What is CDMA technology?

CDMA technology features

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology is sometimes preferred to GSM by hardware experts. Voice and data signals are separated and transmitted using a wide range of frequencies. The hardware gurus believe this leaves “more room” for data transmissions, making CDMA more efficient. They will further argue that CDMA is the real 3G (third generation) technology, although GSM often gets equal credit.

While GSM is used in more countries, particularly throughout Europe, than any other, CDMA technology is quite popular in Asia as well as the U.S. CDMA is often considered the wonderfully enhanced version of TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).

Although they share similar words and accomplish the same goal, they are different and distinct methods of transmitting bits of information. Yet most cell phone network experts agree that CDMA will eventually replace TDMA totally as a preferred provider of voice and data, leaving GSM as its primary competition.

Along with the predominance of GSM in Europe, CDMA has sometimes been compared unfavorably to the wonderful SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) offered by GSM technology. The SIM card allows you to store your “phone book” and contact information in a removable and transferable format to other GSM cell phones.

CDMA is combating this disadvantage with the ability (from some servicers) to store your important contact information on a database. This gives you the advantage of not worrying about the condition of a SIM card or even accessing your phone book if your cell phone is stolen as your data resides on a large server, not a tiny memory card.