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Articles: Telecommunications
- Choosing a Cellphone Provider
By Barry
Nagassar
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.
First a clarification of 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 http://www.discusswireless.com for useful
consumer driven cell phone and PDA forums. Read relevant cell phone
reviews, latest cellular news, service provider issues, and more.
Compare and shop competitor prices in the shop section regarding the
latest cell phones and PDAs. Unlocked and free cell phones among the
selection, browse today!
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