The commercials are everywhere. One company touts that they have America's largest mobile phone network, while another refutes that claim and says they have the biggest network. The fact is that the size of the network is not always the key. The stability of the mobile phone's platform is equally as important. When comparing mobile phone networks, take into account the following: the type of network, the reach of the local network, nationwide availability, your personal needs and available extras.
Instructions
1. The type of network often determines the availability and strength of the network's signal. Make sure that your phone runs on a GSM network. The Global Standard for Mobile communications is a protocol used worldwide and is the most used platform. GSM sends and receives data over a radio frequency from the user to the tower and along the phone line. Older protocols, such as CDMA or TDMA, rely on towers to work together to pass calls along a network. These systems are also more antiquated and do not permit many extras.
2. The reach of the local network is very important, especially if you work within a city and/or use the phone as your primary method of voice communication. Mobile phone retailers in a specific community have maps that display the strengths of their network in that area. In many cases, you will find that signal strength is at its highest near interstate highways. However, just because an area has a large amount of traffic does not mean that signal strength will be high. Phone towers are often located on top of buildings. In large urban centers with skyscrapers or tall buildings, you may find dead spots in areas where the tower or signal repeater cannot reach. This can also happen in growing communities where tower growth has not kept up with sprawl or population growth.
3. If you travel, nationwide availability will be important to you. This occurs on two fronts. As mentioned in Step 2, phone networks tend to be strongest near interstate highways. In remote areas, some networks will fade when you move away from the highways. The largest companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, provide the best coverage in these areas because they own their own towers. While other companies, such as T-Mobile and Sprint, own towers as well, they may not own as many. Using a regional carrier will permit your nationwide access, but with the possibility of roaming fees. Regional companies will often contract carriage with a larger companies. This will provide its users access to a network, but with costly fees.
4. When comparing networks, determine what your needs are. If you work in remote areas or do a lot of outdoors activities, you will want to check coverage maps to ensure that a carrier services the places you visit or want to visit. If you travel abroad, you should contract with a company that uses the GSM platform and has rights to towers in foreign countries.
5. If you are an information junkie or always need to be connected, then find out which extras are available in which areas. Many companies offer wireless web, email and instant messaging services, but they are not always available nationwide. In some areas, you may be limited to just telephone and text message services. In more populated areas, you will have access to the full range of services offered by the company.
Tags: companies such, interstate highways, local network, mobile phone, nationwide availability, near interstate
