CDMA networks list in 2021
You may already know that not all phones work with all carriers, but that doesn't mean you are stuck with just choosing from the big guys.
The four main carriers use two different technologies; the GSM network and the CDMA network. AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM network whereas Sprint and Verizon use CDMA.
This can mean that if you currently have a cell phone with Verizon or Sprint you may not be able to move your phone to a T-Mobile or AT&T carrier. But, don't panic! There are still plenty of ways that you can save money with a CDMA phone.
With both CDMA and GSM phones you can still find cheap deals to suit your budget with one of the main networks MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).
If you have a CDMA cell phone that is only a few years old, the chances are you will be able to use this across either network as most new phones run both CDMA and GSM.
What is CDMA?
What does CDMA mean?
CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access - is used mainly across the US. This is one of the main differences between CDMA and GSM, as GSM is a technology used worldwide.
Both technologies fill in the gap when 4G is not available, to make sure you still have coverage.
Another main variation is that GSM phones use SIM cards. Phones using CDMA networks store information, like contacts, personal data on the phone directly rather than a removable SIM card. However, it's not as simple as that if your phone was made in the last couple of years! It may be harder to know if it is a CDMA phone as the latest phones now have SIM card slots and use the GSM network for 4G LTE coverage.
The best way to know if your phone is a CDMA phone is if you are currently using one of the main providers, Sprint or Verizon.
Even if you have an older CDMA phone, you may still be able to unlock your phone, giving you the freedom to save money with any carrier. If unlocking your phone is not available you don't have to stay stuck paying costly cell phone bills.
With deals available on refurbished phones or unlocked phones you can purchase a new phone for half the price or check out a large variety of MVNO's on Sprint or Verizon CDMA networks.
CDMA carrier comparison
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ting | T-Mobile | 0GB | $10** $5 extra per GB |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon | 3GB | $15** $15 Off for 3 Months |
| Xfinity Mobile | Verizon | Unltd | $45** Available to Xfinity Internet Customers |
| Twigby | Verizon | 0GB | $6.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| US Mobile | Verizon | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
Best Verizon CDMA carrier
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $465 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 8GB | $45/mo | $495/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $465/yr | |
Best Sprint CDMA carrier
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $520 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $19/mo | $200/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $41/mo | $520/yr | |
Which Carriers Are CDMA?
Verizon CDMA Network Carriers
- Affinity Cellular
- Boom Mobile
- CREDO Mobile
- GreatCall
- Net10 Wireless
- Page Plus
- Pix Wireless
- Reach Mobile
- Red Pocket Mobile
- Selectel Wireless
- Spectrum Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Ting
- Total Wireless
- Tracfone Wireless
- Twigby
- US Mobile
- Visible
- XFINITY Mobile
Sprint CDMA Network Carriers
- Boost Mobile
- Consumer Cellular
- easyGO Wireless
- FreedomPop
- Gen Mobile
- Hello Mobile
- Kroger Wireless
- Net10 Wireless
- Patriot Mobile Phone
- Google Fi
- Red Pocket Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Tello Mobile
- TextNow
- Ting
- Tracfone Wireless
- Twigby
- Unreal Mobile
- Wing
CDMA Carrier Benefits
- Powered by the four major US networks: MVNO's provide wireless plans on the very same network as the big guys; Verizon and Sprint.
- Save up to 50%: Get wireless rates up to half or more off the big guy's prices.
- Customer Plans: You can choose from a range of plans designed to fit your needs and budget.
- No Contracts: MVNO's give you the freedom to switch carriers anytime you want.
- Keep your phone: The smaller carriers are typically bring your own phone (BYOP) so no need to change your device or your phone number.
CDMA Unlocked Phones
What does CDMA Unlocked Mean?
When you buy a phone from a carrier, they want to keep you as a customer, so it is normally locked to their network, meaning that you are not able to freely move to another carrier without their permission. At least not until you have paid the phone off or arranged for it to be unlocked.
A CDMA unlocked phone means that you are free to choose a cell phone plan from any provider across any network. There are some great budget-friendly bring your own phone plans available or you can choose from a range of MVNO's
Newer CDMA phones tend to be unlocked, due to also using GSM technology. So if you have a phone that is only a few years old it is likely to be unlocked giving you the chance to find a better cell phone plan.
If you have an older CDMA phone it quite possibly will not be able to be unlocked. If this is the case and you need to buy a new phone, why not buy a refurbished phone? At almost half the cost, find out why buying a refurbished phone is a great option!
Or have a look over some amazing deals on unlocked phones.
Even if your phone is locked to CDMA there are still plenty of ways to help you save money on your plan.
CDMA Unlocked Phone Benefits
- Save 50% or more off retail: Get flagship smartphones in excellent condition for hundreds less than new.
- It's great value for your dollar: New phone models usually only get minor upgrades from year to year. Keep your money, but get all the best features.
- Retain your freedom: Buying your phone outright means you decide when to leave your carrier to find a cheaper cell phone plan.
GSM vs CDMA Carriers
Can I use a GSM phone on a CDMA Network?
Often people wonder if one is better than the other, but it comes down to personal preference.
Due to the ease of a SIM card, if you travel overseas a lot then GSM phones are more suitable, even better if you have an unlocked phone on GSM networks as you will be able to use a local SIM card while you are in that Country.
With the majority of newer phones - within the last few years - they are already unlocked as they run on both the CDMA and GSM networks. This means that you are free to choose a cell phone plan from any of the main carriers or their MVNO's.
GSM phones use a SIM card, which stores all of the phone's data; like contacts, personal data. This means it is easier to switch between carriers, but you may still need to get the phone unlocked from the carrier you purchased the phone from.
CDMA phones store the data directly onto the phone, which means it can be harder to change carriers, if at all.
If your GSM phone is unlocked then you should be able to choose between a CDMA or a GSM carrier.
Recap
Verizon and Sprint are the two main CDMA networks and the older CDMA phones will be locked to the network the phone was purchased with.
CDMA phones didn't used to have a SIM card slot meaning that each phone was built to work on that carrier's network and stored information on the phone directly, so if you have an older CDMA phone you may be required to buy a new phone to change provider.
When purchasing a phone it is better to look for an unlocked phone which will give you more freedom to switch providers whenever you need to save money.
But you don't have to worry! There are still some great ways to save money if you're looking for a better deal. You can check out the MVNO's that run on Sprint or Verizon's network, so you can get a low budget cell phone plan but the same great service.
If you want to have the freedom and start being in control of your phone plan, but your current phone is locked to a network, then have a look at these amazing deals on refurbished phones! You could save at least 50% off the retail price for a phone that still has most of the best and latest features.
CDMA Carriers FAQ's
Is Sprint CDMA?
Sprint operates on the CDMA network - Sprint unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers
Is Verizon CDMA?
Verizon operates on the CDMA network - Verizon unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers
Is T-Mobile CDMA?
T-Mobile operates on the GSM network - T-Mobile unlocked phones should work with CDMA carriers
Is AT&T CDMA?
AT&T operates on the GSM network - AT&T unlocked phones should work with CDMA carriers
