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CNET editors' cell phone buying guide:

Pick a cell phone service provider

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Cell phone buying guide

Updated August 1, 2007
If you're a confused cell phone shopper, CNET's buying guide tells you what you need to know.


Pick a service provider

Buying a cell phone is more than a matter of choosing a handset--you also have to pick a service provider, or carrier, as well. Each carrier in the United States offers s different selection of technologies and services, so it's important to think about your needs when making a choice. For that reason, selecting a carrier should be the first step in the cell phone buying process.

Twisting technology

Wireless carriers in the United States operate over two different networks: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Though each technology transmits voice and data, they do so in different ways, which makes them incompatible. As a result, you can't take a CDMA phone and use it on GSM or vice versa.

Thin phones such as the Motorola Razr2 V8 are popular.

Apple iPhone 8GB
The Apple iPhone is a GSM world phone.

Of the U.S. carriers, AT&T (formerly Cingular) and T-Mobile use GSM while Sprint, Verizon, and smaller carriers such as Alltel and U.S. Cellular use CDMA. Though Nextel is now part of Sprint, Nextel-branded phones use a third technology called iDEN, or Integrated Digital Enhanced Network.

Each technology offers distinct advantages. Generally speaking, CDMA coverage is more widespread in the United States, especially in rural areas (though this won't be true forever), and many argue that CDMA offers better voice quality. On the other hand, GSM service has a larger global footprint (it's the standard in Europe, for example) and GSM phones use the convenient SIM cards, which you allow you to, among other things, switch phones more easily. Also, when taken on a global scale, GSM users will find a wider selection of handsets.

With that in mind, if you travel overseas frequently or you enjoy switching out your phone often for the newest model available, then GSM is the better choice. Not all GSM phones will work overseas, however, so be sure to read CNET's Quick guide to world phones. But if you'll be making calls mostly in the United States or you're eager for a choice of 3G services (see CNET's Quick guide to 3G for more information), then CDMA is an equally good option. What's more, some CDMA phones now also support GSM networks for international use.

LG VX8350
The LG VX8350 is a CDMA phone.
Besides technology, there are other factors that should play in your carrier decision. You should begin by deciding which carrier has the most economical service plans and the most attractive selection of phones. The quality of customer service is another determinant, but that can be difficult to evaluate beforehand. Since knowing the pros and cons of each operator isn't easy, we invite you to take a closer look at service providers in our Carrier comparison section. Besides the major operators, you might also consider MVNO carriers that cater to a special demographic or lifestyle. For example, Helio and Virgin Mobile are targeted toward younger users while Boost Mobile is centered on urban users who want advanced features.

Ultimately though, you should base your decision on which carrier offers the best reception in your area. Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. With that in mind, word of mouth is an essential tool when selecting a provider. Since reception varies sharply by location, ask your friends and family which carrier they use. Also, since there's no substitute for real-world experience, ask to borrow a friend's phone, and test it in your house and your workplace. Remember that carriers have a grace period during which you can test the service and return the phone without voiding the contract. Yet if you do return a phone and cancel a contract, you may have to pay for calls made during the usage period.

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Currently a freelance writer, John Frederick Moore is a regular contributor to CNET.com, for which he frequently reviews cell phones and MP3 players. He also is the author of How to Do Everything with Your Camera Phone (Osborne-McGraw, November 2004).

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