European Vs. American Cell Phone Technology
Between the U.S. and Europe, the story of cell phone technology contains frustrations and surprises. Both possess advantages and disadvantages with their technologies, especially important for those traveling between the U.S. and Europe to know.
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History
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The cell phone technology industry goes back to 1976, with the U.S. using the analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and Europe using the Total Access Communication System (TACS). Now having switched to digital technology, the U.S. primarily uses the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, while Europe uses the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications system.
Characteristics
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Europe's GSM system can be used universally throughout Europe, with all phones being compatible with GSM. Conversely, the U.S. allows for different and incompatible systems to be used, including the "third generation" Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system that allows for more information, such as pictures, to be transmitted.
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Compatibility
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If traveling to Europe, a T-Mobile or AT&T phone may work there by switching automatically to the European bandwidth, or "signal." Otherwise, it can be done manually. Further, it can be more cost effective to have your cell phone company "unlock" your phone, and then purchase and a prepaid European SIM card for use there.
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