Is Sprint GSM or CDMA 2020?
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post answers the question “Is Sprint CDMA or GSM 2020? ”. It covers topics like network carrier used, basics of GSM, basics of CDMA, advantages as well as disadvantages of GSM and CDMA, and ActivatION of the Sprint SIM on a new device.
Is Sprint 2020 GSM or CDMA?
Sprint 2020 is GSM. The older network of Sprint uses CDMA technology. The Sprint brand has officially been discontinued and is successfully acquired by T-Mobile in April 2020. 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.
Key points
- 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.
- CDMA (older 3G network) will be retired as of 31st March 2022.
- LTE network of Sprint will be retired as of 3oth March 2022.
- You need to replace the Sprint sim card with a T-mobile sim card.
- For the voice calls, ensure that VoLTE( Voice over LTE) is enabled.
- The customers who hold older Sprint devices will not be able to access the CDMA network after 1st January 2022.
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. |
What are the requirements for Sprint SIM Registration?
When you want to activate and register your Sprint SIM you need to keep a few things in mind
- Keep the device fully charged If you are doing it on your phone, and make sure there are no interruptions during the entire process.
- Keep your IMEI (International mobile equipment identity) ready. Just dial “#06#” to get your device’s IMEI.
- You need to be a sprint account owner to activate the Sprint SIM online, by logging in using your Sprint Credentials.
How much does a sim card cost Sprint?
If you opt for “Bring your own device” (BYOD) then the sin card kit will cost you $2.99.But it depends, whether it is a corporate or a dealer store. Some dealers will charge you $10 for overnight shipping. You will have to pay $30 as activation charges. Apart from this, there will be a $ 1.99 admin charge and $0.40 regulatory charges. Additional taxes are also applicable.
Does sprint use sim cards for the iphone?
Yes, Sprint uses a SIM card for iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and any other new iPhone models. Because these phones are compatible both with CDMA and GSM technologies, such phones have sim card slots. But iphone4 and older models don’t have a sim card slot as such phones use CDMA technology.
How to activate Sprint SIM card:
If you have a new Sprint SIM you can easily activate it for your device to function correctly. Activating a SIM card is important as it stores a lot of important data related to your cell phone and payment details.
Mostly Sprint SIM cards come with the device but you can purchase them separately and activate it
You can you the following steps to activate your Sprint SIM
- First note down the serial number of your SIM card, you can find this on the lower part of the SIM card. This information is required for the network provider to activate the SIM card.
- Insert the SIM card into the mobile device and power on your cell phone.
- Now call “*2” To call Sprint, you can speak to a Sprint representative by following the prompts. The sprint person will guide you through the activation process. Once activated, end the call.
How to Activate your Sprint SIM on a new device
If you have bought a new device and you want to swap it with your account, you need to follow a few guidelines
- Keep the box safe and charge your phone.
- Take note of the activation code present on the box or you can dial *#06# to find it.
- While your phone is charging; back up all the data that you want by a visit to the official Sprint website sprint.com/backup. You have a “how-to guide” to help you with the steps.
- Create My sprint account, if you have it already, just sign in
Even after following all the steps, some services of your device might not get transferred to your new one. You might need to re-establish it once you finish the activation
What if you are upgrading to a new Sprint device?
When you upgrade your Sprint device, you do get a SIM card along with it if at all the previous Sprint Sim card is not compatible with the new phone.
You may take support from the Sprint service to transfer the old Sim card to the updated Sprint device in some cases.
Can you move/port your Sprint SIM number to another carrier?
If you want to port your Sprint sim number to another carrier you need to take support of Sprint to port to a new carrier and new device successfully. Get the Sprint SIM card for your device (bought from a different carrier)
Just like other carrier services, even Sprint allows you to bring your device which might be from a different carrier or not bought from Sprint to switch to Sprint. Even if the device is from another carrier or might have been bought online, you can still move to the Sprint network and get a Sprint SIM card.
Not all devices are compatible with Sprint SIM as all services work on different telecom standards and frequencies You can visit Sprint or contact their customer care service to confirm the compatibility of your device with the Sprint SIM.
Some devices are carrier locked which can only work on a specific carrier service that sold them. Before moving to Sprint contact your previous carrier to help you with the unlocking process.
Below are other Sprint articles you may be interested in:
Does Sprint throttle their unlimited data?
How to get a new sim card with Sprint?
Can I bring my sprint phone to T-Mobile?
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, “Is Sprint GSM or CDMA 2020 ?” We understood that the older Sprint is CDMA The Sprint brand has officially been discontinued and is successfully acquired by T-Mobile in April 2020. If you have network-capable phones then it can take advantage of both CDMA and GSM services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Is Sprint GSM or CDMA 2020?
Can Sprint give you a new SIM card?
Yes, if you are upgrading your device and your old sprint SIM is not compatible with the new device, Sprint will provide you with a new one.
Can you get a new SIM card with the same number?
Yes, you can get a new SIM and keep the same old number. Your number is associated with the Subscriber Identification Module.
Can you put a sprint SIM card in an unlocked phone?
Yes, you can use a Sprint SIM card for a domestically unlocked phone. On the official Sprint website there is a list of all the devices which are compatible with Sprint SIM cards, once unlocked.
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.
References:
T-Mobile to sunset Sprint CDMA network in 2022
Customers with older non-VoLTE phones and devices will need to upgrade.
BY MATTHEW KEYSPOSTED ON DECEMBER 28, 2020
Can I Use My Verizon/Sprint Phone on Another Network?
14 October 2019
By Chris Holmes WhistleOut
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T-Mobile Network Evolution
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?
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By Adam Fendelman Updated on October 22, 2021