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Verizon Global vs LTE-CDMA – Which One to Use?

October 19, 2021

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Are you confused between the different network types Verizon provides in the network settings and wondering which one you should use in your area? Depending on certain factors, but most importantly the type of network coverage in your area, you can choose from amongst the Global mode, LTE/CDMA, and LTE/GSM/UMTS mode on your device for your Verizon SIM.

Let’s look at what these network modes really mean and which one you should pick.

Global Mode

In the network settings, amongst the options provided by your carrier, i.e., Verizon, the global mode seems to gather a lot of questions around it. What exactly is the global mode in Verizon network settings?

The global mode by Verizon is the most preferred setting that helps you easily connect with the GSM network when you are traveling outside of the United States. The global mode typically turns on when you are traveling outside of the U.S.; however, you can keep it on even when you are within the country and facing issues when running on CDMA/LTE.

It should be your preferred network setting in case CDMA/LTE services are not available in the area you currently are in. In this case, the global mode will try to connect to the most recent technology and therefore let you overcome the network obstructions.

LTE/CDMA

Most of the time, even if you do not realize it, you are running on the LTE/CDMA network setting on your device. It promises the most reliable signal quality. Usually, throughout the U.S., the LTE/CDMA setting works the best and is a preferable option for those that are struggling with network and signal issues at a specific location when switched to a different network mode.

This setting keeps you at 4G internet operations.

LTE/GSM/UMTS

So, when you are not sure about which network connection is best for you, you switch to the LTE/GSM/UMTS in the network settings. Why? If you have been facing trouble with the above two network settings, it is possible that there is only UMTS available in your area. In this case, when you switch to LTE/GSM/UMTS, the device will run on UMTS and therefore provide you reliable signal quality.

However, when you start moving to an area that has better GSM/ LTE network compatibility, then having this setting turned on will switch you to connecting with an LTE/GSM network connectivity.

If you are not sure what UMTS is, it is a universal system with 3G internet settings.

Which network mode should you use?

First things first, which network mode you use is totally dependent on where you are and what options you have available with you. For example, if you are in an area that only supports CDMA, then you will be required to change the settings to one that allows your phone to be compatible with CDMA to begin with.

All in all, when you are living in the U.S., the ideal network setting is LTE/CDMA. On occasions when you are traveling internationally, outside the US., we recommend switching to the Global mode (which is specifically designed for foreign travels).

You can also switch to LTE/GSM/UMTS network mode when traveling within the U.S. if you are facing bad network reception with LTE/CDMA network settings for your Verizon SIM.

Verizon usually has better network coverage when it comes to LTE/CDMA while also helping save battery timing. If you are using a Verizon phone, the global network type will be set on your phone by default. You can always change this from the settings on your phone, depending on your network coverage and the place you are traveling to.

How to change the network type on your device for a Verizon SIM?

Depending on whether you are using iOS or Android, the steps may vary a little; however, here is a generalized guide to help you change network mode for your Verizon SIM on your phone:

Navigate to the Settings app on your phone and scroll down to find ‘Network and Internet’ or an equivalent on your phone.
Click on the Mobile Network tab and then click on Preferred Network Type.
Choose from amongst global, LTE/CDMA, or LTE/CDMA/GMS, depending on your location, and save the setting.

Note: International carriers are selected on an automated basis; thus, if you wish to change the same manually, you can do it via Settings or using the Connection Manager app. Below we have enlisted how you can change the network type using the Verizon Connection Manager

Open the Connection Manager app and go to network settings.
This will open a dropdown menu from amongst which you will be required to choose the appropriate network type.
Once chosen, save the changes.

Before you move on to the next section of this article, it is important to know that if you are a Microsoft Surface 3 user, you should not use the LTE/CDMA network mode since it is not compatible with your device.

How to change network settings on your phone when traveling outside the U.S.?

Below we have discussed how you can change network mode for both android pho9nes and iOS phones:

Android Device

Follow these steps before leaving the U.S.

Go to the Settings from your home screen.
In the Settings menu, tap on More networks > Mobile networks > Network mode.
When you are in the Network mode, kindly select the appropriate mode Global, LTE/CDMA, or GSM/UMTS. The global carrier is selected automatically, but if you want to change the carrier network to an alternate carrier, it may require about six registration attempts for a successful registration.
Now go back to Mobile Networks, and tap on Global Data Roaming Access.
Choose the Allow access option for all the trips.

If you want to find the country’s network when you first start using your phone in that country, you should let the device search and read the network connectivity available in the specific area of the new zone you have traveled to. This can take up to 30 minutes in some countries for the data to be activated.

If you are going to leave the United States, the power cycle of your phone should be done before you leave, as recommended by Verizon.

Set Global Data Roaming Access back to deny and Network Mode back to LTE/CDMA when you return to the U.S.

iOS Device

Go to Settings > Cellular > Roaming. Enable the Voice Roaming if not enabled.
Enable the Data Roaming option, and select the International CDMA to enable it.
Now just make sure that you have enabled voice roaming, data roaming, and the international CDMA.

Why Is Verizon Refreshing SIM Data?

Are you continuously getting a message that says ‘Verizon Refreshing SIM Data’? If yes, below, we have two easy fixes enlisted to solve the issue. Let’s look at both of them in detail.

1. Replace the SIM

The majority of people don’t know that they are using a sim with issues. When your phone is not working well, you have to deal with refreshing data issues no matter what connection you are using. To resolve this issue, you should visit a Verizon Store and ask for a replacement for your cell phone’s sim card.

You’ll notice a significant difference after you replace the SIM. If you’re having problems with the data refreshing on your phone, then you need to check whether or not your SIM, irrespective of the carrier, is in a good, workable condition or not.

2. Change Phone Settings

It is highly possible that you turned on the wrong network setting on your phone which is why you are facing the error.

It is possible that it is the reason why you are having issues with the SIM data refreshing. Click on the phone settings if the issue isn’t solved by replacing the SIM. Click on the Network Mode once you are in the Network Setting of your device.

Once in the network mode, make sure that your device network setting is set to LTE/CDMA and not on GSM/UMTS (or vice versa, if your area does not operate on LTE/CDMA). It is the most common reason why your SIM data is refreshing time and time again. Make sure to check the settings, and you will easily have a fix for your problem once you switch back to the right and appropriate network type.

How to fix Verizon Error 5?

When you have other network issues, you will witness Error 5 of Verizon, as it is linked with a network problem. This type of error can cause your important calls and transactions to stop. To help you out, we have put together some of the best methods to deal with the error.

1. Network Is Out Of Access In the Region

If you are seeing an error five that says ‘Other Network Problem’ on your Verizon SIM when trying to text someone, the issue is not usually with you or the person you are trying to communicate with, but a network outage.

Waiting for the network to come back is the only specific solution to this. If your problem was the network outage, then it will be resolved on its own once the network is accessible in your region again.

If not, then follow the methods listed below:

2. Shut Down Your Phone

It doesn’t seem like Error 5 will be solved by shutting down your phone. However, it does work a lot of times, mostly when it’s a temporary bug causing the error. Sometimes shutting down the phone or putting it on Airplane Mode can help users eliminate Error 5, as evident from numerous community forums and customer care of Verizon.

3. Try Calling Verizon Customer Care Center

If the above methods don’t solve the issue, you have only one option: to call the customer care center. It’s one of the easiest ways to resolve issues in a short period of time. You can be sure that the experienced employees at Verizon will resolve your problem as soon as possible.

Can you use a Verizon SIM card in an AT&T phone?

You must have seen the logo on the phone if you’re aware of AT&T phones.

You can’t use the sim from another company in a phone you purchase from AT&T or Verizon, even if there isn’t a logo on the phone.

Let’s look at what technologies they are using and what conditions are involved in understanding whether and how you can use a Verizon SIM on an AT&T phone.

The major point of difference between the two companies is that Verizon uses CDMA, which stands in deep contrast to the GSM technology used by AT&T phones. The compliance of AT&T phones with GSM means that these phones do not have an option to connect with CDMA. Likewise, if you are using a Verizon phone, you can not use an AT&T SIM on it because the phone is not GSM compliant.

The obligations

Another thing to consider is that when you buy an AT&T phone, you are legally under a contract with AT&T that states that your phone is on the lease and you were assigned the phone for just an upfront amount. The rest of the amount is supposed to be paid by you as a part of the monthly bill for the service by AT&T.

It is well known that you will not be able to use an AT&T phone until and unless you have a contract with AT&T, which means as long as the contract lasts, you can not use another carrier’s SIM on the phone.

If you are thinking of finding a workaround for this, just know that it won’t work since the carrier is locked on such phones; as long as the contract lasts, you will only be able to use an AT&T SIM on an AT&T phone.

The options

However, if you want to change your carrier from AT&T to Verizon without having to change your existing phone or you are a Verizon subscriber, but you are getting a deal on some phone from AT&T that is simply too good to resist, you are not in a fix at all, and there are some options that can help you around the way.

Okay, now you are aware of the differences and the obligations, so what are the options that you have in hand? If you are a Verizon subscriber and bought an AT&T phone on impulse because of some irresistible deal, or you want to change your carrier service without really changing your AT&T phone, here are the only two feasible options you have got:

Buying an unlocked phone from AT&T

The best that you can do is buy an unlocked AT&T phone instead of a carrier-locked phone from the same company. This is future-proof and will ensure that you can use another carrier if you wish to, in the future, apart from AT&T.

You will, of course, have to pay a little extra when buying an unlocked AT&T phone, but if the freedom to use any compatible carrier service on the unlocked phone is greater than the price for you, then this option is definitely worth a shot.

Pay off your contract and have your phone unlocked by AT&T.

So, you have already bought a carrier-locked phone from AT&T, and now, you want to change the carrier service to one provided by Verizon. What do you do now? It’s simple – pay off the rest of your contract and have your phone unlocked by AT&T. Since you paid only an upfront amount to have the phone assigned to you while agreeing to pay the rest of the amount as monthly service you use, pay off the rest of the amount at once and AT&T will remove the carrier lock from your AT&T phone.

Keep in mind that this might come off as more expensive than the actual value of the phone since AT&T would not want to let go of a customer that is generating them revenue on a monthly basis.

However, if you really wish to keep the phone while changing your carrier to Verizon, then this is the option for you.

Note: A number of people and sites only will try to sell you on multiple factors, stating they can help you with some sort of (illegal) hardware and software that will allow you to use a Verizon SIM on an AT&T phone. If you do sign up for this, you must know that you could land up in a big legal mess and face severe consequences for breaking the contract with AT&T.