Understanding The Technology Behind Wireless Carriers

United States Wireless Service providers operate over two main networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Both technologies transmit voice and data, however they do so in different ways. As a result, this makes them incompatible. A CDMA phone is not compatible with a GSM network or vice versa.

T-Mobile and AT&T both use the GSM technology, while Sprint and Verizon use the CDMA technology. Wireless carriers (much smaller) such as MetroPCS and U.S. Cellular use CDMA as well.

CDMA provides the most far reaching coverage in the United States, especially in rural and "hard to reach" areas. However, GSM service has a larger coverage global coverage. It is used in europe and other places. Additionally,GSM phones use the SIM card technology. Since the SIM card can be easily removed from one GSM phone and added to another, this makes upgrading an easy process.

The above information makes it evident that the GSM technology would be more favorable for those who switch/upgrade phones on a regular basis or travel globally. Please see cash4cell.com list of GSM phones to use globally.