How to Make a Verizon Phone Work on Other Networks

Cell phone carriers frequently share towers.

When you pay your cell phone bill, it is very clear that your money is going directly to Verizon Wireless. When you use your service, however, the lines separating cell phone carriers blur together. If you travel outside your "home service area" --- your main, physical usage location --- your phone might lose the ability to connect to Verizon's digital phone network. When that happens, you can roam onto other carriers' networks if Verizon has agreements with those companies. These agreements change over time and you must periodically update the software in your phone to work on other networks.

Instructions

1. Turn on your Verizon phone.

2. Dial *228 (star, 2, 2, 8). Press "Send."

3. Listen to the automated messages. Press "2" on the keypad, when prompted. Be patient becayse the Preferred Roaming List (PRL) update process takes about two minutes.

4. Look at the LCD screen on the phone. A message will appear on the screen confirming that the PRL update was successful, which will make your phone work on other networks when necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• See the "Calling Plans & Coverage" link in Resources below to bring up information concerning roaming, coverage locations, etc.

• Make sure you subscribe to a Verizon Wireless plan that covers using other networks, i.e., "roaming."

• When performing the PRL update, be in the home digital coverage area for your Verizon phone.

References

• Verizon Wireless: Support: Answers to FAQs -- "PRL (Preferred Roaming List)
• Phone Scoop: PRL Definition
• The Roaming Zone: PRL Page

Resources

• Verizon Wireless: Support: Calling Plans & Coverage