When it comes to smartphones it is good to understand the difference between the two bands that exist on various devices like phones and ipads. Those bands not only impact how you can use a phone but also put a drag on your wallet. The two bands are, CDMA and GSM. They are the two major service options offered on phones and tablets and other handheld electronic devices that most of us love so much we can’t seem to get our noses out of them.
Why does it matter? First, let me describe the distinction. CDMA stands for “Code Division Multiple Access, and GSM stands for “Global System for Mobiles.” These are the two radio networks used by wireless carriers. Most people get their education about these two different bands when they go to change carriers. Let me save you a little time and effort here. Both CDMA and GSM are multiple-access technologies, meaning they allow multiple calls or data connections on one radio channel. The GSM channel is the most widely used band around the world, having the ability to link a phone to over 200 countries. CDMA is used mostly in the United States. The Verizon and Sprint networks are both CDMA.
The two major differences between GSM and CDMA Networks are: firstly on GSM you can be on a call and still access the Internet. Secondly, CDMA only allows you to do one thing at a time, talk or use data, which can hamper things when you’re on the phone and want to check something on Google really quick to enhance the conversation or make the impression that you are the smartest guy in the world. But here’s the real rub. If you are in a contract plan with a Sprint or Verizon, or any carrier that provides CDMA phones, you can’t switch your phone to a GSM carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile.
CDMA is proprietary, and will not allow you to switch SIM cards to pick up new service on a pay-as-you-go plan, or any other plan. You have to wait until the end of your contract and then have the phone unlocked so it can act as a GSM phone. This is how these CDMA companies lock you into a contract. They’ll offer you a state-of-the-art phone when you sign on, but you’re paying way too much for the phone and the service over the lifespan of your contract which, usually lasts two years. It is much better to own your unlocked GSM phone outright and go to a non-contract plan.
If you travel abroad and crisscross countries, you just need a SIM card from a local provider. There are GSM providers all over the world, where you can get SIM cards to insert into GSM phones. Those cards will not work in other countries with your CDMA phone. The best places took look for unlocked GSM phones are sites like eBay and Amazon. There are several small sites like Mercari and Offerup where you can purchase unlocked phones, but you don’t get the same return protection as you do on the larger sites. If you can afford to walk into an Apple store or Best Buy and purchase an unlocked phone, do that. The upfront cost is high, but you’ll save money in the long run if you’re not locked into a contract where you are overpaying on hidden fees and jacked up phone prices. Most GSM carriers now offer unlimited plans for about $40 a month with no hidden fees. Do a direct withdraw on a debit or credit card, and most of them will offer you a slight discount as a courtesy. Do the right thing and play it cool. Get away from these contracts that offer teaser phones like Greeks bearing gifts. I guess you’re not allowed to say that anymore, but I said it anyway.

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