Verizon CDMA Network Shutdown – Part 2

1.  A few weeks ago I mentioned how Verizon is shutting down their CDMA calling network by the end of the year.  At that point, they will only support LTE calling (aka. VoLTE or voice over LTE).  All newer smartphones such as the iPhone 6 and later support LTE calling. The iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c do not.  Most of their newer Android phones also support this feature.  Even the new flip phones that Verizon sells allow you to call on the new network.  The issue of whether their LTE calling network is as well built out as their “gold standard” CDMA network will be a topic for another time.  For now all you need to know is that you may need to replace older phones on the Verizon network.  

I was asked by a client, what about Tracfone?   Tracfone is a service brand known as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that provides their own customer service, but utilizes the cell phone towers of the major providers (Verizon, ATT, Sprint, or TMobile).  Each Tracfone phone operates on one of those four networks.   If that network is Verizon, and the phone does not support LTE calling, you will need to replace your phone as well. 

If you need help figuring out what network you are on or know you need to replace your phone, please ask for assistance.

Two Phone Lines on 1 iPhone

2.  I mentioned this briefly a few months ago, but I want to let you know something very special about the 2018 iPhones:  Xr, Xs, and Xs Max.  You can you use two cellular lines on a single iPhone.   Those iPhone models come with a physical sim slot (that holds a card that your phone uses to communicate with the cellular network) and an eSim (essentially a serial # that can be given to the cellular provider for activation with a phone line).  The eSim is a virtual sim card permanently embedded into the phone.   More and more carriers are supporting the eSim technology.   I can think of scenarios where having two lines on one phone could be very useful

– Personal and business

– Primary number and backup number

– Cell and home (converted to a cell number)

– Local number and out of state number (perhaps in the area where you have a vacation home)

– Here is one that you may not have thought of:  Carrier A where you are saving a lot of money (maybe a T-Mobile Prepaid / Metro PCS) and then Carrier B, ie. a Verizon MVNO (like Xfintiy Mobile at $12 per month) because you want to have the Verizon network as a backup in case you don’t have coverage in remote areas with Carrier A. 

Having 2 lines on one iPhone can offer a lot of functionality.  If you want to do this, let’s work together and get it done.