How GSM Cell Phones Stack Up

There are two major types of mobile device coding or technologies. The first is GSM Cell Phones which stands for Global System for Mobile Communication and the second is CDMA which stands for Code Division Multiple Access. Each technology works differently but both have a common goal which is to communicate with a mobile communications network. Service providers like Verizon Cell Phones have to choose between one of these technologies.

The technology behind GSM Cell Phones essentially allows eight callers to use the same frequency with technology not unlike that which is used between a portable handset phone and its base station. All the frequencies are then divided into channels and each one may be used by a different caller but are combined by the protocol into something called a stream. This is then transmitted to the network. GSM Cell Phones work on what is known as a vertical signal, where calls are stacked on top of each other.

Mobile devices like Verizon Cell Phones use CDMA Technology. Think of these as built more on a horizontal line rather than a vertical line. These occupy the entire width of the frequency but are put in place so that each one occupies their own space on the line. These are considered more analog transmissions which can have advantages due to the functionality of radios.

Despite CDMA being considered faster in many regards to the network, GSM is still used internationally. However there is one more point of interest in terms of the technology between these two rivals. In terms of data transfer, CDMA uses Single User Radio Transmission Technology which is faster than GSM's General Packet Radio Service. Despite being considered slower than the 1xRTT, the GPRS does not block incoming voice traffic on the same frequency as it uses a packet based technology. In this case speed is not everything, which may be shocking in this era of technology but may also be refreshing.

Whether someone is new to the cell phone industry, yes there are still some of them out there, looking to change providers or someone who just wants to understand the technology in their pocket, this is a good jumping off point. There a variety of choices on the mobile device market today, and this is really where you want to start. Is a CDMA or GSM Cell Phone the better choice? After that decision is made the service provider, make and model will all fall into place based on your exact specifications.


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Article written by Paul Wise, after extensive research on GSM Cell Phones. If you are in the market for Verizon Cell Phones, Paul recommends visiting All4CellPhones.com. They offer a great selection and wonderful service.