14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most appealing feature that the new iPhone 4S smartphone from Apple will arrive on shelves with is the support for global connectivity, which should offer users the possibility to get the device with them regardless where they travel.
However, it seems that only Sprint and Verizon Wireless customers in the United States will be able to unlock their devices so as to be able to use them on other networks as well.
A recent article on Macworld notes that the two wireless carriers will offer users the possibility to place foreign SIM cards inside their iPhone 4S devices, which should increase the usability of the phone.
Both wireless services providers are operating CDMA networks in the United States, yet their users who will purchase the new Apple device will be able to use the handset on GSM networks as well.
Sprint and Verizon customers will be allowed to unlock the micro-SIM card slot inside their devices so as to use them on more networks, but AT&T's users will not benefit from this feature, it seems.
Those who will purchase the iPhone 4S from AT&T will receive it with a locked micro-SIM slot, which will confine them to the carrier's network.
Moreover, when traveling abroad, they will have to use the costly international roaming plans that AT&T has put in place for them.
iPhone 4S devices acquired from Sprint or Verizon will enable users to purchase a micro-SIM card from a carrier in the foreign country they are traveling to and place it inside their handsets, thus avoiding any unwanted charges.
The iPhone 4S was unveiled to the world last week, and has been available for pre-order in various markets around the world since Friday. The handset should become available for purchase on October 14th.
In the United States, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon are the carriers that will make the new mobile phone available this Friday, but more of them might be picking it up soon.