Wherever you’re located, the likelihood of having a choice among
\nseveral cellular service providers for your wireless needs is
\nhigh. Major cities usually have a choice between 3-5 major
\nservice providers and another 2-4 mini cellular players. The
\nseemingly endless combinations of service providers makes way
\nfor some confusing yet interesting options for consumers. This
\nbrief article will help new cell phone consumers, and some old,
\nlearn the basic ins and outs of cell phone service providers. <\/p>\n
First a clarifications on network terms you’ll encounter.<\/p>\n
CDMA: Short for Code-Division Multiple Access, this is a digital
\ncellular technology that uses spread-spectrum techniques. Unlike
\ncompeting systems that use TDMA, such as GSM, CDMA does not
\nassign a specific frequency to each user. Instead, every channel
\nuses the full available spectrum. The frequency of the
\ntransmitted signal is then made to vary according to a defined
\npattern, so it can be intercepted only by a receiver whose
\nfrequency response is programmed with the same code, so it
\nfollows exactly along with the transmitter frequency. Major CDMA
\nplayers are in North America are Telus Mobility, Verizon
\nWireless, Sprint Nextel, and Bell Mobility.<\/p>\n
GSM: GSM is currently the world’s largest cellular network. GSM
\nstand for Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM uses
\nnarrowband TDMA, which allows eight simultaneous calls on the
\nsame radio frequency. Considered the most advanced digital
\ncellular technology, GSM networks are leaders in many typically
\n“digital” services including Short Message Service (SMS), over
\nthe air (OTA) configuration and GSM positioning. Many new GSM
\nphones are called “global phones” because they can be used in
\nvirtually any country. They also have SIM cards (“Subscriber
\nIdentification Module”) that enable unique identification of
\neach user and easy transportation of your data between phones.
\nGSM 900 (transmitting on the 900 MHz frequency band) is Europe’s
\nmain digital network. It’s also used in the Asia-Pacific region.
\nGSM 1800 is also used in Europe and Asia, but has not been as
\nwidely adopted as GSM 900. GSM 1900 is the system used mainly in
\nthe Americas and Canada. Top North American providers are
\nCingular Wireless, T-Mobile, Rogers Wireless and Fido.<\/p>\n
So the question is now which network do I choose? GSM appears to
\nprovide a greater range for those who travel, yet CDMA
\nsupposedly has clearer reception. Theoretically having the
\nentire spectrum available for your use should mean greater call
\nclarity, however, this is not always the case. Many CDMA
\nsubscribers will attest that their GSM counterparts have better
\nreception in some hard to reach areas.<\/p>\n
Consumers should also be mindful of the types of phones
\navailable on each network. Manufacturers try to produce phones
\nfor each, nonetheless, LG typically produces cell phones for the
\nCDMA network, and Nokia on the GSM, (although Nokia has a huge
\nCDMA portfolio as well.) Take some time and browse the phones
\nand their options — you have a huge selection so start now.
\nWireless functions such as SMS, or roaming may dictate which
\ncarrier you choose. But again, you have plenty of options to
\nchoose from, and if you’ve never had a cell phone before, take
\nsome time to learn about the hundreds of options you have, both
\nin a phone and with particular plans\/carriers. Don’t just
\ncompare phones either. Providers nowadays have comparable
\nphones, therefore, the selling feature may be plans and attached
\noptions. Price, when evenings begin, add-on costs such as txt
\nmessaging, data-transfer, should all be compared and analyzed
\nbefore purchase. Be sure to take advantage of monthly deals from
\nproviders, usually you can get a solid cell phone for FREE!
\nGenerally you need to sign up for a contract that lasts 2-3
\nyears, however, if you’re planning on staying with the firm and
\nare confident with your choice, the contract isn’t such a bad
\nidea. Switching providers is also an option with existing
\ncustomers. Let me explain. Switching carriers is no longer a
\ntedious event. Already present in the US and soon to be
\nimplemented in Canada, cell phone number portability will enable
\ncustomers to switch service providers to take advantage of \u2018new
\nactivation’ discounts with the new carrier all while keeping
\nyour old phone number. This feature can only benefit the
\nconsumer. Service providers will likely lower their fees and
\nincrease their perks in attempt to prevent a mass exodus from
\ntheir customer base. <\/p>\n
Some other phone options include prepaid options, where you can
\nprepay for a pre-determined amount of minutes, no contract. You
\ncan also invest in unlocked cell phones, where you do not have
\nthe contract obligations and you own the phone. It works like
\nthis: you purchase the phone, usually from an independent
\ndealer, then you activate the phone with a compatible service
\nprovider on a monthly plan. This is a pricey option, typically
\nhigh end phones fall under this category, those that aren’t
\noffered by the carrier but will operate on their network. <\/p>\n
So as you can tell there are plenty of phone and carrier options
\nfor customers vying to get the best deal. The biggest thing is
\nlikely patience. Be patient when it comes to purchasing, better
\ndeals likely lie somewhere else. Also, figure out what your
\nneeds are. Do you travel? Want to be tied into a contract? Once
\nyou know what you want, compare between providers. Do the same
\ntype of comparison with phone featuress as well. You’ll be
\nsurprised how a little research on phone and service provider
\nquality can save you a load of headaches in the future<\/p>\n