would just punch in 1000 - 9000.
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Problem is, though, that there's no way to know if it would work until you try, and by the time you have the ESN to try it's probably too late.
I remember years ago, back in my early days, when I could activate some Sprint phones as long as I used an older DOS-based version of the network interface. Then, they started cracking down on ESNs, and there were even some Verizon ESNs I couldn't activate.
I remember years ago, back in my early days, when I could activate some Sprint phones as long as I used an older DOS-based version of the network interface. Then, they started cracking down on ESNs, and there were even some Verizon ESNs I couldn't activate.
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Menno said:...
Short answer is that they won't work.
Longer answer
Assuming the devices offer CDMA in the appropriate spectrum (most dont since these companies prefer GSM)
Verizon requires that devices be registered with the network (approved) before they can be activated. This is done via the ESN on the device being on the approved list in the system.
The only way an ESN gets approved normally is if it's a verizon branded device. There are a few exceptions (some alltel phones for example) but typically unless it's a Verizon phone. Someone high up enough in the company can place an esn in the system for you, but it costs them their job, so you won't find people willing to do it.
Maybe this will change with
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