In the old days, back before the 90's, cell phones were on the old analog network, all over the world. Sound was of poor quality by digital standards. There was often static, and wind sounds. Data transfer speed was slow. Then, came the digital age. Yeah. The digital wireless systems gave us what the analog days did not: text messaging, and multi-media applications on our phones, fast data transfer speeds, and a clear, strong sound quality. Most people use digital wireless networks today for these reasons.
Now the various wireless networks, IDEN, CDMA, TDMA, EDGE, EVDO, all have the letter "D" in them. The "D" means digital. IDEN, is a network created by Motorola. The popular feature of IDEN is the push to talk feature, or the walkie-talkie. Boost Mobile phones are on the IDEN network, and come with that walkie-talkie feature. Unlike most CDMA phones, IDEN phones do have sims cards. These phones are often stronger, weather, and sand resistant, and made to meet military standards. CDMA is the biggest, and most popular wireless network in the United States, and is getting popular in other parts of the world, particularly certain Asian regions.
GSM is like digital, but it serves the international community.It is the phone with the sims card. If traveling to other parts of the world, it may be a good idea to have a GSM wireless network phone.
Before buying a cell phone device, it is a good idea to know your wireless network in your region, as not all wireless networks serve the same location. The digital networks are getting digital improvements. Stay tuned, and consider life without the wonderful digital features many so desire and demand on their phones.
