All of the major carriers use either CDMA which stands for Code Division Multiple Access or GSM which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. Wow, try and say that five times fast. The question, "Which is better" might be more appropriately asked with a "for you" on the end. Which is better for you? Everyone's needs are different and the better technology is the one that works for you in your situation. Basically, GSM is an association whose efforts are to bring a standard to the wireless community across the world. CDMA is proprietary and has markets in North America and Asia. Aside from these facts the real truth stands out and that is how it all pertains to you, the consumer.

If you are a typical 21 year old and you love to upload and download YouTube videos then the best option for you is CDMA. Traditionally CDMA has a faster Data Transfer Speed. So, if you use your phone for voice communication, email, pod-cast downloads or video streaming then CDMA is right for you. This may change quickly in the future because GSM is fighting hard to catch up to CDMA. They are now actually both advertising that they offer "3G" standards.

Both GSM and CDMA have good coverage along major roads and major cites. GSM may be a little better on rural roadways. International coverage is better with GSM and GSM is all about global standardization. If you are traveling abroad, then GSM is your best option. Basically GSM has the market on the world. If you travel abroad then you need a quad band phone in order to be able to use your cell around the world. The quad bands are (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). You simply just need to purchase a SIM card with minutes and a local number and you can start calling. Some companies do not charge you minutes if you receive an incoming call. Check the coverage before purchasing a plan because some countries do use CDMA technology. CDMA offers international coverage but it is much more expensive because you will be hit with roaming charges. CDMA is forced to contract with some GSM phone companies, due to their inability to provide these services on there own, and therefore your cost for calls abroad are higher.

The next couple of years will determine who will be the winner of this war between CDMA and GSM. Which one is the most popular with the consumers? Time is still waiting to tell. Remember the Beta vs VHS wars? Well, VHS won and beta was gone. Hopefully, for their sake and our sake, this does not happen with CDMA vs. GSM as a good competition saves you and I money.

This article was written by William Gold to compare GSM and CDMA cell phones. Remember Verizon Wireless Phones and Sprint are CDMA. AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM Cell Phones. CellKraze.com is a great place to but both CDMA and GSM phones without the contracts.

Tags: cell phones, cellular, technology, mobile, gsm, cdma, verizon wireless phones