Does sprint run on a GSM network?
Oh wait, “Sprint, the first all digital, all nationwide PCS network.” I answered my own question. 
GSM is digital. From T-Mobile’s website:
Most wireless networks are built on digital technology, although you will still find analog networks in remote or rural areas.
So what is the difference between the networks? Anyone know?
BluMoon, are you asking about the networks the different wireless providers use, or are you asking about the technology behind the networks? The answers can be quite involved and I want to make sure the right question is answered.
I don’t get the advantage of the walkit-talkie feature. If the person’s near the phone, isn’t he going to answer either way?
All I can think of is that you’re not charged for the direct-connect conversations. Why is this? Is it because NexTel can delay the broadcasts for fractions of a second and spread out the bandwidth load more evenly, letting them get away with building less infrastructure?
We used Nextel at my job at a greenhouse because I was out in the greenhouse most of the time and I needed contact with our wholesaler in St. Paul. The walkie talkie feature was great because the head of wholesale could get ahold of me, and not have to wait for someone else to answer the phone and transfer to me. It was almost like she was in the same building with me, even though she was 26 miles away. Most of our talk was quick questions (“How are the Mums looking?”) and confiming orders, stuff like that. Rather than playing phone tag all day, the Nextel direct connect came in handy.
Sorry Convict, I meant what is the difference between GSM and non-GSM (I thought it was GSM and digital, but I guess not, now I am all confused.) Sorry about the hijack.
Sorry, I still don’t get it. If you have the phone, why would she need to go through someone else to get you? Why wouldn’t dialing you just get your cell phone directly?
She could have dialed me, but it was a lot faster to just beep me. I didn’t pay the bills, but I assume it was a lot cheaper too, regular phone calls would be long distance.
For a quick question that could be answered with a “yes” or “no”, the beep feature was the way to go. It would have required probably 50-60 phone calls a day otherwise, more during busy seasons. It was ideal in this situation, but not something I’d like in a personal phone.
There are a few standards used in wireless technology today:
TDMA–Time Division Multiple Access. This uses time groups to send a digital burst transmission.
CDMA–Code Division Multiple Access. This tags each digital burst to identify the connection.
Those are two very basic definitions of the technologies. If you do a Google search on them you can get more detailed information.
BTW, TDMA and CDMA are not compatible i.e. a phone programmed for TDMA will not work on a CDMA network.
GMS (Global System for Mobile) communications are based off of TDMA technology, as is PCS. The difference between GSM and PCS is frequency range. GSM operates in the 800MHz range and PCS operates in the 1900MHz range.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), also known as CDMA2000 or 3G, is based off of CDMA technology.
I believe AT&T and Cingular use TDMA, T-Mobile uses GSM and Verizon uses CDMA (although they are upgrading to CDMA2000).
While both GSM and 3G offer superior sound quality, the biggest advantage is data transmission. They both allow high transmission speeds. Many wi-fi networks are built using these technologies.
Nextel uses a technology called iDEN (integrated Digital Enhanced Network). This is not compatible with TDMA or CDMA.
This is just a basic overview of these technologies that I learned while working in telecommunications. If anyone has better information please share it. I don’t have any cites for ths information, but a Google search will give you a good number of places to find more info.
Sorry for the hijack.
Dispite the fact that my husband sells them for a living (along with other wireless communication) I know practically nothing about cell phones. The only kind I’ve ever had was Nextel.
Why did I get nextel?
Because Rico and I were still living in different states for awhile before we got married. Ric has Nextel through his company so he told me to get it for the Direct Connect feature.
Love that direct connect!
Good luck with your decision
Actually Convict the PCS works on 800mhz frequencies and the GSM that T-mobile uses is in the 1900 Mhz range. Now if you travel to Europe you will want a world phone which will work on GSM900, GSM1800, and GSM1900. Those are all the frequency breaks. GSM1900 is the north American standard used. I for one work for T-mobile in our IT helpdesk area so I really don’t know that much about the phones and the rate plans per sey. But in my opinion T-mobile is one of the best for the price but just like everyone has said make sure you will have coverage where you live work and play. T-mobile is spotty at best in some areas but in others it can’t be beat. If you all have any questions let me know and I will see what I can find out for you.
Upon further research, it appears that both PCS and GSM operate in the 1900 MHz range.
http://www.buildingconcepts.com/Wireless/whitepaper%20rop%2008%2009%202002%20approved.htm