Preferred Network Type Verizon (What It Means, How It Works + More)

If you have Verizon, you may have seen the preferred network type, but wonder what it means and exactly how it works, or maybe you have additional questions you want to be answered.

Well, I’ve been researching what the preferred network types on Verizon are, and have discovered a lot of information through my research, so keep reading to learn all about it!

What Does “Preferred Network Type” Mean with Verizon In [currentyear]?

The preferred network type means which network your Verizon phone is connected to for coverage in [currentyear]. For example, your preferred network type should be global if you’re traveling a lot, especially internationally. You also could choose 4G LTE, CMDA, or UMTS depending on your device and what you want to do with it.

Do you want to know additional details about the preferred network types with Verizon, including how this system works? If so, read below to learn even more useful information!

What Is the Preferred Network Type for Verizon?

For most devices, the Verizon preferred network type is 4G LTE, and that’s where your phone should automatically be connected to inside the United States.

However, Verizon ran on CDMA for 3G devices and also offered global phones for those who wanted to travel internationally with their phones.

Once Verizon rolled out 4G, the company switched to 4G LTE, which stands for 4G Long Term Evolution, and that’s the standard for all newer devices on the Verizon network. 

In addition, Verizon has been rolling out 5G in select cities and for specific devices, so if you live within those 5G locations, you have the option to use Verizon’s 5G network.

Does Verizon Still Use CDMA?

Verizon does still use CDMA for 3G devices but will be shutting down the 3G CDMA network at the end of [currentyear], which means that Verizon won’t be using CDMA after that time.

Furthermore, anyone still on a 3G device is going to need to switch to either a 4G LTE device or a 5G-capable device to continue using the Verizon network.

What Is the Verizon Global Network?

What Is the Verizon Global Network?

Verizon Global support allows you to connect to the type of technology used internationally, so if you’re traveling, you should have a global device to automatically have coverage.

In addition, Verizon has partnered with several different companies to roam internationally, and with a global phone, you can switch between the networks used in that country.

For example, if a device is global, then you can connect to LTE, CDMA, or GSM, and most international locations offer GSM instead of CDMA.

How Do I Change My Preferred Network Type?

You can manually set the preferred network type for Verizon by following the steps below:

  1. Go into your phone “Settings”
  2. Select “Network and Internet”
  3. Select the “Mobile Network” option
  4. Select “Preferred Network Type”
  5. Choose the preferred network type you want based on where you’re located
  6. Select “Save” when you’re finished

However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t have to switch your preferred network type regardless of whether you’re in America or traveling internationally since it’s automatic.

What’s the Best Network Type with Verizon?

You should continue to use the 4G LTE network type on Verizon since it’ll offer you the best coverage regardless of where you are within the United States.

Furthermore, 5G isn’t rolled out everywhere yet, which means if you switch to the 5G network type, you may lose your signal, have call drops, and run into other issues.

Do You Have to Change Your Preferred Network Type with Verizon When Traveling Internationally?

You shouldn’t have to change the preferred network type for your Verizon phone when you’re traveling internationally, since the phone should automatically detect and switch to that carrier.

To know more, you can also read our posts on what is Verizon LTE, Verizon email not working, and Verizon landline not working.

Conclusion

The preferred network type for Verizon is 4G LTE, although Verizon also offers 5G, and until the end of [currentyear] when Verizon discontinues it, will offer 3G CDMA support to 3G devices.

Additionally, you shouldn’t have to change your preferred network type since it’s done automatically on your device and that’s due to roaming agreements with partners.

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Florence Howard

Florence Howard has been freelance writing for over a decade, and has a vocational background in retail, tech, and marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to rock and metal, and playing with her dog and cat.

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