Long Term International Use

**skcseth** · 12-15-2012, 02:10 PM

Hello iMore! Long time Android user who just made the switch.
Anyway, I have a question about this Verizon iPhone 5 here. I will be PCS'ing (moving) to Italy on Tuesday actually, and I would love to take my iPhone with me. I just purchased it (subsidized, on contract) and I have heard rumors that all iPhone 5's are SIM unlocked, meaning they can be used on any carrier, anywhere. My question is, will I for sure be able to use this sleek little beast with a nano SIM on an Italian network like Vodaphone or TIM? Or should I just cancel my service now and look for a phone over there?

Thanks iMore people!!

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-15-2012, 02:19 PM

You can use it in any network at 3G speeds. LTE will depend on the country and carrier. Per the Apple website, the Verizon iPhone 5 works on the following LTE bands.

LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25)

I'm sure a quick search will tell you if those bands are used in Italy and which carriers.

Also, assuming you are PCS due to being in the military, I'd check with Verizon because they may let you out of your contract.

**kch50428** · 12-15-2012, 02:28 PM

Verizon will do a Military Suspend on a contract - you can call customer service, or visit a corporate retail store for full details... being that Vodafone is part owner of Verizon Wireless, you might be able to get some sort of preferred arrangement on your account while in Italy.

**skcseth** · 12-15-2012, 02:43 PM

Thanks! Unfortunately after a quick search and it it looks Apple left European LTE bands "in the dust". So it'll just be 3G for me which is fine. There's always Wi-fi.... Or is that another issue entirely?

Originally Posted by kch50428

Verizon will do a Military Suspend on a contract - you can call customer service, or visit a corporate retail store for full details... being that Vodafone is part owner of Verizon Wireless, you might be able to get some sort of preferred arrangement on your account while in Italy.

Verizon has confirmed a three year suspension due to orders. I'll have to call Vodaphone soon to get something going. Thanks!

**kch50428** · 12-15-2012, 02:45 PM

Wifi is only an issue if it's pay to play...

**skcseth** · 12-15-2012, 02:52 PM

True. I was thinking Wi-Fi bands weren't universal.

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-15-2012, 11:39 PM

Wifi hands are universal.

It looks like Italian mobile companies are starting to deploy LTE. Vodafone appears to be using frequency 1800 which should be band 3 and therefore supported by the Verizon iPhone 5.