What is the difference between PCS and cellular?
Peace,
mangeorge
PCS is cellular. In the US, PCS was the term first used to distinguish cellphone service on the higher-frequency 1900-MHz band, which started off with fancy digital features at a time when the original cellphone service (on the 850-MHz band) was mostly analogue, supported voice calls only, and barely had caller-ID. These days, analogue cellphone service has been shut off, and all the fancy digital services and features work on both bands. Thus, there is no difference in features anymore and the term ‘PCS’ is fading from use.
Thanks. Back in the day PCS used to appear to compete with cellular. We still have MetroPCS around here, but from what you tell me it’s just a name. Probably a holdover.
Thanks again,
mangeorge
I would agree with Sunspace. PCS was a marketing term used by early digital companies to distinguish their suite of services from what was available from analog cellular companies. Then you got 3G, etc., etc.
The word “cellular” just means that the network comprises a grid of cells, with a tower for each one, and a session can be handed off from cell to cell as the caller moves around. That was true of the old analog networks and it’s true of today’s digital networks, whether they use CDMS, GMS or other protocol.
I’ve got to admit that as much as I grumble about the whole system (buncha crooks), I sure do use it a lot. My home phone is essentially a message taker.