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You have probably heard a lot of talk about GSM and CDMA but maybe you're not exactly sure what that means for you and your cell phone. Let me help clear that up!
Verizon runs on the CDMA network whereas AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. There are also numerous low-cost carriers that use these big major networks that can save you money whichever network you are covered by.
Read on and we'll show you how you could save up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill without sacrificing cell phone service coverage.
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Mint Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Twigby 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Twigby review
GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) are two technologies used in cell phones. They are an older form of 3G technology which helps to fill in the gap when you are in an area without 4G signal.
Older cell phones will either be a GSM phone or a CDMA phone and be locked to the carrier network, which is why it is harder with older phones to move from a GSM carrier to a CDMA carrier or vice versa. However, phones made in the last few years normally have both technologies built into them making it easier to switch carriers.
The GSM network is more well known as the technology is used worldwide, whereas CDMA networks are only used in the US. This means if you travel a lot having a phone that uses a SIM card is the best way to check if it is compatible with the GSM network.
Most modern iPhones and Samsung phones are compatible with both 3G networks but the very simplest way to be sure is that if you're currently with T-Mobile or AT&T, it's GSM compatible and if you're currently with Verizon, it will be CDMA compatible.
Phone compatibility checker
GSM carriers list on T-Mobile
Boost Mobile
Boom! Mobile
Consumer Cellular
FreeUP Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile
Mint Mobile
Red Pocket
Republic Wireless
Simple Mobile
Straight Talk
Tello
TextNow
Ting
Tracfone
Ultra Mobile
Unreal Mobile
US Mobile
Gen Mobile
Wing
Good2Go Mobile
Hello Mobile
GoSmart Mobile
Reach Mobile
Lycamobile
Walmart Family Mobile
Speedtalk Mobile
Patriot Mobile
Kroger Wireless
Boost Infinite
WOW! Mobile
Gotalk Wireless
GSM carriers list on AT&T
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Freedompop
H2O Wireless
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tracfone
Unreal Mobile
Wing
Good2Go Mobile
Black Wireless
easyGO Wireless
Airvoice Wireless
Optimum Mobile
Boost Infinite
CDMA carriers list on Verizon
Boom! Mobile
CREDO Mobile
Lively
Net10 Wireless
Page Plus Cellular
Red Pocket
Spectrum Mobile
Straight Talk
Ting
Total by Verizon
Tracfone
Twigby
US Mobile
Visible
Xfinity Mobile
Wing
Affinity Cellular
Selectel Wireless
Cox Mobile
MobileX
CDMA vs GSM FAQs
Is AT&T GSM or CDMA?
AT&T operates on the GSM network. AT&T unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
Is T-Mobile GSM or CDMA?
T-Mobile operates on the GSM network. T-Mobile unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
Is Verizon GSM or CDMA?
Verizon operates on the CDMA network. Verizon unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers.
Recap
Whether you choose a carrier on the CDMA or GSM network is down to preference and what your needs are. Bearing in mind that it is easier to change carriers with a GSM unlocked phone.
As technology is moving forward both CDMA and GSM are working alongside 4G, but still, play a part in giving you cellular coverage when you're in an area not covered by 4G.
When you're looking for a new plan, you don't have to just go for one of the main carriers. You can find a much cheaper deal by using one of their MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) because they use the main carrier networks you get the same great service, but for half the price!
