CDMA SIM cards
CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. It's one of the main technologies used for cell phone service in the US. You also may have heard of GSM, which is the other technology used worldwide for cellular service. Which network you use depends on your carrier.
Verizon and Sprint hook onto the CDMA network while T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM.
There are some great deals to be had with low-cost online carriers, known as MVNOs. These piggyback onto the main networks using CDMA technology. You can save up to 50% off your cell phone bill with one of these prepaid carriers.
CDMA SIM card benefits
- Powered by the major US networks: CDMA MVNOs provide wireless plans on the same major telecoms service you can trust. Sprint and Verizon are the two networks that run on CDMA.
- Save up to 50%: cut your cell phone bill in half and only pay for what you need.
- No contracts: if you're not happy you can cancel at any time. No early termination fees.
- Keep your phone: you can bring your own phone and keep your number with a hassle free switch over. Saving even more money.
Best Verizon CDMA SIM card
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 SIM card
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 | |
What is a CDMA SIM card?
Using a SIM card makes it easier to switch plans between phones and carriers. This tiny card stores all your information, including contacts and personal data. It connects you to your carrier's network.
There are three different SIM card sizes and you'll need to check which one your phone uses before switching providers.
The three types of SIM cards are;
- Standard SIM
- Micro SIM
- Nano SIM
Nano SIM is the most common and is used in the latest smartphones including newer Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models.
How to switch to a CDMA carrier
Switching providers can be a great way to save money. There's a range of low-cost alternative carriers that hook onto the main US networks. Sprint and Verizon are the two networks running on CDMA. This means you can get the same great service you love. Plus, with a low-cost carrier you only pay for what you need.
Most online carriers encourage you to bring your own phone. This is a great way to save money. If your phone is already with Verizon or Sprint you should have no problem bringing your device across to a CDMA SIM card.
However, some phones are locked to the carrier's network. Make sure to check your phone is unlocked before bringing it across. You can check your phone's compatibility by heading over to the carrier's website.
Things to figure out before you switch
- How much talk, text and data do you need? With low-cost online carriers you can tailor a plan to your needs. By keeping track of your usage you can save money and easily update your plan if needed. To check your average data you can use our data usage tool.
- Bringing your own phone? If your phone is unlocked and compatible with a CDMA SIM card this is a great way to save money.
- Who offers the best coverage? You can use our coverage map to find out which network and carrier works best in your area.
Which carriers are CDMA?
Below is a list of CDMA alternative carriers piggybacking off the Verizon and Sprint network. Make sure to check our coverage map if you're not sure which network is the best for your area.
You'll be sent a CDMA SIM card kit in the post from your new carrier that you can pop into your phone with simple activation instructions. If you're not sure if your phone is compatible, make sure to check the carrier's site before signing up.
Don't worry if your phone isn't compatible. You can still save money with a refurbished phone. Check out some of the latest refurbished phone deals.
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
- 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
- Google Fi
- Red Pocket Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Tello
- TextNow
- Ting
- Tracfone
- Twigby
- Unreal Mobile
- Wing
CDMA vs GSM
Is CDMA better? Whether CDMA or GSM is better comes down to personal choice and depends on what your cell phone needs are.
To fully understand how these two work, we need to talk about the (relatively) new tech in town; LTE.As we became hungrier for faster, more reliable data speeds, the LTE network was born. It was created for data only, but relies on GSM and CDMA for voice and text. CDMA and GSM fill in the gap when 4G LTE is not available.
The GSM network is used worldwide, so this makes it a good choice if you're a frequent traveler. You can save money with a GSM phone by buying a local SIM from the country you're visiting.
CDMA phones once stored data on the phone directly, rather than a SIM card. However, phones made in the last few years are already unlocked. They run on both the CDMA and GSM network to work alongside LTE.
Recap
There's a number of options with a CDMA SIM card and plenty of cheap cell phone plans that can save you money on your phone bill.
All of the providers encourage you to bring your own phone, but make sure to check with the carrier that your phone is compatible. You can also check out our guide on how to unlock your cell phone.
Still can't decide? Pop over to the prepaid phone plans page with deals from all low-cost carriers on both the CDMA and GSM network.
