Making Sense of it All - Choosing the Right Phone For You!
 

GSM vs CDMA - Phone Frequencies

Wireless carriers in the United States operate over two different networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Though each technology transmits voice and data, they do so in different ways, which making a phone incompatible if you do not have the right plan. As a result, you can't take a CDMA phone and use it on GSM or vice versa. GSM phones can be taken to use in other countries as well (as long as the frequency is compatible - please see section below on dual band / tri band / quad band phones).

Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cricket and Alltel all operate using CDMA networks. The item description will say the CDMA carrier that the phone will work on. If the description says works for Verizon the phone will only work on the Verizon network, and the same for Sprint, Alltel, Alaska Wireless, etc.

Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Rogers Wireless and many other Global GSM Provider worldwide operate on a "GSM" network. If the phone specifically says "guaranteed to work with AT&T" for example, the phone is currently "locked" and will only work with AT&T and the same for T-Mobile and so on. These phones generally can easily be unlocked to be used with any GSM carrier that uses a sim card for a small fee (ranging from $8-$20) and the ability to unlock the phone depends on the model of phone you purchase.

GSM "Unlocked" Phones -

If the phone states "Unlocked" in the title and / or description you can just take out your sim card from your existing GSM phone and place it into another unlocked GSM phone. If the description says unlocked , you can use it on any GSM network worldwide. Only GSM phones can be unlocked so please look for the word GSM in the description. Also, you must make sure that the frequencies supported by the phone are compatible with your current wireless provider. Listed below are a few of the more popular carriers and the frequencies they operate on. You may just want to do a quick google search to see what frequency a specific phone / carrier operates on to assure you will have the clearest reception with your phone.

What does Dual Band and Tri Band mean? Or even Quad Band? Where in The World can I use that phone!?

In America you need a phone that can operate on GSM 1900 MHz frequencies - this is the most common frequency in the Americas (800 Mhz and 850 MHz also work depending on your carrier) so most often a Tri band or Quad band phone is the best option. Dual band phones tend to work in the UK and Europe and most of the world (GSM 1800 and GSM 900).

Unlocked Vs. Locked Phones

Can my Verizon / Alltel / Sprint / Nextel phone be unlocked?

No, sorry... All the carriers mentioned above operate on CDMA networks and therefore can not be unlocked. Keep in mind that only GSM phones can be unlocked. Some CDMA phones are now dual compatible with GSM Sim cards in order to be used internationally, but for the most part CDMA phones can not be unlocked.

Can my AT&T / Cingular / T-Mobile / Rogers  phone be unlocked?

Yes! Well for the most part. Most GSM phones can be unlocked.  All the carriers mentioned above operate on GSM ntworks. All these wireless providers, provide you with a sim card upon activation. If you have an AT&T phone and you want to use your current service plan with another AT&T phone, all you have to do is take out your sim card and place it in the other AT&T phone and you can use the phone freel.  If your phone uses a GSM Sim Card, it can be unlocked. Locking a phone is a carriers way to prevent its customers from switching over to phones with other carriers. Once a certain carrier has you, they do not want to let you go easily. Carriers also have deals with large cell phone manufacturers to make certain phone exclusive to them and they pay big $$$ to try and prevent people from easily being able to use their phones on other networks.

What Should I Look For? - The Nitty Gritty

Do I need a Smartphone / PDA Device?

Do you need the internet on your phone? Do you use email regularly? If you answered "yes" to either then, YES you do! Just keep in mind that with the Smartphones and PDA devices that you will need a data plan to go with them that supports the internet features of the phone and this can become pricey. I personally opted for the unlimited data plan on my Blackberry and it costs me about $50 a month. This is essential for me in order to answer customers emails in as short of time as possible.

Contract Vs. No Contract?

No Contract = No Strings Attached. We only sell phones "without" contracts. You can use our phones with your existing phone providers contract but we do not require you to sign up for a long term agreement when buying from us. No gimmicks, just the phone. Phone companies offer great prices on phones, and many companies actually take a loss on selling you a phone in order to lock you into a long term contract (standard is 2 years). When purchasing a phone withouth a contract, you have the freedom to move about from one carrier to the next as you please. When purchasing a phone that is compatible with your provider without a contract you have the ability to activate your phone simply by placing a call with your carrier and asking them to activate the phone for you. No more need to go to an actual store - (the stores a lot of times will try and tell you that you have to buy something that you don't need.)

Other Technologies -

These days, your mobile phone does a lot more than make and receive telephone calls. You can create and send all manner of text, image and sound files, email friends, colleagues or relatives anywhere in the world or browse your favourite websites and chat rooms. All the above can be done with varying degrees of speed as well. You can even operate your mobile phone remotely with no wires whilst it is still safely stored in your carry bag. You can download, store and playback music and video, create spreadsheets and Word documents and so much more. Without doubt, the mobile phone will continue to evolve and allow us to obtain information and communicate whilst on the move or away from home.

Bluetooth Technology?

This device communication technology means your mobile phone can communicate with other hardware without the need for wires and without the need for each bit of kit to be in line of sight. So hands free head sets have been transformed, as have car kits. So long as each piece of hardware (phone, headset, car kit, laptop etc) has the Bluetooth technology incorporated and once they are 'paired' with each other, they can send and receive information within a good few meters of each other, even if in different rooms or the mobile phone is in your pocket when a call comes through on your head set. Be aware that all Bluetooth enabled units should be able to communicate with each other, they do not have to be the same brand or make, so a Nokia Handset should be able to communicate with a Motorola Head Set.

Multi Media Messaging (MMS)?

A mobile phone with MMS capability can send or receive images/photos as well as text. So if you have an integrated camera on your mobile, you can send a photo just like you would a text message. It normally costs a bit more to send it though.

Be sure to vote "YES" on this guide if you find it helpful!

If all of this still does not make sense to you, please feel free to shoot us an email and we will be happy to do our very best to assist you with your purchase.