| If you have a cell phone in the United Sates, then you | | | | a new phone in most cases. Also, another major |
| may be confused as to which carrier to use in your | | | | disadvantage of CDMA system would be the fact |
| communications. The classic solution has been CDMA | | | | that you would not be able to roam, as the GSM |
| cellular phone technology system in the United States. | | | | system is the international standard that is used in 277 |
| With AT&T on the top, there are many carriers | | | | countries around the world. |
| that offer you cell phone service with the CDMA | | | | With the GSM system, all you have to do is to just get |
| system. However, if you are buying a cell phone or a | | | | a SIM card and then that becomes your mobile |
| number, you should think about getting a GSM | | | | number. You can easily insert it into any phone that |
| compatible phone and a GSM number instead of a | | | | you want and instantly that mobile phone gets active |
| CDMA phone and number. This is due to the fact that | | | | with your number. This is a very useful feature as you |
| GSM phones and systems are superior to CDMA | | | | would not need to change your Bluetooth or other |
| systems in all aspects. | | | | phone accessories such as your charger etc. You |
| The first disadvantage of the CDMA system in the | | | | could just insert a SIM card that is functional in your |
| United States is the fact that your phone is physically | | | | area or you could just as easily use roaming feature |
| keyed to a certain number. Thus, your phone would | | | | that comes with the GSM system. You could travel to |
| not work with any other number, as it would be locked | | | | any country in the world and you would be able to use |
| against joining another carrier network. This is mostly | | | | the same phone number with GSM Roaming |
| due to the fact that many carriers give you the mobile | | | | Technology. With CDMA, you would be limited to the |
| phone for free as they charge you for the service | | | | United States and few Asian countries. Although GSM |
| instead. This is a good feature, although it restricts you | | | | service is not active all over the United States, many |
| to the same mobile phone, the same accessories and | | | | states are covered by the GSM system. You should |
| of course the same carrier service. It would be very | | | | check the carriers in your area before making your |
| hectic to try to change carriers, as you would need to | | | | decision to switch to GSM technology. |
| sign up for a new service and you would need to buy | | | | |