Switching a Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy S3 from Sprint Network to the Verizon Network

A reader, Sophie asks,

I just bought a galaxy s3 through straight talk. I didn’t realize it hits off the Sprint towers. Can it be programmed to hit off Verizon towers. It’s the 4.1.2 version

 

I don’t know. I suspect the answer is no.  In order to use a Sprint network phone on the Verizon network, it first needs to be compatible with the Verizon network and then Straight Talk would need to let you pick which network you wanted to use with the phone.  I’m pretty sure that they choose the network your phone uses by the ESN you enter when you activate the phone and the area you live.

The Galaxy S3 model for Sprint is  SPH-L710 and for Verizon is  SCH-I535. I took a look at the specifications for both model phones and it looks like the two phones would not be fully compatible with either network

Your best option would be to return the phone if possible.  You can also sell the phone on Gazelle, eBay, or Craigslist and then buy another phone to use on Straight Talk or another prepaid network.

One issue to keep in mind is that your Straight Talk S3 supports 4G LTE. Straight Talk’s Verizon network doesn’t support 4G LTE.  Last time I checked, Verizon doesn’t let any of the prepaid carriers use their LTE network, only the 3G network. So, you won’t be getting the fastest data you could get for the same monthly fee.

May I ask why you want to change networks? Does the Verizon network have better support where you live, work, or use your phone? Do you just not like Sprint?  I have always used AT&T and T-Mobile network phones so I don’t have a lot of experience with the CDMA networks.

All that said you can call Straight Talk and ask them if they can switch the phone to the Verizon network, the worst they can say is no.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you want to discuss this further or what you decide to do.

Regards
Bob

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