Is T-Mobile GSM or CDMA?

By Rob Webber - Last updated on January 14th, 2023

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T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier and works with GSM cell phones.

GSM - which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications - is one of two types of wireless frequencies used for cell phone service. CDMA and GSM provide 3G service to fill in the gaps when your 4G signal drops.

Cell phone technology has evolved to allow most smartphones to run on both GSM and CDMA networks.

If you're unsure whether your device is compatible with a network, check with the carrier before buying your cell phone plan.

Is T-Mobile a CDMA or GSM network?

• T-Mobile GSM network carriers

• T-Mobile GSM carrier plans

• T-Mobile GSM carriers list

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T-Mobile GSM network carriers

Of course, you don't have to go with the bigger (translation: expensive!) wireless carriers. MVNOs, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are smaller mobile providers that use the very same networks as the big guys. They just give you better rates.

You can choose from a variety of plans from T-Mobile MVNOs like Mint, Ting, and Ultra Mobile, without sacrificing any of the network quality you get from the name brand.

T-Mobile GSM carrier benefits

• Service on the T-Mobile network: You get wireless service on the very same network as you do with the big guys.
• Cut your phone bill in half: MVNO plans typically cost 50% or less of the major providers' prices.
• Custom plans: MVNOs offer a variety of plans that let you choose what you need and pay for.
• No contracts: You retain total freedom to switch carriers any time you want.
• Keep your phone: You can bring your own phone (BYOP) and keep your phone number.

T-Mobile GSM carrier plans

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

How to switch to a T-Mobile GSM carrier

It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.

1. Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
2. Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
3. Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has been ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.

Bring your unlocked GSM phone

You need simplicity in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy.

You need an unlocked phone (meaning your carrier has released it for use on another network). Once you've checked with your new provider about phone compatibility the rest is a breeze.

Most low-cost carriers simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your cell phone and follow the provider's instructions. Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone number over to the new carrier.

T-Mobile GSM carriers list

Rob Webber

Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.