Differences between GSM and CDMA mobile phone

[RAJalias]

Hey Guys,

I would like to know that what is the actual differences between GSM and CDMA mobile phone. Can any body tell me what is the difference between cdma & GSM mobile phone? Do they are have same functionality? What benefits do we get from CDMA or from GSM mobile phone? Let me know your views on the above topic. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Gonzo]

CDMA and GSM are Radio technologies and mobile Phone is just an Antenna to receive these Radio Signals. To be exact, GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, which is based on an older standard called TDMA, which we won’t get into. CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. Understanding the difference between GSM and CDMA will allow you to choose a carrier that uses the preferable network technology for your needs.

[Pugsly]

These are technologies which essentially allow a mobile device to communicate with a mobile communications network. As for GSM phones, the handsets uses removable SIM card. Apart from this 3G tehchnology which is combination of both GSM and CDMA (WCDMA) is compatible with both GSM and CDMA. So a 3G mobile can serve for both GSM and CDMA radio signals. The SIM itself is tied to the network, rather than the actual phone. Phones that are card-enabled can be used with any GSM carrier.

[Simond]

CDMA can hold more calls per channel on their towers, while GSM drops alot of calls. It allows the network to identify the phone, the phone number and to provide wireless network connectivity through access points or mobile phone antennas. But in general, CDMA is vastly superior technology. However, GSM’s constant contact means that acquiring a signal isn’t as tricky. When a CDMA phone connects to the network, it must negotiate with the local tower what phone it is, what service, what number, etc. CDMA voice quality is nowhere near as good as GSM. While this is not yet apparent in India, where the number of ubscribers are relatively low, the fact remains that as the number of subscribers increase, the voice quality will go down.