Refurbished Cell Phones - CDMA Vs GSM Networks

    Purchasing a refurbished cell phone is a great way to avoid the need to sign a one or two year contract with a mobile phone carrier. If you approach the carrier for a new plan, but already have your own device, you can bypass the contract and just go straight to activating your own used cell phone on their network.

    Before purchasing your used cell phone you should consider the different types of technologies available and understand which is used by your preferred mobile provider.

    CDMA technology (code division multiple access) has been the dominating technology for mobile networks for many years in North America and the majority of Asia. GSM technology (global system for mobile communications) is used by an estimated 85% of the global market; making it the obvious preferred choice for mobile makers when releasing a new handset.

    If you purchase an unlocked used GSM cell phone it is a very simple process to add it to your current mobile provider's network; you simply need to place the SIM card that you are given into your cell phone. The phone is then automatically able to connect to the mobile network belonging to that SIM card.

    Adding a used CDMA cell phone purchased from a source other than your mobile carrier can be a little more complicated; you will need to either make a visit to one of their retail stores or call their customer support line.

    The decision to purchase either a refurbished CDMA or GSM cell phone is entirely up to you and your preferences. You can base your decision either on the fact that you already have an existing line with one of the carriers, or based your decision upon the features and various plans available to you by the carriers.

    In terms of service there is really no easy way to discern between CDMA and GSM; both offer similar levels of service, call quality, and data transfer speeds. Network coverage is another thing that you need to consider before selecting a network; if you roam out of your "home" network fairly frequently then you should be sure that your selected network offers coverage in the areas that you will be roaming to. This holds true for both domestic and international roaming coverage; be sure to ask your selected provider what types of coverage and plans they offer for roaming.

    Another item to consider when deciding between selecting a used cell phone on a CDMA or a GSM network is if all of the features the used phone offers will be able to activated on the network you are researching. Some mobile providers charge extra for certain features or simply don't offer them.

    What ever your choice is, remember to purchase your used cell phone from a reputable seller.