Analog "Cellular" Wireless Technology
The first cellular networks, introduced in the early 1980s, were built on analog technology. Analog networks were rapidly deployed throughout the country, providing coverage from almost any calling area within the United States. The following are characteristics of the older analog technology:
The earliest and mostly widely used cellular technology Still popular for basic service Its extensive network has made it popular as a backup service Available with dual-mode phones since analog offers coverage in some areas without digital coverage Phones are typically less expensive than digital phones
Digital Wireless Technology
As cellular technology evolved, digital technology entered the scene. Digital technology transmits signals and data differently than analog technology, allowing for more efficient transmissions and enhanced sound quality. Digital technology also enables additional calling services. However, because these newer digital networks are still being expanded, they do not yet match the same coverage that analog networks do. This why some phones are "dual-mode" phones. They offer digital service when it is available, and analog service as a backup when digital is not available. The following are characteristics of newer digital technology:
Newer technology offers a wide range of features from call waiting to e-mail access, web browsing, photo sending and more Digital service costs less to provide, offers high quality sound and is less draining on a phone's battery life Digital phones typically cost more to make Network coverage is not yet as extensive as the analog network. Dual mode phones can switch between analog and digital technology. For even greater coverage flexibility, digital dual-band phones can operate on two different bandwidths or frequencies 800 MHz and 1900 MHz
What is the PCS, TDMA, CDMA and GSM digital stuff, anyway?
It's important to note that there are variations of the newer digital wireless phone technology. The variations are based on the way the wireless phone information is transmitted. The most common digital technologies include the following:
	PCS (Personal Communication System)
		*	Offers many advanced features and sound quality
		*	Covers only populated parts towns and roads of the country
		*	Available from national cellular carriers with nationwide rate plans
		*	Requires a PCS type of phone
	TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
		*	One of the most common digital communication technologies.
		*	Divides a sequence of conversations into packets of data according to a time base.
		*	Offered in several different bandwidths, typically 800 MHz and1900 MHz
		*	Requires a TDMA type of phone
	CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
		*	Separates communication signals by code
		*	Offered in several bandwidths, usually in 800MHz and 1900 MHz
		*	Requires a CDMA type of phone
	GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication )
		*	The IIs the most widely used digital technology in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
		*	Is rapidly expanding into North America.
		*	Offered in 1900 MHz in the US, Canada and Latin America and 900 MHz in parts of Latin America.
	Wireless phone providers from the same region will be using different the digital technologies listed above. Therefore, a phone that works using one type of digital network may not work on another. Always check that a compatible service for your wireless phone is available in your area before you buy it.