
Shortly after the iPhone 5 hit store shelves across the United States on Friday, it was discovered that the CDMA Verizon version of the device can be used on AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks with a simple GSM micro SIM card medication. According to the folks over at iDownloadBlog, they were able to trim down and install a micro SIM card into the new Verizon iPhone 5, which was purchased under contract, and connect to AT&T’s HSPA+ “4G” network.
A Verizon representative confirmed the handset is indeed unlocked, meaning it can use SIM cards from other carriers even under contract. This is good news for those who travel often and own a CDMA Verizon iPhone 5 as they won’t need to hop onto international GSM networks from time to time.
The installation of the modification isn’t elegant, where in this particular case a paper clip and a piece of tape was used to hold the card in place rather than the supplied tray, but AT&T and T-Mobile nano-SIMs are likely to have a better fit. For those of you who didn’t know, Apple is implementing new nano-SIM cards with the iPhone 5, which bring a 40% reduction in size compared to last-generation micro SIM cards. The ability to be unlocked on GSM networks though is a feature I think far more important to consumers than how the card is held into place, so Verizon users can rejoice!
Source: iDownloadBlog
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