What carriers is the European unlocked IP5 compatible with in the U.S.?

HammerHam · Oct 3, 2012

Hi I'm currently in Italy and have plans to return to the U.S. however I'm interested in buying an IP5 here, online from the apple.it store which sells the unlocked version for a absurd amount of money (at least for me). I don't know whether to follow through with it because in the details at the bottom on their page under unlocked details it states:

"You can activate and use it on a GSM network compatible wireless of your choice. The iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 without a contract will not work with CDMA operators. IPhone 5 without a contract may not be compatible with LTE networks in all countries. Ask for details of individual operators."

With that said would I be limited to certain carriers even though it's supposed to be "unlocked" if so which ones?

Skull One · Oct 3, 2012

The iPhone 5 has three versions:

US:
GSM model A1428: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 4 and 17)

CDMA model A1429: CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz); UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25)

World:
GSM model A1429: UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5)

As you can see on the World iPhone 5, you will be locked to the GSM based carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile are the largest) in the US. The LTE bands will always be locked.

So I would suggest more research. Because my first instincts would be to import the CDMA A1429 and activate with a GSM SIM until you move to the US.

HammerHam · Oct 4, 2012

Interesting so what exactly do you mean by LTE bands will be locked? I won't be able to get LTE? Also based on this chart Apple - iPhone 5 - View countries with supported LTE networks. and the fact that I'd be purchasing the GSM model (because Italy would fall in the "Model A1429" category it would work on CDMA networks so basically Sprint and Verizon who if I'm correct don't let you multi task? And finally with this model would I also be able to multi task?

Thanks!