Us Cellular GSM or CDMA: What Does It Use? (Complete Guide)

US Cellular is one of the major US carriers that owns and operates its own cellular towers. However, because US Cellular operates on the US Cellular network, you’ll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage and 5G where it’s available as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

This article discusses is us cellular gsm or CDMA, as well as other useful information about this carrier. Keep an eye out! Most importantly, US Cellular is the fourth-largest wireless network in the United States, serving 23 states, and is a carrier partner for Google’s Project Fi.

However, with only 10.27 percent nationwide coverage, US Cellular’s 4G network covers a smaller portion of the country than Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. As a result, when it is off-network, it provides nationwide coverage through roaming agreements with several large carrier partner networks.

US Cellular has coverage in over 400 markets, reaching five million customers. Furthermore, this carrier allows users to switch over as long as they have phones that are compatible with US cellular networks.

This company makes use of CDMA 3G and LTE 4G technology. Furthermore, the majority of CDMA coverage is cellular-band (850 MHz), with some areas having PCS coverage (1900 MHz). LTE 4G services are currently available in the 700 MHz and 1700 MHz (AWS) bands, with plans to expand to the 850 and 1900 MHz bands in the near future.

US CELLULAR BENEFITS

When compared to plans from the three major networks, US Cellular can offer many advantages to their customers. Some of the benefits are as follows:

1. Price Cuts

Because US Cellular does not have hundreds of physical stores and salespeople, they can pass on the operating costs to you, saving you nearly $600 per year.

2. Plans That Are Adaptable

You can select the plan that best meets your needs. Furthermore, you will not be charged for features that you do not use, allowing you to tailor your plan to your specific needs.

3. Keep your phone and number

If you want to switch to this carrier, you can save money by not upgrading to the most recent device and bringing your own phone. Furthermore, you can easily port your number from another carrier.

4. Simple to switch

If you are a new customer interested in US cellular services, you can choose to keep your current phone. However, the transition is simple, and you’ll be up and running in a matter of days.

5. There is no commitment

This carrier does not require contracts, so you pay for your cell phone plan as you go. If you are dissatisfied with your plan or wish to change it, you may do so at any time.

WHERE DO YOU BUY US CELLULAR SERVICE PLANS AND SIM CARDS?

You must purchase this carrier’s service plans and SIM cards directly from US Cellular or a US Cellular store. US Cellular offers a variety of postpaid and prepaid plans to choose from. The price ranges from $30 to $75 per month. The good thing about these phone plans is that they include useful features such as:

Furthermore, US Cellular sells all of the most recent devices from well-known manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung. You can, however, bring your own device if it is supported, and you will almost certainly need a compatible phone device with us cellular bring your own phone.

Verizon devices are compatible with US Cellular because they both use CDMA technology. Most universally unlocked phones from manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung, on the other hand, are compatible with this carrier’s network.

SUGGESTED POSTS:

• What Phones Are Compatible With Visible? (Complete Phone List)
• What Towers Does Boost Mobile Use? Click Here
• What Towers Does Mint Mobile Use? Read More

WHICH ON US CELLULAR GSM OR CDMA?

In the absence of 4G, CDMA and GSM are the two technologies commonly used in cell phones. However, modern phones from many manufacturers are likely to be compatible with both technologies, making switching carriers simple.

However, US cellular employs CDMA technology; however, if you are unsure whether your phone is compatible with US cellular, you can use your IMEI number to find out. Furthermore, both CDMA and GSM convert data from your cell phone into radio waves, and they now replace the increasingly obsolete 2G and 3G systems, depending on competing technologies.

On the other hand, because these two systems have been around for a while, it’s worth knowing what they represent and how they differ. Most importantly, if you are an international traveler, you should be aware of the differences to avoid being stuck with a phone that does not work in the location you want to visit, especially when 4G LTE or 5G is not available.

WHAT DO CDMA AND GSM MEAN?

CDMA and GSM should not be a concern in your purchasing decisions in 2021, as you should be opting for a 4G LTE or 5G phone now. However, there have been significant differences in the technologies over the last few decades. It was much easier to swap phones when using a GSM network because GSM carriers allow for removable SIM cards.

You must remove the card, insert it into a different phone, and the new phone will have your phone number. GSM carriers were required to accept any GSM-compatible phone, resulting in no freedom to use any phone type. SIM cards are a critical component of GSM networks.

CDMA carriers in the United States use network-based technology to verify their subscribers. As a result, you can only switch phones with your carrier’s permission, and the carrier is under no obligation to accept any particular phone onto its network.

However, all cell phones in the United States now have SIM cards, but this is not due to CDMA. Because the LTE standard also uses SIM cards, the SIM cards are only available for 4G LTE networks. Because each phone is specifically designed to operate on that carrier’s network, CDMA cell phones do not have a physical SIM, but rather an eSIM.

WHICH IS BETTER, CDMA OR GSM?

Both CDMA and GSM are global standards for cell phone communication, and neither is superior to the other. CDMA phones with no SIM slots, on the other hand, are carrier-locked and cannot be transferred to another network. Surprisingly, you can still get your carrier to unlock your phone when your contract expires.

GSM phones, on the other hand, are simple to unlock and allow you to switch networks. Because they do not require access to specific carrier bands, many third-party manufacturers sell phones designed for GSM networks.

Even better, GSM phones can operate in countries with compatible GSM networks, allowing for more extensive international roaming. GSM is also more widely available in rural areas than CDMA in the United States.

Furthermore, CDMA networks support more users, resulting in greater capacity than GSM networks. CDMA is the technology that underpins all 3G networks for both GSM and CDMA carriers.

Meanwhile, 5G, which is currently being rolled out, is the next invention that will provide further advancements. As a result, as mobile network technology advances, the CDMA/GSM distinction becomes less important.

US CELLULAR PHONE SELECTION

US Cellular has a large selection of US cellular prepaid phones for sale and offers the most comprehensive list of the best available phones on the market. There will, however, be plenty of flagships as well as mid-range and budget options.

Fortunately, if you still have a phone you like and want to switch to US cellular, you can bring your own device, which gives you a lot of options. Furthermore, this carrier offers a large selection of discounted refurbished cell phones and new accessories. Surprisingly, all phones sold by US Cellular are compatible with your current carrier.

This carrier offers everything from classic, long-lasting Samsung phones to the most recent smartphones and iPhones, as well as everything in between. You simply swap out your sim card for the unlocked GSM phones, and your new phone is ready to use right away.

CDMA phones that work with Verizon and US Cellular service, on the other hand, require you to call your carrier and provide them with the pre-owned phone’s ESN number before you can use it. US Cellular has the largest and most affordable selection of discounted cell phones and cell phone accessories.

THE FUTURE OF GSM VS. CDMA

As 5G networks become available, carriers are beginning to phase out their legacy 2G and 3G networks. GSM and CDMA technologies will become even less relevant as a result. In fact, most major US wireless carriers have been phasing out their 3G networks over the last few years.

Verizon has stated that their CDMA 3G network will be officially shut down on December 31st, 2022. 1 This affects 3G phones as well as possibly some 4G devices. If you have an older phone that is still connected to a 3G network, you should inquire with your carrier about their plans to deactivate these networks and how this will affect you.

CONCLUSION

US Cellular is a CDMA-based carrier that provides data, talk, and text services through its own network. You do not, however, need a CDMA-compatible phone to use the US cellular network; all universal phones are also compatible with this carrier.

Furthermore, if you do not want to upgrade to a new device, you can bring your own device to US cellular. This carrier offers a wide range of prepaid cell phones and low-cost plans. You can either purchase a new device or use your current device to enjoy affordable services from the best US carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions