Can I buy an iPhone and use the Verizon system through StraighTalk?

[eeyoresmom]

I want to buy two iPhones for myself and DH. At least the 4s because we want Sirri. We live in a semi rural area and find that Verizon has the strongest signal. Can we buy an iPhone and use the Verizon network through StraighTalk? I have stopped into WalMart 3 times but can only go very early mornings and there is no one knowledgeable there at that time. I have also googled extensively to no avail. Thanks for any help or advice.

 

[debelfish]

I have been looking for the same answer, hope someone can chime in with the answer.

 

[niclodn]

My understanding is that the I-phone on Straight Talk uses the AT&T network. Only phones that have the red Verizon coverage map on the box will work on the Verizon network.

 

[JB2K]

I want to buy two iPhones for myself and DH. At least the 4s because we want Sirri. We live in a semi rural area and find that Verizon has the strongest signal. Can we buy an iPhone and use the Verizon network through StraighTalk? I have stopped into WalMart 3 times but can only go very early mornings and there is no one knowledgeable there at that time. I have also googled extensively to no avail. Thanks for any help or advice.

First - remember, in-store associates are supposed to be "experts on everything", which usually means you may encounter someone who normally doesn't do consumer electronics -- it's the nature of "big retail".

That said, you cannot buy a Verizon-provisioned iPhone from a third party such as eBay, Craigslist, etc. and activate it as a Straight Talk phone on Verizon's CDMA network.

However, you can purchase an iPhone directly from Straight Talk (Walmart) that operates exclusively over Verizon's national network -- it's "ready-to-go" right out of the box -- prices start at $350 for an iPhone 4

For those using SIM cards (AT&T/T-Mobile), you are able to bring a GSM (AT&T) iPhone over to Straight Talk and pop-in a Straight Talk SIM card (though you may have to do some tinkerking with the phone to get things the way you want them).

 

[eeyoresmom]

First - remember, in-store associates are supposed to be "experts on everything", which usually means you may encounter someone who normally doesn't do consumer electronics -- it's the nature of "big retail".

That said, you cannot buy a Verizon-provisioned iPhone from a third party such as eBay, Craigslist, etc. and activate it as a Straight Talk phone on Verizon's CDMA network.

However, you can purchase an iPhone directly from Straight Talk (Walmart) that operates exclusively over Verizon's national network -- it's "ready-to-go" right out of the box -- prices start at $350 for an iPhone 4

For those using SIM cards (AT&T/T-Mobile), you are able to bring a GSM (AT&T) iPhone over to Straight Talk and pop-in a Straight Talk SIM card (though you may have to do some tinkerking with the phone to get things the way you want them).

OK i spoke to the guy in electronics over the phone just now. This is what he told me: I could buy two new iPhones through ST BUT they would run on the AT&T network.....My daughter's 4S which she purchased through Verizon would have to be unlocked and also run on AT&T....this is sooooo frustrating. Thank you so much for your help, I just dont want to cancel my family plan with verizon (its not offered anymore) only to find out I cant get decent iPhone reception at home what to do, what to do..........

 

[sksjasams]

OK i spoke to the guy in electronics over the phone just now. This is what he told me: I could buy two new iPhones through ST BUT they would run on the AT&T network.....My daughter's 4S which she purchased through Verizon would have to be unlocked and also run on AT&T....this is sooooo frustrating. Thank you so much for your help, I just dont want to cancel my family plan with verizon (its not offered anymore) only to find out I cant get decent iPhone reception at home what to do, what to do..........

Maybe someone else will be able to confirm, but it is my understanding that the ST iPhone 5 is on the Verizon network. Not sure if that is in your budget though...

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

If you want to use a Verizon iPhone but not pay Verizon prices for service you might consider Page Plus. They use the Verizon prepaid network, which in many cases is the same as Verizon. (they have a map on their website that shows coverage area).

You can use a Verizon branded iPhone 4s, and there is a way to make a Straight Talk iPhone 5 work on their network too. The only caveat is you will be limited to 3G. Their rates are quite good. Might check them out.

 

[JB2K]

If you want to use a Verizon iPhone but not pay Verizon prices for service you might consider Page Plus. They use the Verizon prepaid network, which in many cases is the same as Verizon. (they have a map on their website that shows coverage area).

You can use a Verizon branded iPhone 4s, and there is a way to make a Straight Talk iPhone 5 work on their network too. The only caveat is you will be limited to 3G. Their rates are quite good. Might check them out.

And to go one-up, Kitty Wireless, a well-known PagePlus dealer, has a really good customer service angle going, which is rare in prepaid phones...

 

[JB2K]

OK i spoke to the guy in electronics over the phone just now. This is what he told me: I could buy two new iPhones through ST BUT they would run on the AT&T network.....My daughter's 4S which she purchased through Verizon would have to be unlocked and also run on AT&T....this is sooooo frustrating. Thank you so much for your help, I just dont want to cancel my family plan with verizon (its not offered anymore) only to find out I cant get decent iPhone reception at home what to do, what to do..........

You may want to verify that, in-person -- the telltale giveway on the Straight Talk/Verizon relationship as phones go is there will be a RED USA map on the box of the phone.

I am not slamming Walmart, but as their electronics associates do not work for any commissions, etc., they may not know "the whole story" behind what they sell...