OK what's is the Major Technology Difference

[richmatthews76]

OK here I am a retired IT person but I am going to ask this anyway? So put to me in layman's terms what's the difference between the technology Verizon (CDMA) I believe and say T Mobile and ATT is it called (GSM) ? Is this in the phone or a protocol or something completely different? If this is elementary sorry I have been tout fishing in the woods of Montana rather than follow technology since I retired. I must admit sometime I do miss it so? Never boring always changing you young folks are lucky you have amazing things coming in your lifetime. Sorry if this sounds sentimental..... LOL

 

[Thom]

This question spans all carriers and I moved it from the Verizon forum to Android Lounge so it will be shared by all communities.

... Thom

 

[richmatthews76]

Thank you again.

 

[Mikestony]

I'm sure someone who knows a better explanation will come along, but from my understanding, it has to do with the radio technology built into the devices and the what the carriers use.

Perhaps this may help also:
CDMA vs. GSM: What's the Difference? | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

 

[Slug]

Perhaps this may help also

Good find Mike! The second page has one of the easiest-to-understand descriptions of the protocol differences I've seen..... bookmarked for my own reference, thanks.

 

[dynomot]

I suppose we in the UK should be grateful the European Union made GSM the EU standard. A case of mobile technology wise we have it much better than the US. A superb explanation found by Mikestony.

 

[kate]

I suppose we in the UK should be grateful the European Union made GSM the EU standard. A case of mobile technology wise we have it much better than the US. A superb explanation found by Mikestony.

Down the road with LTE only phones it should be a little better in the US, although the networks use different types of LTE.