iPhone 5 unlocked, to use in Europe

[pastapapa50]

I live in Europe but am returning to the USA for a few weeks. I intend to buy an iPhone 5 for use on both sides of the pond. Since Apple has launched an unlocked GSM phone, I need to know which phone will give me the greater speed and flexibility: the Verizon phone purchased from Apple or the unlocked GSM phone. Is LTE even a possibility with either phone?

Thanks for any advice and analysis.

 

[warcraftWidow]

You need the unlocked Verizon phone which has its GSM/LTE SIM unlocked. CDMA is locked to Verizon in the US. The Verizon phone has LTE bands that work in the US and some international locations. You'll have to check the website for exactly which countries.

The AT&T variant if you got it unlocked would work on 3G GSM service in Europe but would not work on LTE.

 

[carrera4s87]

Hi everybody!
I'm european too and have a great doubt: we understood that Verizon's iphone 5 is GSM factory unlocked but will I be able to use GSM LTE services in Europe?

 

[warcraftWidow]

Depends on the country you're in. You need to check the frequency bands on the Verizon LTE phone on Apple's website to find out which countries are or will be supported as LTE rolls out.

 

[carrera4s87]

Here in Italy frequencies are channel 1,3,5 for LTE networks so it should work (on paper)...I talked to a Verizon assistant through their site and he said that 4G service is limited to their network. Is it to be believed?