Types of Wireless Networks

There are three types of wireless phone networks, Analog, Digital Cellular, and Digital PCS. Find out what this means for you.

Analog

Analog has the widest coverage. It is the oldest form of cellular and uses radio waves. The sound clarity is poor and the per minute usage cost is actually higher than digital or PCS. Analog does not offer any digital features such as voicemail or caller ID. Web access is not available. Analog has become the back-up cellular service, since it is only used as a last resort. If you live in a remote area, it may be your only option.

Digital PCS

Digital PCS is a more recent development. Digital PCS offers better clarity, data security, and can pack more information into a signal. Digital PCS phones are smaller and require less power which means longer battery life (more talk time) and LESS RADIATION! Plus, the sound quality is far better with digital PCS. The major beenfit of PCS over typical Digitial is security - it offer considerably bttter security. This can be an important issue for some poeple.

Digital Cellular

Digital cellular also offers better clarity, decent data security, and can pack more information into a signal. Digital phones require less power which means longer battery life! Sound quality is crisp and clear. Digital Cellular is available in every major city.

Modes

Digital networks use one of three competing digital technologies that are mutually incompatible. However, there are "dual mode" phones that can work with both digital cellular and analog networks, and tri-mode phones which can work with all three.

What to Choose

Choosing between digital and analog is important for a few reasons:

• Analog allows you to make calls from a much broader area vs. digital but is generally more expensive.
• Digital services are generally grouped around major urban centers but are cheaper than analog.
• Digital reception is generally very clear in its service area.
• Digital phones are smaller, offer longer battery life and emit less radiation!
• Digital service includes other offerings such as voicemail, wireless web and others for an extra fee.

So what is the best comprimise? Choose a digital phone that also allows for analog roaming and allows the analog roaming feature to be switched on and off. This way, you can take advantage of digital service plans in your local area. If you go on a trip and need to make a call outside of your digital area, use the analog features of your phone to connect to the resident cell network.