World Cell Plan
Explaining GSM and CDMA Networks
Comparing the GSM and CDMA Cell Phone Networks For the Average Person
In the world of wireless cellular phones, there are basically two major and competing networks. These are GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications and CDMA, or Code Division Multiple Access.
These technologies are used by the various cellular carriers to provide service to the consumer. Each network is distinct, but as time goes by they are changing and acquiring characteristics that make them, in many cases, indistinguishable. Proponents of either architecture claim that theirs is superior, but it is important to understand and compare both technologies.
GSM is the older technology, insofar as it has been around since 1987. CDMA was developed by QUALCOMM in the United States and has become the more dominant of the two networks in North America. Both GSM and CDMA networks continue to make inroads into each other’s territories. It should be noted that GSM still retains the lion’s share of the worldwide market and its very strong presence in Europe has catapulted it to 73 percent globally.
There are a number of things to bear in mind when comparing the two networks. Firstly, of course, you need to check service and coverage in the area that you will be using your phone. As mentioned, GSM is far more widespread in Europe, CDMA not so much, but in many cases, the coverage areas match up.
These days, cell phones are expected to also act as streaming video devices, podcast receivers and e-mail devices, so data transfer speed is becoming very important. Both technologies boast third-generation capabilities or “3G” as it is more commonly known. There is a lot of cutting edge activity here, with GSM and CDMA networks vying for position. Each technology claims stellar downstream transfer rates, but specially enabled phones are often required for compatibility.
For a while, GSM retained the edge with their subscriber identity module card also known as SIM, which can be activated, interchanged, swapped and upgraded without carrier intervention. Now, however, CDMA has an R-UIM card, slated for the United States market, but until then CDMA phones in the United States are carrier specific and may not be enabled through a card. When it comes to roaming, concentration of coverage is fairly well established, although GSM seems to have the edge and CDMA charges are generally higher when it comes to roaming in more rural areas.
GSM carriers offer an advantage when it comes to international roaming. For example, you can use your GSM cell phone abroad if it is quad-band enabled and you can also purchase a special SIM card allowing you to make calls without incurring international roaming charges.
Even though customers of GSM carriers outnumber those who use the CDMA network by about four to one, the advent of the CDMA SIM-card equivalent and the improvement of roaming contracts between networks means that the difference between GSM and CDMA networks will soon be erased.
Within the United States, the major carriers are pretty evenly split between the GSM and CDMA networks. The good news for the consumer is that as the CDMA evolution gathers speed, we can expect more choices, more flexibility, more cool features and more freedom.
WorldCellPlan.com offers wireless, cellular, and mobile phone sales and services. We are a Global Verge reseller offing the international call plans and the global mobile phones from Buzzirk Mobile. We distribute a variety of cell phone services to mobile phone users in over 40 countries with no roaming charges and no call limits. For more details visit – World Cell Plan’s Online Store
