International handset options and plans are as varied as tour and travel styles. A globetrotter must carry a high-tech calling device. A college student studying overseas may have a local phone connection. A leisure traveler may require a cell phone to tackle emergencies during annual vacations. This kind of tourist can simply rent a handset. Although it is not impossible to manage without a handset, this device definitely makes life easier. From booking a resort to calling a cab or keeping in touch with friends, a cell phone becomes the key communication tool when traveling abroad.
Cell Phones with International Calling Plans: GSM and CDMA
Considering the ubiquity of handsets, it is essential that one selects the device carefully. It is crucial that the chosen cell phone operates locally and inexpensively. The following are some pros and cons of handset options abroad:
Most phone companies in the US offer the option of selecting plans to make international calls. The wireless operator you opt for greatly influences the usage of phones and impact on your budget. There are two primary cellular technologies used by operators in the US – GSM and CDMA.
GSM: The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is used in Europe, Canada, Latin America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. In the US, AT&T and the T-Mobile USA use the GSM network.
AT&T has roaming contracts with over 190 countries across the world. However, its handsets do not operate in Japan and South Korea. In these countries, GSM users would require a CDMA-compliant phone or one that utilizes 3G standard UMTS. Sony Ericsson and Nokia are two of the manufacturers who offer multi-band GSM handsets that also support UMTS 2100.
T-Mobile USA operates the T-Mobile wireless service in more than 190 countries, including countries Central and South America, Australia, some parts of Africa and in seven European countries. Service in Japan and South Korea would require a special handset.
CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) has comparatively less worldwide coverage. The US is one of its biggest markets. This technology is utilized by the largest US operator, Verizon Wireless. Sprint’s PCS also uses CDMA. The old Nextel part of Sprint’s network makes use of a different technology, iDEN. This is used in very few places outside the US.
Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon Communications and Vodafone, has agreements with 40 countries or more for network share with CDMA service and over 220 GSM using countries.
Sprint CDMA has contracts with carriers in over 100 countries for their CDMA/GSM phone. Subscribers can use their respective handsets in 26 countries and 4 US territories. The iDEN network, on the other hand, offers its services only in 11 countries and one US territory.