| Wherever you're located, the likelihood of having a | | | | try to produce phones for each, nonetheless, LG |
| choice among several cellular service providers for | | | | typically produces cell phones for the CDMA |
| your wireless needs is high. Major cities usually | | | | network, and Nokia on the GSM, (although Nokia |
| have a choice between 3-5 major service | | | | has a huge CDMA portfolio as well.) Take some |
| providers and another 2-4 mini cellular players. The | | | | time and browse the phones and their options -- |
| seemingly endless combinations of service | | | | you have a huge selection so start now. Wireless |
| providers makes way for some confusing yet | | | | functions such as SMS, or roaming may dictate |
| interesting options for consumers. This brief article | | | | which carrier you choose. But again, you have |
| will help new cell phone consumers, and some old, | | | | plenty of options to choose from, and if you've |
| learn the basic ins and outs of cell phone service | | | | never had a cell phone before, take some time to |
| providers. | | | | learn about the hundreds of options you have, |
| First a clarifications on network terms you'll | | | | both in a phone and with particular plans/carriers. |
| encounter. | | | | Don't just compare phones either. Providers |
| CDMA: Short for Code-Division Multiple Access, | | | | nowadays have comparable phones, therefore, |
| this is a digital cellular technology that uses | | | | the selling feature may be plans and attached |
| spread-spectrum techniques. Unlike competing | | | | options. Price, when evenings begin, add-on costs |
| systems that use TDMA, such as GSM, CDMA | | | | such as txt messaging, data-transfer, should all be |
| does not assign a specific frequency to each user. | | | | compared and analyzed before purchase. Be sure |
| Instead, every channel uses the full available | | | | to take advantage of monthly deals from |
| spectrum. The frequency of the transmitted signal | | | | providers, usually you can get a solid cell phone |
| is then made to vary according to a defined | | | | for FREE! Generally you need to sign up for a |
| pattern, so it can be intercepted only by a | | | | contract that lasts 2-3 years, however, if you're |
| receiver whose frequency response is | | | | planning on staying with the firm and are confident |
| programmed with the same code, so it follows | | | | with your choice, the contract isn't such a bad |
| exactly along with the transmitter frequency. | | | | idea. |
| Major CDMA players are in North America are | | | | Switching providers is also an option with existing |
| Telus Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and | | | | customers. Let me explain. Switching carriers is no |
| Bell Mobility. | | | | longer a tedious event. Already present in the US |
| GSM: GSM is currently the world's largest cellular | | | | and soon to be implemented in Canada, cell phone |
| network. GSM stand for Global System for Mobile | | | | number portability will enable customers to switch |
| Communications. GSM uses narrowband TDMA, | | | | service providers to take advantage of 'new |
| which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same | | | | activation' discounts with the new carrier all while |
| radio frequency. Considered the most advanced | | | | keeping your old phone number. This feature can |
| digital cellular technology, GSM networks are | | | | only benefit the consumer. Service providers will |
| leaders in many typically "digital" services including | | | | likely lower their fees and increase their perks in |
| Short Message Service (SMS), over the air (OTA) | | | | attempt to prevent a mass exodus from their |
| configuration and GSM positioning. Many new GSM | | | | customer base. |
| phones are called "global phones" because they | | | | Some other phone options include prepaid options, |
| can be used in virtually any country. They also | | | | where you can prepay for a pre-determined |
| have SIM cards ("Subscriber Identification Module") | | | | amount of minutes, no contract. You can also |
| that enable unique identification of each user and | | | | invest in unlocked cell phones, where you do not |
| easy transportation of your data between | | | | have the contract obligations and you own the |
| phones. GSM 900 (transmitting on the 900 MHz | | | | phone. It works like this: you purchase the phone, |
| frequency band) is Europe's main digital network. | | | | usually from an independent dealer, then you |
| It's also used in the Asia-Pacific region. GSM 1800 | | | | activate the phone with a compatible service |
| is also used in Europe and Asia, but has not been | | | | provider on a monthly plan. This is a pricey option, |
| as widely adopted as GSM 900. GSM 1900 is the | | | | typically high end phones fall under this category, |
| system used mainly in the Americas and Canada. | | | | those that aren't offered by the carrier but will |
| Top North American providers are Cingular | | | | operate on their network. |
| Wireless, T-Mobile, Rogers Wireless and Fido. | | | | So as you can tell there are plenty of phone and |
| So the question is now which network do I | | | | carrier options for customers vying to get the |
| choose? GSM appears to provide a greater range | | | | best deal. The biggest thing is likely patience. Be |
| for those who travel, yet CDMA supposedly has | | | | patient when it comes to purchasing, better deals |
| clearer reception. Theoretically having the entire | | | | likely lie somewhere else. Also, figure out what |
| spectrum available for your use should mean | | | | your needs are. Do you travel? Want to be tied |
| greater call clarity, however, this is not always the | | | | into a contract? Once you know what you want, |
| case. Many CDMA subscribers will attest that their | | | | compare between providers. Do the same type |
| GSM counterparts have better reception in some | | | | of comparison with phone featuress as well. You'll |
| hard to reach areas. | | | | be surprised how a little research on phone and |
| Consumers should also be mindful of the types of | | | | service provider quality can save you a load of |
| phones available on each network. Manufacturers | | | | headaches in the future. |