GSM or C/TDMA?? - AR15.COM

Posted: 12/28/2005 8:33:45 PM EDT

my contract with Verizon will expire next month. With the abilty to keep my # I now have many more options. I have been with Verizon for many years and have been very satisfied iwth their service.

But they seem to use a out dated tech in C/TDMA when the rest of the world uses GSM. I can get GSM through Cingular and I think a better plan.

I use my phone mostly in the US and in major metro areas.

What are the advantage and disadvantages with either system??

Happy New Year

Posted: 12/28/2005 8:35:13 PM EDT

[#1]

Get what works Verizon coverage area seems pretty good, others can be lacking.

CDMA works fine for what your going to use it for most likely.

Posted: 12/28/2005 8:41:42 PM EDT

[#2]

If your not traveling out of country stick with the Verizon plan. If you plan to utilize any type of data plan, Verizons EVDO network is alot better than Cings EDGE network.

Posted: 12/28/2005 8:46:34 PM EDT

[#3]

Get both.

Posted: 12/28/2005 9:01:43 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
my contract with Verizon will expire next month. With the abilty to keep my # I now have many more options. I have been with Verizon for many years and have been very satisfied iwth their service.

But they seem to use a out dated tech in C/TDMA when the rest of the world uses GSM. I can get GSM through Cingular and I think a better plan.

I use my phone mostly in the US and in major metro areas.

What are the advantage and disadvantages with either system??

Happy New Year

I work for a carrier. The advice given about the data networks was right on target; be advised that both VZW and Sprint Nextel utilizes CDMA, and GSM is based on TDMA, but is falling out of favor because of the difficulty in getting the data pipe to be wide enough to handle broadband speed transmissions.

TDMA and CDMA were both invented in 1988. CDMA is a superior technology. I would go with either of the two CDMA providers; you will see much amazing capabilites in the coming two years.

BTW, Sprint has a leg up on the competition.

Posted: 12/28/2005 9:49:08 PM EDT

[#5]

VZW has the best network with the most coverage. Yeah, they don't have the best phone models, but if you have VZW, your phone WORKS. My buddy got sucked in by "neat phone features" and went to T-Mobile, and now he is always somewhere that his phone doesn't get signal. My business partner did the same thing and switched to Sprint. He's counting the days until his contract expires so he can come back to VZW.

-Troy

Posted: 12/28/2005 10:37:23 PM EDT

[#6]

The rest of the world uses GSM because it was adopted as a standard before CDMA was able to get a foothold, not because CDMA is "outdated". CDMA is actually more advanced and all networks are migrating towards 3G which is based on CDMA. (TDMA btw, is defunct and largely replaced by GSM).

I use GSM just because I travel a lot but I'd go with Verizon if I didn't. They have the best voice and data network.

Posted: 12/29/2005 8:09:28 AM EDT

[#7]

What I like about GSM is that you can swap your SIM card to any available phone without having to call the carrier to set up the phone for you so it will work. Works fine whereever I go, so area coverage is not an issue.

Posted: 12/29/2005 8:11:49 AM EDT

[#8]

GSM is a good technology, especially if you travel around the world. But AVOID CINGULAR LIKE THE PLAGUE.

They have the worst customer complaint record in the industry, and they don't seem too troubled by it. I had alot of terrible experiances with them and paying the early termination fee was worth it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - GSM or C/TDMA??

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