Traditionally, there have been two major cellular technologies in our world of communication, these being CDMA and GSM. Others do exist, but these are the primary players available. Up until this time, a variety of restrictions have been imposed or exist, as a result of diverging technologies and other issues. A truly global phone may be just around the corner, however.
Strangely, the United States is behind the remainder of the world in terms of availability of cutting edge cell phone service. Two divergent cellular technologies exist in the USA and they have forged a somewhat awkward and fragmented relationship to serve consumers. CDMA and GSM networks coexist in North America, whilst the rest of the world sees fit to rely on the flexibility of the GSM network.
It seems that North America is not living up to its reputation for innovation in the field of science and technology, particularly insofar as it refers to the cellular industry. To some it is strange that the majority of consumers in the world enjoy the GSM network and its great flexibility, but this has not been wholly embraced within the USA.
When it comes time for the North American consumer to think about his annual vacation to, for example, the South of France, confusion reigns. What about cell phone service and how will these strange cellular technologies affect me? Competing frequencies exist according to your geographical position when it comes to transmitting cell phone services.
A hybrid solution to the problem of phone interchangeability may be around the corner in the world of cellular technologies. Internet protocol and GSM network delivery may be soon adopted by new providers and services. A lot of the restrictions will disappear and you will not need to “roam” to access a list of services including e-mails, data and unlimited calling. In addition, international calls will no longer be prohibitively expensive.
Although the consumer is not necessarily aware of all the global confusion within the cellular world, he or she will definitely be able to take advantage of anticipated innovations and be able to see clear benefits. Lengthy contractual commitments may be a thing of the past and monthly fees reduced.
Consumers in Europe can travel freely between individual countries and simply install a subscriber information module card (SIM) within their primary GSM phone for perfect service every time.
North America differs to the rest of the world by relying on distinct frequencies to transmit cell phone services. Thus a consumer must be sure that he or she has the latest type of phone, working on a tri band or quad band basis to enable and pick up the foreign frequencies.
