Verizon Leaving iPhone 5 SIM Slots Unlocked as Required by FCC Network
Access Regulations
Monday September 24, 2012 11:54 am PDT by Jordan Golson
NewImageLast week it was reported that the Verizon iPhone 5 is being sold
with an unlocked SIM slot, allowing users with a nano-SIM or a trimmed micro
-SIM from a GSM carrier such as AT&T to use the device on their networks.
The Associated Press confirmed with Verizon that it will not remotely relock
their iPhone 5 models. Last year, Verizon would only unlock their iPhone 4S
models after 60 days.
It's worth noting that though the Verizon iPhone 5 will work on AT&T and T-
Mobile's 3G network for voice and data, the phone will not work on AT&T's
LTE data network. It will work on a number of international LTE networks.
Apple's LTE information page details the bands that each specific model of
iPhone 5 supports.
The main reason for the unlocked SIM card slot appears to be FCC network
access requirements for Block C, the 700 MHz spectrum that Verizon uses for
its LTE network. According to the FCC's CFR Title 47 Part 27.16 paragraph (e
):
(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on
handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant
with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section,
nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other
providers' networks.