What are the differences between GSM and CDMA mobile network standards?

2 What is CDMA?

CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access, and it is another popular mobile network standard, especially in North America and Asia. CDMA does not use a SIM card, but rather embeds your phone number and other information in the phone itself. This means that you cannot switch phones easily, unless you contact your carrier and activate a new phone. CDMA also uses a different method of transmitting signals, which allows more users to share the same frequency channel without interference.

3 How do GSM and CDMA work?

Both GSM and CDMA use radio waves to communicate between your phone and the nearest cell tower. However, they differ in how they divide and encode these radio waves. GSM uses a technique called Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), which means that each user gets a fixed time slot to send and receive signals. CDMA uses a technique called Spread Spectrum, which means that each user gets a unique code to send and receive signals over the same frequency channel.

4 What are the advantages of GSM?

GSM has several advantages over CDMA, such as wider coverage, easier roaming, and more choices. GSM is available in more than 200 countries and territories, while CDMA is limited to about 100. Furthermore, GSM allows you to use your phone in different countries and regions, as long as your carrier has a roaming agreement with a local GSM network. You may also be able to utilize a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. Additionally, GSM offers more options for phones, carriers, and plans, as you can switch phones and SIM cards easily.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?