Daily Blog

Pay As You Go
Phones I've Used

• EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) - The 3G broadband wireless version of the CDMA. (Verizon and Sprint use this technology)
• HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) - This is a higher speed update of UMTS. (Cingular and T-Mobile use this technology)
• UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecomunications System) - The mobile broadband version of GSM standard. (Cingular and T-Mobile use this technology)
• TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) - Divides radio frequency into time slots and then allocating slots to multiple calls. This can allow three calls on the same frequency.
• CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) - This process works by assigning each call a unique code, then spreading the call over frequencies that are available. This process can allow ten calls in the same spectrum as one analog call.
• iDEN - This technology is similar to TDMA and is used by Nextel.
• GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) - GSM is based from TDMA technology. This technology is the standard for most countries outside the United States.
• GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) - This is a faster version of GSM an allows for the downloading of ring tones and pictures to and from your cell phone. (Cingular, AT&T, and T-Mobile use this technology)
• 1xRTT (1 x Radio Transmission Technology) - This is a faster version of CDMA. (Verizon and Sprint use this technology, there equivalant to GPRS)
• SMS (Short Message Service) - The transmission of short alphanumeric text messages. Usually no longer than 160 alphanumeric characters & contain no images or graphics.
• MMS (Multimedia Service) - The transmission of images or graphics to other MMS cell phones or e-mail addresses. Usually costs more than SMS.
• MNO (Mobile Network Operator) - A company that offers mobile phone service and owns the infrastructure and its own licenced frequency allocation of radio spectrum.3G
• MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) - A company that offers mobile phone service but does not own the infrastructure. These companies usually lease the radio spectrum from MNO's.

News

• Boost Mobile is offering a deal of $50 for unlimited calling, text messaging, web, and walkie talkie. Check out their website for details.
  
• The iPhone 3G is out and available at AT&T and Apple. The unlimited data for the iPhone 3G is now $30 a month. There is also applications you can download. Some applications you have to pay for and some are free. As of Sunday December 28th Walmart is now selling the iPhone 3G.
  
• T-Mobile has released the Sidekick. The Sidekick is a little smaller than the Sidekick LX and the Sidekick has a 2.0 Megapixel camera compared to the 1.3 Megapixel the LX has. Also the G1 has been released through T-Mobile.
  
• Cricket is starting to be available more around the United States. They have a unique concept of trying to combine your landline with your cell phone. They offer flat rates for their service. They start out at $30 a month and increment upto $60 a month plans. If someone just wanted their cell phone to be their only phone it's not to bad of a deal. They phones use a CDMA Network. One thing that is nice is there is no contract. Check out their website to answer other questions and see if this is something for you.
  
• Helio was bought by Virgin Mobile. The finalizing of the deal will be fall of 2008. Check both websites for updates. Especialy if you are a Helio subscriber.