GSM Technology

Are you an iPhone user or someone searching to discover the distinction between CDMA and GSM mobile phone networks?

Currently, the significant US cell phone service providers are split between CDMA and GSM network technologies. For example, Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM.

This distinction is of significance to me simply because I am an iPhone user, who is attempting to discover, which network kind will very best suit my cellular requirements. So, let’s try and answer that question, what is the distinction between CDMA and GSM?

CDMA- Code Division Several Access

GSM- Global System for Mobile Communications

Here is a breakdown of areas where the two services potentially differentiate:

Coverage- Check local coverage maps to discover, which network is optimal for your location. Most of the time you will have a selection between one or the other.

Speed- CDMA has traditionally been faster then GSM, but the two networks have had a history of going back and forth. CDMA uses EVDO and GSM uses EDGE to promote speeds. EVDO is known for losing speed with high visitors, but EDGE is much more susceptible to interference.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards- GSM utilizes SIM cards, which are tied to the network instead of the individual phone. Therefore, a SIM card with contacts and data can be ported simply to different phones. CDMA has no SIM card and has to port all the information from phone to phone, leaving the old phone useless.

International Roaming- GSM being a more international network is able to provide a lot more comprehensive service in non-US countries. CDMA is still available in choose countries.

Does this support? Overall, CDMA and GSM have various strengths and weaknesses.

For all of you iPhone users debating to switch to the Verizon iPhone or not I hope this explanation fo the distinction between CDMA and GSM helped a little. I know I was significantly far more impressed by my AT&T network after doing this study…