A lot of confusion remains about the advantages & disadvantages of handsets enabled with CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile) technologies.
A CDMA handset operates on an in-built hardware, which means that when the customer abandons a particular service, which has been incorporated in the hardware, he would also have to surrender the handset to the service provider or abandon it. Or, if the hardware in the handset gets damaged, the customer will have no other option but to leave the handset and the connection itself. On the other hand, a GSM handset operates on a SIM card. Once a SIM card provided by a service provider, is inserted and activated, a GSM handset is ready for use. And as and when the customer feels, he is free to abandon the SIM card (read the service) and subscribe to another service. While service providers who use the SIM card technology, say CDMA is obsolete, those who use CDMA technology, say this technology is gaining popularity. “There are certain birth pangs for CDMA-supported service, like problems with licensing, network etc. As of now, our services are not as wide as we wish. But it is certainly picking up and more people are changing over from SIM card enabled services to CDMA-supported services. About 80% of the people converting to out services are those who had been using SIM card-enabled services,” said an executive of TATA Indicom, while observing that CDMA technology enables the operators to provide better and cheaper services.
Almost all handset companies maintain a chain of service centres in all cities. If any damage occurs to the handset, customers can take their handsets to the authorised service centre and get the damaged part replaced without any hassle.
If the damage occurs during the warranty period, the customer is not charged for the labour involved. However, he will have to bear the cost of the component. If they handset has been picked up from the gray market, the customer may also have to shell out money for the labour. The cellular approach requires a large number of base stations in a city of any size. A typical large city can have hundreds of towers.
In Chennai, for example, `Hutch’ cell-phone service provider has 201 towers at a distance of 750 metres from each other. Cells are normally thought of as hexagons on a big hexagonal grid. Because cell-phones and base stations use low-power transmitters, the same frequencies can be used in non-adjacent cells. Each cell has a base station that consists of a tower and a small building containing the radio equipment. Since so many people uses cell-phones now days, costs goes low per user.
02
Related Articles
How Helpful Are Mobile Phones For Travelers?
By: James Dyson | 19/10/2006 | Advertising
Mobile phones have taken an imperative place in everyone's life today that one can wonder how a life is possible without them. People can contact you anytime even when traveling from one place to another.
Mobile Phone Systems: A Brief Analysis For You
By: James Dyson | 19/10/2006 | Advertising
Why mobile phones sometimes become a challenge today? This happen mainly due to the existence of different incompatible mobile systems worldwide, which often mark out the entire region from others.
Global System for Mobile Communications
By: Ian Ball | 28/08/2007 | Communication
Since the evolution of mobile phones, there have been many mobile phone standards. However, the most common one that is still existing world over is the Global System for Mobile communications or the GSM. The significance of this mobile standard is its allowance for international roaming. Also GSM has survived the other standards over the years, due to its quality in the signaling and speech channels. The GSM is referred to as the second generation mobile phone standard.
Enter Nokia E65 – Combining the Internet With Mobility Through VOIP
By: Anmol Taneja | 30/01/2007 | Cell Phones
A mobile phone with a built in VOIP facility makes for the ultimate economical telephone device the world has been waiting for.
Enter Nokia E65 – Combining The Internet With Mobility Through VOIP
What's an Unlocked Gsm Phone?
By: Nat Jay | 10/05/2007 | Cell Phones
What you need to know about unlocked cell phones - and why unlocking is possible only with GSM phones.
Understanding Cdma in Mobile Phones
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
CDMA is a short terms that refers to ‘Code Division Multiple Access’. It is used in the second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) mobile phone tethnology. So, what does CDMA do for your mobile phone?
The Gsm Service
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
In GSM mobile phone system the region to be covered by the service is divided into hexagonal cells which are typically 5 km in diameter. The size depends on the density of traffic and would be larger in sparsely populated areas. At the centre of each hexagonal cell there is a base transceiver station (BS) which sends and receives calls to /from mobile phones within its range.
Evolution of Mobile Gaming Industry
By: Abhinav Vaid | 02/01/2008 | Cell Phones
Evolution Of Mobile Gaming Industry, Single player, multi player, GSM, CDMA, SIP, Artificial Intelligence
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing phones
By: krispdx71 | 12-07-2008
use my sims in a tmoble phone im atnt
Searching for an inexpensive texting phone, made by metro for my preteen
By: Michael | 09-07-2008
I am looking for a cell for my daughter. One with the ability for easy texting. Do you know of any off the top of your head that you could refer me to?
How to start a business
By: aronov | 08-07-2008
how to start a business a tmobile athorized dealer .. i have a place a location where but i dont know the details where to go what to do to get it started
Will metro pcs sell nokia phones any time soon ?
By: Ron | 06-07-2008
will metro pcs sell nokia phones any time soon ?
Why is it taking so long for my boyfriend and i to ...
By: Leslie | 06-07-2008
Why is it taking so long for my boyfriend and i to recieve each others text messages. I am in Texas and he is in Pennsylvania.
I am from Trinidad and Tobago. Yesterday i bought ...
By: presciouz | 05-07-2008
I am from Trinidad and Tobago. Yesterday i bought a samsung SGH L600 cell phone...but i am having problems with the volume and the ringtones....the highest volume is 7 and when i choose a ringtone it beeps once then lights up although i have already profiled it for melody...can u help me please?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Communication Articles
Samsung G600 - Now Enhance Camera Skills Through Phone
By: Adam Caitlin | 25/07/2008
Mobile phones in this high technology world have become part and parcel of life and have evolved out as a technological icon in modern day world. Among present day mobile phones, Samsung G600 is a great and savvy handset with modern technology.
Nokia 6236i Cellular Phone
By: Monty Alexander | 25/07/2008
The Nokia 6236i is designed to appeal to a wide range of users with a slim form factor, classic chrome accents and a number of features including a 65,536 color screen, VGA camera, streaming video capability and an integrated FM radio. A built-in speakerphone and voice recorder add a high level of convenience, while high-fidelity MP3 ring tones and streaming video capability add a high level of entertainment.
Free Icons
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
We have animated icons, funny icons, naughty icons, and pretty much any other emoticon you can think of.
Recording Calls on a Telephone Network Vs Hosted Call Recording
By: PXR5 | 24/07/2008
Many telephone networks and providers are now bundling phone call recording systems in with their line rental. Whilst these services may be useful for some businesses, they are not without their flaws...
More and More Businesses Using Call Recording Equipment
By: PXR5 | 24/07/2008
More and more businesses across the UK are experiencing the benefits of using phone call recording equipment These systems are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries and sectors...
Is Cheap Broadband About to Go the Way of Cheap Petrol, Cheap Flights, Cheap Rice...?
By: Shirley Stevens | 24/07/2008
BT is keen to increase the amount they charge broadband providers to access its telecom services and Ofcom (the communications watchdog) is considering granting BT permission to do so. If this transpires, cheap broadband deals may well become a thing of the past. However, there is no need to be too concerned just yet, as we explain.
Geemarc’s New Amplified Telephone
By: PXR5 | 24/07/2008
Telecoms manufacturer Geemarc has launched a new amplified telephone as part of their Clearsound range. This new handset has been designed with those with hearing impairments in mind.
Nokia N95: a True Blend of Sophistication and Style
By: Adam Caitlin | 24/07/2008
Nokia N95 is a widget that has got all kinds of possible qualities that makes it a superior mobile gadget then the rest mobile devices existing in the market.
More from Ian Ball
Your Old Worthless Cell Phone
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
What is your old worthless cell phone worth? To you, nothing. Maybe you haven’t noticed that they have been giving away cell phones for any reason at all for several years now. If you want a new cell phone, just wait until your contract runs out with your current provider, and then ask for a new FREE cell phone with the features you want.
Voice Dialing With Cell Phones
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
Of all the unique features to come with handy mobile phone, voice calling is the best and the latest. This exciting feature enables mobile phone users to make phone calls by just calling out a person’s name to their cell. The mobile phone will automatically dial the person’s number and make the call.
The World's Largest Mobile Phone Company Vodafone Acquired Hutch
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
The world's largest mobile phone company Vodafone on Friday officially announced that its was looking to acquire a controlling stake in India's Hutchison-Essar, ending a week long speculation about its intentions. It announced announced its readiness to buy 'in cash' Hutch-Essar, India's fourth largest mobile operator being valued up to $17 billion. It becomes the first player to throw the hat in the ring.
Understanding Cdma in Mobile Phones
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
CDMA is a short terms that refers to ‘Code Division Multiple Access’. It is used in the second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) mobile phone tethnology. So, what does CDMA do for your mobile phone?
Trends in Mobile Communications
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
Communication is one of the important areas of Electronics and has always been a focus point for exchanging information among parties at locations physically apart. There are different modes of communication like written messages ,speaking to the other party, giving Fax etc.
Tips for Buying a Good Cell Phone
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
Buying a cell phone is not an easy task, particularly with myriad cell phone varieties arriving in the market these days. Each one offers its own unique features, yet it is different in some way from the other, through style, design and quality. With the plethora of cell phone varieties, coming out these days it’s easy to get confused. Here are a couple of tips you can use when buying cell phones:
Tips for Battery Use in Cell Phones
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
Mobile phones get charged through batteries or through a phone charger. Now if you feel that using batteries is a better option for you because you don’t want the hassle of charging you mobile every time, you should keep in mind how much you are going to use the mobile before going in for buying the battery. Here is a look at the typical mobile phone batteries.
The Gsm Service
By: Ian Ball | 17/12/2007 | Cell Phones
In GSM mobile phone system the region to be covered by the service is divided into hexagonal cells which are typically 5 km in diameter. The size depends on the density of traffic and would be larger in sparsely populated areas. At the centre of each hexagonal cell there is a base transceiver station (BS) which sends and receives calls to /from mobile phones within its range.
Technology 
