Roaming and GSM Networks?
 

Ok, I have a storm 9530 and in my home area Verizon's network is very weak. I got the storm thinking that since it supported both CDMA and GSM that if I was in a weak area the storm would roam and be able to make calls on a GSM network.

When I loose CDMA signal all I get is a message stating "SIM CARD REJECTED" and I cant make or receive calls. Is there something I need to do or will Verizon not allow my storm to roam on a GSM network?

You can't roam on a GSM network with a Vzn SIM card in it. To use it on GSM you have to put a GSM Sim in it and unlock it with a code (either from VZN or a 3rd party). Then you can use GSM for voice and data and even switch to CDMA for data/email if you're in another country to avoid excess charges.

If verizon activated the SIM for global use would that not make a difference in the US? It just sucks that Verizon's signal is weak in my area and I was mis-informed about the dual mode capability of the 9530. I now extended my contract for another 2 years with Verizon with the storm upgrade.

Well... that does suck, but if Verizon's signal is weak in your area, why did you re-extend your contract? AFAIK Verizon unlocking the global SIM already in the phone will not enable it to roam on GSM networks in the USA on that same SIM - I could be mistaken, but I think that the previous successes of getting to roam on North American GSM have been using a SIM from a GSM provider.

Also, you could try calling Verizon and explaining the signal problem in your area and how you were misinformed about how the Storm can roam on GSM networks... but I really don't know how far that would get you. I have heard of some people being able to get out of their wireless contracts if engineers (technicians, what-have-you) can confirm that signal is in fact terrible where you live, but I have no personal first-hand knowledge of that happening. Please note also that I have no idea if that will actually work or not.

Verizon's network is weak here and I only get one to two bars on average at home. I work from home and it has not been an issue until recently. We are having a baby and my home office is being moved into the basement and that move killed the weak signal and now its hit or miss in the basement..

I have an unlocked blackberry storm that I am using on tmobile service but it stays in roaming. Is this OK? I checked tmobile plan and it comes with roaming, but was wondering if I can do something to not roam.