Is Sprint CDMA or GSM?
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post answers the question “Is Sprint CDMA or GSM ? ”. It covers topics like network carrier used, basics of GSM, basics of CDMA, advantages as well as disadvantages of GSM and CDMA, and Sprint’s buyback policy.
Is Sprint CDMA or GSM?
Sprint is a CDMA network carrier. GSM is second-generation cellular technology used for mobile voice and data services. CDMA is code division multiple access.
Can I bring my sprint phone to T-Mobile?
Yes, it is possible to bring your sprint phone to T-Mobile. T mobile uses GSM technology and Sprint uses CDMA technology. Most of the new cell phones support both CDMA and GSM services.
If you have an older Sprint phone which supports only CDMA networks then it will not work properly with T-Mobile’s GSM services. In this case, you need to upgrade the phone device.
Network carrier used
There are two network carriers, namely GSM and CDMA.GSM is second-generation cellular technology used for mobile voice and data services. CDMA is code division multiple access.
What is GSM?
GSM is second-generation digital cellular technology initially developed by “European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI)”. To create a common European mobile standard, a standardization group was established in 1982, named GMS.
What is CDMA?
CDMA stands for code discussion multiple access. In the CDMA technology, the same carrier frequency.is shared by many users. In CDMA, a share of bandwidth, as well as time, is achieved.
Features of GSM
- GSM makes use of SIM (Subscriber Identity Mobile). SIM is a storage device. It is available in the form of a smart card. It is portable and removable.
- National and international roaming facilities are available.
- Data privacy and security are maintained using encryption when the data is transmitted on-air.
- Cryptographic keys are known to the cellular device only, which provides additional security.
- GSM provides better frequency spectrum efficiency.
- GSM can be made compatible with newer services.
- Good speech quality is maintained using GSM.
GSM Services diagram
What are the services offered with a GSM?
The primary services offered by GSM are data services and supplementary services. Some of the services, like emergency calls and videotext, are not integral to the GSM standard. But GSM supports these services. Using teleservices, the subscriber can use terminal equipment functions for communication with other subscribers.
Data services
These services are also called bearer services. The subscriber can transmit appropriate signals across user network interfaces using these services.
The data services can be transparent or non-transparent. GSM provides a standard channel coding method for user data for transparent mode. While for a non-transparent manner, depending on a particular data interface, GSM provides unique coding methods.
Supplementary services
Some of the services are offered with basic teleservices. Some examples of supplementary services are as follows:
- SMS (Short Message Services)
- Call waiting
- Call barring
- Call conferring
- Call forwarding
- Number identification
- Closed user groups.
The disadvantage of GSM
T-mobile is GSM because it has inherent advantages. However, there are a few disadvantages of GSM as follows:
- GSM technology needs repeaters to increase the coverage area.
- It has linked data rate capability. To improve the data rate, higher version devices are required.
- Multiple users share a typical bandwidth, and it causes interference when the number of users is increased.
- Signals of GSM can cause interference with specific electronic devices. Due to this, many hospitals prevent GSM mobiles.
- GSM phones emit more radiation compared to CDMA phones.
Applications of GSM
Some of the applications of GSM technology are as follows:
Emergencies
- GSM systems can be designed to give intimations for natural calamities like earthquakes. So necessary precautions can be taken.
- Using GSM, doctors can track patients’ health and provide consultation during an emergency.
Securities
- GSM technology is used in home automation systems. Using a GSM cell phone, a person can control electrical appliances.
- Smoke detectors can be connected to the GSM network, and they can be monitored using a mobile.
- CCTV Cameras installed in offices or banks can be connected to GSM mobile IP network.
Apart from these major applications, some other applications of GSM are as follows:
- Telemetry system
- A forest fire and rainfall defection
- Weather monitoring
- Health monitoring
- Telemetry systems, etc.
Security services in GSM
Based on information stored in SIM, GSM offers many security services.
Authentication
Through the user authentication process, access to the GSM network is allowed. Users need to have a valid PIN to access the SIM for authentication.
Confidentiality
After authentication, all user data, voice, etc., are encrypted to provide confidentiality.
Anonymity
The real identity of the user is never terminated on air.
Basics of CDMA
CDMA stands for code discussion multiple access. In CDMA, the same carrier frequency is shared by a number of users. In CDMA, a share of bandwidth, as well as time, is achieved.
CDMA users have their pseudo-random codeword, which is orthogonal to other keywords. The signal detection is more difficult in CDMA compared to GSM. This is because CDMA has inbuilt encryption.
Advantages of CDMA
- Call quality is better compared to GSM.
- Requires fewer antennas but gives between coverage.
- A CDMA signal cannot be quickly decided, giving enhanced security.
- It has reduced the level of interference.
- Many users can share the same bandwidth.
Disadvantages of CDMA
- CDMA does not offer an international roaming facility.
- As the number of users increases, the performance of the CDMA system decreases.
- It possesses the self-jamming problem. This is because the spreading sequences of different users are not exactly orthogonal.
- Near far, problems arise if an undesired user has higher power than another user.
Comparison between GSM and CDMA
| Parameter | GSM | CDMA |
| Access technology used | Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) | Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) |
| Security | Less secure than CDMA | More secure due to well-known technology, a spread spectrum technology. |
| Battery consumption | Less consumption | More consumption |
| Speech rate | 22.8 kbps | Variable |
| Associated control channel | Separate control slots in each frame | Dim and burst |
| Radiation exposure | GSM cell phones emit 28% more radiation than CDMA | Less radiation exposure compared to GSM |
| Global reach | Almost 76% of users use GSM cell phones. | Almost 24% of users use CDMA cell phones. |
Is Sprint T-Mobile now?
Yes, the Sprint brand has officially been discontinued and is successfully acquired by T-Mobile. If you have network-capable phones then it can take advantage of both CDMA and GSM services. This is possible because of the roaming agreements between T -mobile and Sprint.
But, if you have an older Sprint phone which supports only CDMA networks then it will not work properly with T-Mobile’s GSM services. In this case, you need to upgrade the phone device.
What is Sprint’s buyback policy?
Now, Sprint is officially T-mobile. You can avail of the buyback policy. Under this policy, you may be eligible to get account credit up to $300.All the phones regardless of carrier and manufacturer are accepted.
Below are other Sprint articles you may be interested in:
How much does a sim card cost Sprint?
Should I switch from AT&T to Sprint?
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, “Is Sprint GSM or CDMA ?” We understood that Sprint is CDMA for various reasons like call quality is better compared to GSM, requires fewer antennas, and gives between coverage. CDMA signal cannot be quickly decided to give enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Is Sprint CDMA or GSM ?
Will a CDMA phone work on T-mobile?
No, a CDMA phone will not work on T-mobile because T-mobile uses the GSM network. If a cell phone is locked, it can be unlocked on another network, but it should be compatible with the technology used by the phone.
What are different data services using GSM?
These services are also called bearer services. Using these services, subscribers can transmit appropriate signals across user network interfaces. The data services can be transparent or non-transparent. GSM provides a standard channel coding method for user data for transparent mode. While for a non-transparent manner, depending on a particular data interface, GSM provides unique coding methods.
What are the features of GSM?
- GSM makes use of SIM (Subscriber Identity Mobile). SIM is a storage device. It is available in the form of a smart card. It is portable and removable.
- National and international roaming facilities are available.
- When the data is transmitted on-air, data privacy and security are maintained using encryption.
- Cryptographic keys are known to the cellular device only, which provides additional security.
Is Sprint T-Mobile now?
Yes, the Sprint brand has officially been discontinued and is successfully acquired by T-Mobile as of August 3, 2020.
Which security services are offered in GSM?
Authentication
Through the user authentication process, access to the GSM network is allowed. Users need to have a valid PIN to access the SIM for authentication.
Confidentiality
After authentication, all user data, voice, etc., are encrypted to provide confidentiality.
Anonymity
The real identity of the user is never terminated on air.
What are the disadvantages of CDMA?
- CDMA does not offer an international roaming facility.
- As the number of users increases, the performance of the CDMA system decreases.
- It possesses the self-jamming problem. This is because the spreading sequences of different users are not exactly orthogonal.
- Near far, problems arise if an undesired user has higher power than another user.
References
CDMA vs. GSM: What’s the Difference?
By Sascha Segan
April 27, 2021,
CDMA vs. GSM: What’s the Difference and Which Does Your Phone Use?
BY ALVIN WANJALA
PUBLISHED NOV 29, 2021
CDMA vs. GSM: Communication standards explained
By Jackie Dove
May 3, 2021,
How To Check Which Carriers Will Work With Your Phone
GLYDE EDITORIAL TEAM NOVEMBER 6, 2020
What is CDMA, and How Does it Work?
What to know about Code Division Multiple Access
By Adam Fendelman Updated on October 22, 2021