Verizon devices on StraightTalk?

[JDMnAR1]

I am looking at switching to StraightTalk but am underwhelmed by their handset offerings. I currently have Verizon, and am happy with the coverage I get so am wanting to stick with a CDMA device that uses Verizon towers. Has anyone had success using an unlocked Verizon handset of any kind on ST? If so, which handset are you using?

 

[bonkers325]

ST is GSM, so no you can't use Verizon on ST. PagePlus is Verizon's MVNO, you can move on to them but you're still going to be on Verizon's network...

 

[SAWYER]

They are launching a Verizon bring your own device service
http://www.phonenews.com/straightta...launch-verizon-byod-service-on-tuesday-22711/

 

[Red Storm]

They are launching a Verizon bring your own device service
http://www.phonenews.com/straightta...launch-verizon-byod-service-on-tuesday-22711/

They're limited to 3G only devices though, you won't be able to activate any LTE capable Verizon phone, and any Verizon customer can tell you that their 3G is pitifully slow.

 

[JDMnAR1]

Thanks for the link Sawyer - had seen ST's similar offer for BYOD GSM phones, but hadn't seen the CDMA version. Not really concerned about 4G LTE at this point, as I have gone this long without a smartphone so 3G will be good enough for me.

 

[Red Storm]

3G is plenty fine without a smartphone, but once you get one... It's like buying a Ferrari and only going the speed limit.

 

[podspi]

They're limited to 3G only devices though, you won't be able to activate any LTE capable Verizon phone, and any Verizon customer can tell you that their 3G is pitifully slow.

I can get ~1.2mbps on 3G.

It usually is good enough if I'm away from Wifi/4G service (which is not often).

It is pitiful compared to other providers, though. OTOH, coverage is unbeatable

 

[Red Storm]

I can get ~1.2mbps on 3G.

It usually is good enough if I'm away from Wifi/4G service (which is not often).

It is pitiful compared to other providers, though. OTOH, coverage is unbeatable

I've never gotten speeds that fast. 3G is basically like EDGE or 1x to me, whenever I see 3G I don't even try stuff that requires downloading (web browsing, app updates, streaming, etc.). AT&T's 3G was doable, but not Verizon's for me.

 

[Fingolfin269]

I've never gotten speeds that fast. 3G is basically like EDGE or 1x to me, whenever I see 3G I don't even try stuff that requires downloading (web browsing, app updates, streaming, etc.). AT&T's 3G was doable, but not Verizon's for me.

Your area must be awful for 3g. Probably not a great basis for making sweeping generalizations about smartphone use and 3g.

 

[s44]

Verizon 3G speeds can be OK, but latency is horrific.

 

[bamx2]

My thoughts - Will they be aggressively throttling data users like they are on ATT GSM (even though this is VZW's already slow 3g) ? Based on my experience with Page Plus Cellular, activating a CDMA phone sometimes requires CS assistance (manual programming , resets, etc) . I can see a lot of frustration of trying to address these issues with Straight Talk's less than great CS.

 

[kalrith]

I am looking at switching to StraightTalk but am underwhelmed by their handset offerings. I currently have Verizon, and am happy with the coverage I get so am wanting to stick with a CDMA device that uses Verizon towers. Has anyone had success using an unlocked Verizon handset of any kind on ST? If so, which handset are you using?

Sounds like you want to go with PagePlus. Any postpaid Verizon 3G phone with a clean ESN should work with PagePlus. If you find a used phone to buy, you can chat with PagePlus to have them check the ESN before purchase.

My wife uses an Incredible 2, and I use a Droid X2 on PagePlus. I paid $190 on ebay for hers, because it was new. I got my phone for $60 on Craigslist even though they typically go for $100 or more.