Different types of cell phones?

[JEDI]

and what are the other types?

 

[Nocturnal]

It's like a protocol they use. GSM, CDMA, TDMA, etc.

 

[Sphexi]

Different companies use different technology to talk to their phones.

Verizon uses CDMA/PCS/AMPS.

Sprint uses CDMA/PCS.

Cingular/Tmobile/ATT uses GSM.



Other random companies use some of the above, but it's going to be either CDMA/PCS or GSM, the two aren't compatible.

 

[slpaulson]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Different companies use different technology to talk to their phones.

Verizon uses CDMA/PCS/AMPS.

Sprint uses CDMA/PCS.

Cingular/Tmobile/ATT uses GSM.



Other random companies use some of the above, but it's going to be either CDMA/PCS or GSM, the two aren't compatible.

PCS is just a frequency, not a protocol.
There are GSM operaters that use PCS frequencies also...

 

[ElFenix]

there is CDMA2000 and there is GSM.

GSM uses more spectrum space to accomplish the same thing. in that regards, it is inferior technology. it uses TDMA (time division multiple access) which is about how multitasking on a single-threaded processor works: it only works on one thing at a time, then switches to someone else's call. it does this very quickly, but it is inferior to CDMA's implementation. because of the superior technology that goes into CMDA, CDMA providers can roll out additional bandwidth-centric features faster than GSM providers can. for example, sprint had the first 3G system, and verizon is rolling out high speed data (sprint should follow soon). but GSM enables easy international roaming (CDMA isn't very widespread outside of north america because people had GSM forced on them by their governments). GSM also gets the more feature packed phones first (due to the bigger market for GSM phones, and the fact that you can use a phone from korea well before providers here start selling them. for instance, the razr phone was out in asia months before it was in the US because of motorola's deal with cingular). and replacing SIM cards (a GSM feature) is the easiest way to move your phone book from one phone to another (along with the rest of your service).

 

[Shawn]

The SIM cards are cool but I have Verizon so CDMA for me.

 

[JEDI]

which type of phones are used in europe, czech countries, and russian republics?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
there is CDMA2000 and there is GSM.

GSM uses more spectrum space to accomplish the same thing. in that regards, it is inferior technology. it uses TDMA (time division multiple access) which is about how multitasking on a single-threaded processor works: it only works on one thing at a time, then switches to someone else's call. it does this very quickly, but it is inferior to CDMA's implementation. because of the superior technology that goes into CMDA, CDMA providers can roll out additional bandwidth-centric features faster than GSM providers can. for example, sprint had the first 3G system, and verizon is rolling out high speed data (sprint should follow soon). but GSM enables easy international roaming (CDMA isn't very widespread outside of north america because people had GSM forced on them by their governments). GSM also gets the more feature packed phones first (due to the bigger market for GSM phones, and the fact that you can use a phone from korea well before providers here start selling them. for instance, the razr phone was out in asia months before it was in the US because of motorola's deal with cingular). and replacing SIM cards (a GSM feature) is the easiest way to move your phone book from one phone to another (along with the rest of your service).

Bingo!

Finally, someone else who knows that CDMA is technologically superior. It's 2 years newer than GSM also. Plus GSM has been "cracked", it's possible to intercept GSM calls and even possible to triangulate the position of a GSM phone. CDMA has yet to be cracked and the signal from each phone is not interceptable since multiple conversations are being carried on the same frequency. Since an individual phone's signal can't be intercepted, it can't be traced positionally either.

Also, while it has nothing to do with the underlying technology used, there are fundamental differences in network infrastructure between the big CDMA provider and the GSM providers in the US. GSM providers have, thusfar, chosen a network infrastructure that encompases only major metropolitan centers and major traffic thoroughfares (e.g. the interstate highway system). CDMA carriers have sought to create "universal" coverage and thus have much better coverage in rural areas.

ZV

EDIT: GSM is what is used in Europe and the Czech Republic. This is because the governments there have forced its use. The net result is less innovation.

 

[DaWhim]

90% of the world = GSM
rest = CDMA and other, 3G?

 

[effee]

Isnt 3G a sort of mobile technology? I dont think its a network right?
3G sort of lets you use video conferencing and frilly stuff like that

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: effee
Isnt 3G a sort of mobile technology? I dont think its a network right?
3G sort of lets you use video conferencing and frilly stuff like that

IIRC it's a generic reference to the third generation technologies coming out. Marketing has gotten a hold of the term "3G" though and applied it to technologies that are more appropriately 2.5G (e.g. GSM's internet services). So far only CDMA2000 is a true 3G implementation.

ZV