So Many Cell Phone Providers!

Wherever you're located, the likelihood of having a choice among several cellular service providers for your wireless needs is high. Major cities usually have a choice between 3-5 major service providers and another 2-4 mini cellular players. The seemingly endless combinations of service providers makes way for some confusing yet interesting options for consumers. This brief article will help new cell phone consumers, and some old, learn the basic ins and outs of cell phone service providers.

First a clarifications on network terms you'll encounter.

CDMA: Short for Code-Division Multiple Access, this is a digital cellular technology that uses spread-spectrum techniques. Unlike competing systems that use TDMA, such as GSM, CDMA does not assign a specific frequency to each user. Instead, every channel uses the full available spectrum. The frequency of the transmitted signal is then made to vary according to a defined pattern, so it can be intercepted only by a receiver whose frequency response is programmed with the same code, so it follows exactly along with the transmitter frequency. Major CDMA players are in North America are Telus Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and Bell Mobility.

GSM: GSM is currently the world's largest cellular network. GSM stand for Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM uses narrowband TDMA, which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. Considered the most advanced digital cellular technology, GSM networks are leaders in many typically "digital" services including Short Message Service (SMS), over the air (OTA) configuration and GSM positioning. Many new GSM phones are called "global phones" because they can be used in virtually any country. They also have SIM cards ("Subscriber Identification Module") that enable unique identification of each user and easy transportation of your data between phones. GSM 900 (transmitting on the 900 MHz frequency band) is Europe's main digital network. It's also used in the Asia-Pacific region. GSM 1800 is also used in Europe and Asia, but has not been as widely adopted as GSM 900. GSM 1900 is the system used mainly in the Americas and Canada. Top North American providers are Cingular Wireless, T-Mobile, Rogers Wireless and Fido.

So the question is now which network do I choose? GSM appears to provide a greater range for those who travel, yet CDMA supposedly has clearer reception. Theoretically having the entire spectrum available for your use should mean greater call clarity, however, this is not always the case. Many CDMA subscribers will attest that their GSM counterparts have better reception in some hard to reach areas.

Consumers should also be mindful of the types of phones available on each network. Manufacturers try to produce phones for each, nonetheless, LG typically produces cell phones for the CDMA network, and Nokia on the GSM, (although Nokia has a huge CDMA portfolio as well.) Take some time and browse the phones and their options -- you have a huge selection so start now. Wireless functions such as SMS, or roaming may dictate which carrier you choose. But again, you have plenty of options to choose from, and if you've never had a cell phone before, take some time to learn about the hundreds of options you have, both in a phone and with particular plans/carriers. Don't just compare phones either. Providers nowadays have comparable phones, therefore, the selling feature may be plans and attached options. Price, when evenings begin, add-on costs such as txt messaging, data-transfer, should all be compared and analyzed before purchase. Be sure to take advantage of monthly deals from providers, usually you can get a solid cell phone for FREE! Generally you need to sign up for a contract that lasts 2-3 years, however, if you're planning on staying with the firm and are confident with your choice, the contract isn't such a bad idea.

Switching providers is also an option with existing customers. Let me explain. Switching carriers is no longer a tedious event. Already present in the US and soon to be implemented in Canada, cell phone number portability will enable customers to switch service providers to take advantage of 'new activation' discounts with the new carrier all while keeping your old phone number. This feature can only benefit the consumer. Service providers will likely lower their fees and increase their perks in attempt to prevent a mass exodus from their customer base.

Some other phone options include prepaid options, where you can prepay for a pre-determined amount of minutes, no contract. You can also invest in unlocked cell phones, where you do not have the contract obligations and you own the phone. It works like this: you purchase the phone, usually from an independent dealer, then you activate the phone with a compatible service provider on a monthly plan. This is a pricey option, typically high end phones fall under this category, those that aren't offered by the carrier but will operate on their network.

So as you can tell there are plenty of phone and carrier options for customers vying to get the best deal. The biggest thing is likely patience. Be patient when it comes to purchasing, better deals likely lie somewhere else. Also, figure out what your needs are. Do you travel? Want to be tied into a contract? Once you know what you want, compare between providers. Do the same type of comparison with phone featuress as well. You'll be surprised how a little research on phone and service provider quality can save you a load of headaches in the future.

Visit DiscussWireless for consumer discussion forums with categories of all major cell phone providers and manufacturers. Compare and review cell phones and plans here, read posts from other consumers regarding service issues and phone reviews.

---

Free Cell Phones All Around - Cashing in on Consumerism

There's no greater way to win the hearts of consumers... Read More

Some Tips For The Safe Use of Cell Phones And Batteries

1. Increase the life span of your cell phone and... Read More

Can You Anticipate The Cell Phones Of The Future?

We have become a society that demands the most technologically... Read More

Best Cell Phones - Cell Phone Shopping 101

Before the advent of cell phones, communications may not have... Read More

Camera Cell Phone Video

Camera cell phone video - description.Camera cell phone video is... Read More

Smartphones - Beyond Voice to Information and Entertainment

Investments in shares of wireless technology companies and wireless service... Read More

Free Cellular Phone

Free cellular phone offers.You can definitely find a free cellular... Read More

Analog vs. Digital Cellular Phones

Cellular phones are an amazing modern convenience, but it can... Read More

Americans Catching on to Wireless Text Messaging

Once considered a teenage fad, text messaging popularity in the... Read More

PDA Cell Phones - the New Generation of Wireless Phones

It's time you know what the latest technological gadget is.... Read More

Why Mobile SMS/Text Messaging?

What is Mobile SMS/ Test Messaging?Mobile text Messaging, or Short... Read More

Nokia Cellular Phone

Nokia cellular phone ? description.Nokia produces a large variety of... Read More

Cell Phone Reviews - Reaping the Benefits Of Online Wireless Reviews

There are a lot of benefits that are offered by... Read More

Internet Cell Phone Deals - How to Take Advantage of Them

The internet can be a great place to buy your... Read More

Cell Phone Dos and Donts For Teens!

There are certain things people just shouldn't do with cell... Read More

Built Camera Cell in Phone

Built camera in cell phone - technology is available.The built... Read More

Smart Phones ? Are They Really A Smart Decision

First, there was the standard land line phone system; then... Read More

What Are All Those Cell Phone Accessories Used For?

Cell phone accessories would include antennas, batteries, cases, faceplates, holsters,... Read More

Cell Phone - Why Should I Upgrade

We hear from friends or just general chat by people... Read More

The Benefits of Digital

Analogue is the process of taking an audio or video... Read More

Mobile Phone Accessories

Discounted Mobile Phone AccessoriesMobile Phones have become a part of... Read More

How Successful Is 3G REALLY In The UK?

How successful is 3G REALLY in the UK? I'm getting... Read More

3G Technology

A 'third generation' wireless communications technology having evolved from first... Read More

Be In When Youre Out

Busy entrepreneurs cannot be at their desk twenty four hours... Read More

The Telephone ? A Brief History

During the 1870's, two well known inventors both independently designed... Read More

Camera Cell Phones -- More Uses Than You Could Have Imagined

I was shopping in the large superstore with my five-year-old... Read More

Cellular Phone Plan

Choosing a cellular phone plan for all your needs.Cellular phone... Read More

Defeating Crime With Digital Camera Cell Phones

The newest techno gadget, which is reshaping the way teenagers... Read More

Letting Go of 3G - A Viable Alternative for Asian Carriers

Most Asian cellular carriers mulling over 3G have chalked out... Read More

Donate Your Old Cellular Phone To Support A Worthy Cause

With new features being added to cellular phones at an... Read More

Making Sense of Cellular Phone Minutes

Cellular phones are different from your land-line home phone in... Read More

10 Questions About Cellular Phones Answered

1. What's the difference between analog and digital phones?Analog phones... Read More

We Have Compiled a List of Wireless Cell Phones General Cautions and Warnings

For the most part, wireless cell phones are safe. And... Read More