Benefits of GSM vs. CDMA, etc.

[AnthroAndStargate]

Any idea what technology they use in Japan? I assume it would be CDMA?

 

[Mark R]

Originally posted by: AnthroAndStargate
Any idea what technology they use in Japan? I assume it would be CDMA?

The main systems are CDMAJ and WCDMA (FOMA). There is no CDMA or GSM coverage in Japan.

Although technologically, they have some similarities to the CDMA system used in North America, they are different systems and are not compatible.

And, although there is no GSM coverage in Japan - the FOMA system is compatible with UMTS (3G GSM). So, if you have a UMTS phone, you should have no problems roaming in Japan.

 

[AnthroAndStargate]

shite.

 

[imthebadguy]

700p on sprint....holla!

 

[AnimeKnight]

On a different note...

"NEW YORK (AP) -- Cell phone owners will be allowed to break software locks on their handsets in order to use them with competing carriers under new copyright rules announced Wednesday."

Cell phone owners getting new rights

 

[AnthroAndStargate]

Originally posted by: imthebadguy
700p on sprint....holla!

700p?

 

[Pepsi90919]

with CDMA you don't get that annoying TSK TSK TSK TSK TSK TSK TSK TSK in your speakers and strangeness on your monitor when you get a call

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: George P Burdell
I like GSM because of:
a. global roaming
b. the ability to use local prepaid cards in other countries

One country where I got owned for using GSM was South Korea. Those bastages don't have any GSM, although they offer CDMA phones for rent at the airport. Some of the phones they offer allow you to to put in your SIM card and the phone piggy-backs off the CDMA network.

Yup. GSM owns.

Verizon is a nice provider, but so is Cingular. Try dropping your phone or messing something up, have fun with getting a new phone. I just popped my SIM card out and switched to an older phone last time I screwed my own phone over...

Plus you get crap phones with Verizon. My friend thinks he's so cool with his Verizon phones and he's like "Yea I'm getting 2 Razrs." Ok, sorry doesn't impress me. Last black friday, the cell phone places I knew were giving away Razrs for free. If you're still getting such crap phones, you need to get real.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: AnthroAndStargate
So GSM Is the only network used overseas then? Dang!

Well - you can use your CDMA phone (like Sprint) over seas if you pay roaming right?

GSM is popular in Europe, CDMA is populat in Asia, especially Japan (NTT Docomo has a huge investment in CDMA technology).

ZV

 

[Spineshank]

I had Verizon for 6 years and the reception was decent. Changed to Cingular and couldnt be happier. Plus i unlocked it for when i go to Italy next year i can use it.