I'm new to Blackberry. I just acquired an AT&T Curve 9300, was able to unlock it but when I went to Verizon to convert my account from my old Samsung to the smartphone, I was told it won't work on Verizon because it doesn't have a radio, etc. etc.

Is that true or am I being handed a song and dance?

It is true. The networks are incompatible.
Additionally, Verizon does not allow non-Verizon devices on their network.

Unlocking only works for "GSM" networks (AT&T, T-Mobile) and does nothing for "CDMA" networks (Verizon, Sprint).

This is not a BlackBerry limitation. You can't take an AT&T iPhone and use it on Verizon.

Foiled again by the System! At least it gets WIFI so I can use it as a mini-computer.
Thanks for your help.