CDMA Carriers of 2021

CDMA networks list in May

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.

Table of Contents

• CDMA carrier plan comparison
• What is CDMA?
• Which Carriers Are CDMA?
• CDMA Unlocked Phones
• GSM vs CDMA Carriers

Check Carrier CoverageSee Deals

CDMA carrier plan comparison

Best Verizon CDMA carrier

Reach Mobile - 8GB Data* 50% Off for 3 Months

UnlimitedminsUnlimitedtexts

8 GB4G data

$23*per month$45/mo

See Deal

Powered by: Verizon

Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $486 per year

What is CDMA?

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.

Which Carriers Are CDMA?

Verizon CDMA Network Carriers

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.

Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your AreaSee Deals

CDMA Carriers FAQs

Recap

Verizon runs on the CDMA network and switching to a Verizon MVNO can cut your monthly cell phone bills in half.

Bridging the gap when 4G is not available, CDMA is mainly used in the US. Although old CDMA phones had no SIM card, ones made in the last few years do and most are compatible with the GSM network.

If you're looking to bring your own phone you can check if your handset is compatible with our IMEI checker.

MoneySavingPro methodology

We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.

• We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.

• We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.

• We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.

Carrier	Best for...	Mins	Texts	Data	Price
Ting	Prepaid	Unlimited	Unlimited	5GB	$25/mo
US Mobile	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$45/mo
Reach Mobile	Family	Unlimited	Unlimited	8GB	$45/mo
Red Pocket	Budget	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$10/mo
Twigby	Talk & Text	Unlimited	Unlimited	0GB	$13/mo