Mobile-Net

Difference Between CDMA and Gsm Mobile Networks

Are you an iPhone user or someone looking to discover the difference between CDMA and GSM Mobile Phone networks?

Currently, the major 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 importance to me because I am an iPhone user, who is attempting to discover, which network type will best suit my cellular needs. So, let's try and answer that question, what is the difference between CDMA and GSM?

CDMA- Code Division Multiple 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 choice 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 traffic, but EDGE is 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 information can be ported easily to various 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 offer more comprehensive service in non-US countries. CDMA is still available in select countries.

Does this help? 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 difference between CDMA and GSM helped a little. I know I was much more impressed by my AT&T network after doing this research...

About the Author

For more insight and news on iPhone carriers please check out www.discusstheiphone.com

Adam Wagner, DTiP Blogger

Verizon Sprint US Cellular CDMA iPhone?

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