The major difference between CDMA and GSM lies in terms of the technology they use, security factors, their global reach and the data transfer speeds:
1. Technology:
The CDMA is based on spread spectrum technology which makes the optimal use of available bandwidth. It allows each user to transmit over the entire frequency spectrum all the time. On the other hand GSM operates on the wedge spectrum called a carrier. This carrier is divided into a number of time slots and each user is assigned a different time slot so that until the ongoing call is finished, no other subscriber can have access to this.
2. Security
More security is provided in CDMA technology as compared with the GSM technology as encryption is inbuilt in the CDMA.
3. Spectrum Frequencies:
The CDMA network operates in the frequency spectrum of CDMA 850 MHz and 1900 MHz while the GSM network operates in the frequency spectrum of GSM 850 MHz and 1900 MHz.
4. Global Reach:
GSM is in use over 80% of the world’s mobile networks in over 210 countries as compared to CDMA. CDMA is almost exclusively used in United States and some parts of Canada and Japan. As the European Union permissions GSM use, so CDMA is not supported in Europe. In North America, especially in rural areas, more coverage is offered by CDMA as compared to GSM. As GSM is an international standard, so it’s better to use GSM in international roaming.
5. Data Transfer Rate
CDMA has faster data rate as compared to GSM as EVDO data transfer technology is used in CDMA which offers a maximum download speed of 2 mbps. EVDO ready mobile phones are required to use this technology. GSM uses Edge data transfer technology that has a maximum download speed of 384 kbps which is slower as compared to CDMA.
Conclusion:
CDMA is better choice as compared to GSM.
