Handset Transmission Types

The two most common cellular networks are known as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). CDMA is commonly found in the United States whereas GSM is used worldwide and originated in Europe.

Is your mobile device compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks? More modern devices such as Apple’s iPhone are compatible with both networks while many other devices are not without replacing the SIM (subscriber identity module) card. Mobile devices are typically tied to a mobile service provider that use one or more types of cellular networks.

Is it important for a cellular network to follow standardized open protocols? Which cellular networks do not? One example of a proprietary protocol cellular network is the Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) by Motorola.

How do GSM and CDMA networks differ in terms of how the digital data is spread or shared between multiple devices on the network?