Verizon switching to GSM and LTE in Canada, Mexico and other countries for global roaming service

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Verizon switching to GSM and LTE in Canada, Mexico and other countries for global roaming service
A leaked internal memo sent to Verizon locations today shows that Verizon is closing its CDMA service in Canada and Mexico and will switch to GSM and LTE service in those countries, and in other regions as well. According to the memo, the carrier's roaming service will improve with GSM, and Verizon will be able to offer expanded roaming capabilities in Mexico. The switch will also allow Verizon to offer roaming in 220 countries, and provide 4G LTE data speeds (depending on the device) where available.

After the CDMA service is retired, CDMA voice calls, texts and data services will no longer work in affected countries. No precise date is listed on the memo, although it does say that the switch will take place later this year. Those roaming in Canada will only be able to achieve 2G speeds on CDMA starting next month and until the CDMA service is retired in that country.

Verizon is making the switch in response to changes being made by global carriers. Many are retiring CDMA networks, forcing Verizon to make this change for its customers roaming in other countries.


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