Modify Verizon Droid to work with Sprint

[othelil]

With the recent influx of Droid devices generated by them being handed out to many individuals through Google's developer channels, I imagine I'm not the only one wondering whether or not it would be possible to get service for this device by anyone other than Verizon. I'm hoping that someone can explain to me what it might take to make this possible.

As I understand it, VZW uses both 1900 and 850 while Sprint uses only 1900 with roaming possible on 850. That means the device should be compatible between the two networks from a frequency standpoint. What I'm not sure about is whether any of the software instructions coded into the VZW/Sprint devices are important to the correct operation of the phone on the network, or if they are identical and it only matters which network accepts the device's ESN.

In short:
- Would any software modifications to the device be necessary for appropriate functionality on the Sprint network?
- If so, could those modifications be derived from existing Sprint Android platforms like the Hero/Moment?

I have been given a free Droid, but I have no plan on ever switching to Verizon. It will remain a development only device if I can't modify it to work with my existing Sprint account.

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Inphosys]

The device is completely capable of working on the Sprint network. However, your biggest hurdle is going to be getting Sprint to build your ESN into the database on their network. Until they accept the fact that your ESN is for a device that is supposed to be on their network, there isn't much you can do with it.

On the bright side, it works great on wifi!

 

[othelil]

Hah, that it does. Worst case scenario, other than as a test device, I can consign it to being a Wifi SIP client. If Google decides to release an SIP component to their Google Voice service (now that they've acquired Gizmo) so much the better!

 

[CRPercodani]

I looked into this deep and hard my friend and I never found any software modifications that would make it work. I know it's possible since you can flash the Droid to Cricket but they are much more relaxed about allowing different ESN's on their network.

 

[othelil]

I looked into this deep and hard my friend and I never found any software modifications that would make it work. I know it's possible since you can flash the Droid to Cricket but they are much more relaxed about allowing different ESN's on their network.

Yeah, something tells me that just being nice to a Sprint rep won't get them to activate a foreign ESN.

 

[gwlaw99]

Just wait for the HTC Evo.

 

[cdodge]

Why would you want the Droid on Spints network? I persoally cant wait to get rid of my droid and go to either hte incrediable or Evo. I really really want the Evo but scared of sprints network. I would settle for the incredible but i refuse to use it when VZ made the thing ugly by trying to make it look like a race car.
I know. I hate having OCD and need hings to be perfect

 

[othelil]

The Evo does look like it's going to be sweet. As for the Droid on Sprint's network, it's more just because I happen to have it; it's not something I would have pursued otherwise.

Although I do have to admit that I still have a thing for physical keyboards. I don't use it a lot, but at the times when I do, my speed increases dramatically. No way am I going for the Moment, so it's probably Evo or bust at this point.

 

[Gulfstream]

I hate having OCD and need hings to be perfect

I bet that's driving you CRAZY!

 

[cdodge]

The Evo does look like it's going to be sweet. As for the Droid on Sprint's network, it's more just because I happen to have it; it's not something I would have pursued otherwise.

Although I do have to admit that I still have a thing for physical keyboards. I don't use it a lot, but at the times when I do, my speed increases dramatically. No way am I going for the Moment, so it's probably Evo or bust at this point.

I am the reverse. I don't use a physical kayboard and thats why I am willing to give up my Droid for the Evo or incredible. I just really wish VZ would not have made this thing look like a so called race car and left it alone. The other thing I like about the Evo is that the charging port is on the bottom. I find it hard to handle phones during charging when the chargind port is where my hands want to go

I am just not sure if i want to give up VZ just to have the almost perfect phone. (Evo)

I bet that's driving you CRAZY!

Trust me it is one thing I am not OCD about is my spelling but I am sure you guys figured that out already