When Google introduced the Nexus 6 one of the features that was noteworthy was that the device came loaded with the chips necessary to support any of wireless network technologies used by all of the major U.S. carriers. In theory, this means any given Nexus 6 can be used on any of these networks instead of consumers having to purchase a unit built specifically for any given carrier. Unfortunately, it looks like the carriers are still creating some roadblocks to this concept becoming a reality.
The problem appears to be rooted with the CDMA carriers Sprint and Verizon. In order to get devices to work properly on their networks, Sprint and Verizon have to whitelist the IMEI numbers for all devices that are allowed to access their network. At this point it appears Verizon is only whitelisting devices purchased from Verizon or through Google Play even though the devices sold through other sources are the exact same model. This is similar to the issue some consumers had when Verizon refused to whitelist the IMEI numbers for Nexus 7 (2013) LTE tablets.
If a Verizon customer already has a line of service with an activated SIM card, they should be able to take that and put it in a new Nexus 6 to get it working. If the Nexus 6 came from some source other than Verizon or Google Play, it will show up as a “Non-VZW Device” in Verizon's system until consumers take the time to visit a store or call customer care. If a customer is setting up a new line of service though, they will need to get the IMEI number from a valid Verizon device, submit that to Verizon's online account creation site as a “Bring My Own Device” smartphone, then wait for a new SIM card to be delivered.
For Sprint customers, it appears things may be looking up. Initially it appeared Sprint was also blocking Nexus 6 devices with IMEI numbers outside of those purchased through Sprint or Google Play. The good news is that it looks like Motorola has been working with Sprint and they have now announced that all Nexus 6 devices will work with Sprint.
The idea of a device being universally capable of running on any network is closer to being a reality. Motorola has done their part by including the necessary hardware in the device. The major U.S. carriers, notably Verizon, still need to step up and do their part to retire old systems that block the ability of customers to use their hardware on the carrier of their choice.
source: Android Police
Why should phones be tied to a very particular carrier while most of their costumers might feel frustrated for using their network with time when better offers and deals are on a different carrier network in the same country, I would rather prefer burying a phone without any carrier branded headaches, that’s freedom from sim unlocking and bootloader unlocking when there isn’t any update for operating system for my phone, will be much better flashing a custom ROM, say Cheers.
The time is coming when it will be possible to fire your carrier any time you want and move to whoever has the best deal. With the choice of either buying your own phone or putting up with your carrier’s bullshit, more customers will buy their phones instead. Not tied by handset-driven contracts carriers will see that being dicks will lose customers…fast.
The carriers need to realize that they are nothing more than dumb pipes. Plain and simple.
So if I buy this phone at t-mobile, I can bring it in to the Verizon store, and they’ll make it work?
Yes.