Using a Verizon iPhone 5 on T-Mobile

[terrapin69]

I've read a lot of posts on the www saying that while an unlocked iPhone 5 from Verizon will work just fine on T-Mobile's 4G network (like mine is currently doing), hooking up to T-Mobile's LTE band(s) is not an option - without jailbreak. Unfortunately, I updated to iOS 8.1.3 and am anxiously awaiting a JB option.

My question is - Does this hardware even "have" the required band(s) necessary to get T-Mobile's LTE signal? Do these bands just, simply, need to be unlocked?

Any guidance would be appreciated....Thanks

 

[chscag]

Your iPhone 5 as far as I know, should be able to utilize the T-Mobile LTE bands. Since you have a T-Mobile sim card and are a subscriber, just ask one of the T-Mobile techs who work in their stores. Once you start messing with a jail break, all bets are off.

My iPhone 5c is T-Mobile and when I'm up and about here in Fort Worth or Dallas, my phone will tell me when the signal is LTE. Yours should do the same if it can receive LTE.

 

[terrapin69]

Really? I actually have heard the opposite across the www - That the Verizon iPhone 5 can use T-Mobile's 4G but NOT LTE - I wonder - cause even though my iPhone 5 says 4G, not LTE, I'm experiencing downloads of anywhere between 10-16mbps - which is pretty **** good. I'm just wondering how to enable the LTE radio on this device-If possible

 

[lclev]

If you go to Settings -> Cellular -> is there a slider button for "enable LTE"??

I have that on my iPhone 6+ and I have to turn it on to get LTE.

Lisa

 

[terrapin69]

yes there is and it LTE is enabled - Maybe I am getting it but it only reads 4G?

 

[terrapin69]

Your iPhone 5 as far as I know, should be able to utilize the T-Mobile LTE bands. Since you have a T-Mobile sim card and are a subscriber, just ask one of the T-Mobile techs who work in their stores. Once you start messing with a jail break, all bets are off.

My iPhone 5c is T-Mobile and when I'm up and about here in Fort Worth or Dallas, my phone will tell me when the signal is LTE. Yours should do the same if it can receive LTE.

Remember, however, this is VERIZON device - Not a 5 from Tmobile

 

[lclev]

You might be. It seems like you are getting great speeds anyway which is good. I will say when I am getting 4G LTE it show it at the top of my phone as LTE.

Lisa

 

[terrapin69]

You might be. It seems like you are getting great speeds anyway which is good. I will say when I am getting 4G LTE it show it at the top of my phone as LTE.

Lisa

Perhaps - Just want eberyone to remember that I am using a Verizon 5, not a T-Mobile 5 - Just a T-mobile nano sim on an unlocked Verizon 5

 

[chscag]

Remember, however, this is VERIZON device - Not a 5 from Tmobile

I understand. However, the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, and the 6 series from Verizon have dual radios and can be utilized as CDMA (Verizon, Sprint) or GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile). The question about LTE should be directed to T-Mobile. That's why I suggested you ask at one of their stores or give their customer service a call. It appears from what you stated above that you're getting good speeds though.

Edit: I just remembered something.... I have a cellular iPad 3 Verizon model. I took it to T-Mobile and they removed the Verizon nano sim and put in a T-Mobile nano sim for me. My iPad 3 gets LTE on the T-Mobile network. I can't say for sure your iPhone is the same, but I know that it's possible for a Verizon device to receive LTE on T-Mobile.

 

[terrapin69]

T-Mo said that I need to have frequency (LTE Band 12) activated - I know this phone,out of the box, supported LTE bands 1,3,5,13,25 but not 12. My next question...when a jailbreak comes along, with enabling band 12 be an option or is that simply not possible with this device?

 

[chscag]

My next question...when a jailbreak comes along, with enabling band 12 be an option or is that simply not possible with this device?

That's a good question. I'm going say with what you were told by T-Mobile that band 12 is not likely going to be available even with a JB. Those frequencies are set in already and can't be altered as far as I'm aware. However, if you want to stick with T-Mobile they do offer a trade in on iPhones but it would mean a more expensive upgrade.

 

[terrapin69]

Thanks pal....Like I said originally, I'm getting awesome speeds on non-wifi connections - YouTube streams flawlessly, pages load almost instantly. I'm starting to think that 4G vs LTE really doesn't matter much afterall

 

[johnodd4]

Question if the verizon phones are locked to verizon and don't use simcards then how would you unlock a verizon phone for t-mobile