There are a lot of GSM/ Edge phones out there that are really really nice but they never work with Verizon's network. Why is that? Is Verizon's network more advanced, or less? Not knowing a thing about cell phone networks, it's hard for me to find information on these things because I'm not sure where to look.
Actually, Verizon is rumored to go open network this year, making it possible to import foreign CDMA phones, so cross your fingers and pray that it does, and the Korean Samsung CDMA phones will be graced upon your hands...
Until then, look and drool over the GSM phone suckers :P
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be that vague. I know that Verizon uses a completely different network. I was wondering more about the difference between CDMA and GSM/Edge. Is one more advanced than the other? Is there a specific reason why Verizon would want to have a cellphone network format COMPLETELY different than the rest of the world?
Well GSM/EDGE is old school now ... it's more HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GSM against EVDO/CDMA. I don't know technologically, but in terms of transfer speed both 3G technologies are comparable.
Here let me answer your question better than everybody else.
-Verizon uses the technology they do because 5 years ago it was more advanced then the competing standard at the time (TDMA) -But for whatever reason they stuck with it and now Verizon and Sprint are the only 2 carriers (plus their MVNOs) left that use it. -The rest of the world, including ATT and T-Mobile, integrated into one technology: GSM which IS a better technology despite what some diehard CDMA freaks would tell you on here. The main differences that your average everyday user sees:
1) The GSM association requires all carriers to use the same standard allowing interoperability so there are a lot more phone options. 2) GSM's 3G is faster than CDMA's (up to 28mbps vs. 3.6mbps using Rev. A) 3) HSPA (GSM's 3G) carrys both voice and data allowing for better quality voice and simultaneous voice and data use. So if you're on the internet, calls can get through, you can talk on the phone while using the internet, and do video calling.
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There are a lot of GSM/ Edge phones out there that are really really nice but they never work with Verizon's network. Why is that? Is Verizon's network more advanced, or less? Not knowing a thing about cell phone networks, it's hard for me to find information on these things because I'm not sure where to look.
Mobile phones that uses GSM standard cannot work under Verizon because Verizon uses CDMA network.
Actually, Verizon is rumored to go open network this year, making it possible to import foreign CDMA phones, so cross your fingers and pray that it does, and the Korean Samsung CDMA phones will be graced upon your hands...
Until then, look and drool over the GSM phone suckers :P
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be that vague. I know that Verizon uses a completely different network. I was wondering more about the difference between CDMA and GSM/Edge. Is one more advanced than the other? Is there a specific reason why Verizon would want to have a cellphone network format COMPLETELY different than the rest of the world?
Well GSM/EDGE is old school now ... it's more HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GSM against EVDO/CDMA. I don't know technologically, but in terms of transfer speed both 3G technologies are comparable.
Here let me answer your question better than everybody else.
-Verizon uses the technology they do because 5 years ago it was more advanced then the competing standard at the time (TDMA)
-But for whatever reason they stuck with it and now Verizon and Sprint are the only 2 carriers (plus their MVNOs) left that use it.
-The rest of the world, including ATT and T-Mobile, integrated into one technology: GSM which IS a better technology despite what some diehard CDMA freaks would tell you on here. The main differences that your average everyday user sees:
1) The GSM association requires all carriers to use the same standard allowing interoperability so there are a lot more phone options.
2) GSM's 3G is faster than CDMA's (up to 28mbps vs. 3.6mbps using Rev. A)
3) HSPA (GSM's 3G) carrys both voice and data allowing for better quality voice and simultaneous voice and data use. So if you're on the internet, calls can get through, you can talk on the phone while using the internet, and do video calling.
@CB17
You forgot another reason: SIM cards. That alone is enough reason to use GSM, especially if you travel lots and don't want to get ripped off roaming.