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Getting To Know GSM and CDMA Networks
In the wireless cellular phones arena, there are two large and competing networks. One of the competitors is Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA and the other is Global System for Mobile Communications, better known as GSM.
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. QUALCOMM in the United States developed CDMA which has become the more dominant and widely used network 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 plenty of things which you should consider 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.
Of recent times, cell phones are also expected to act as streaming video devices, e-mail devices and podcast receivers, so the importance of data transfer speed is on the increase. 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 bit of technology claims stellar downstream transfer rates but you need specially enabled phones which are compatible with the same.
For a short period, GSM had the competitive edge with the subscriber identity module card (SIM), which can be activated, swapped, interchanged and upgraded without any 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 instance, you can continue using your GSM cell phone away from home if it is quad-band enabled and you can also buy a special SIM card which will allow you to call without incurring any extra 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.
In the United States itself, major carriers seem to be quite evenly split between the CDMA and GSM 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.
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