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