Compare Cellular Services

Consumer Information | Mobile Phones

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How Do Cellular Phones Work? When you talk into a wireless telephone, it picks up your voice and converts the sound to radio frequency energy (or radio waves). The radio waves travel through the air until they reach a receiver at a nearby base station. The base station then sends your call through the telephone network until it reaches the person you are calling.

When you receive a call on your wireless telephone, the message travels through the telephone network until it reaches a base station close to your wireless phone. Then the base station sends out radio waves that are detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the signals are changed back into the sound of a voice.

How Analog Cellular Works

Analog works much like a radio. Your cell phone broadcasts your voice into the airwaves of the cellular network at about 800 MHz. Analog calls are sent out on a single frequency or channel.

How Digital Cellular Works

Digital cell phones convert your voice into a digital format before transmitting it over the airwaves at about 800 MHz. Instead of one call per frequency or channel, digital is able to carry multiple conversations over a single frequency making it possible the digital cellular networks to handle numerous calls over the same channel at one time. Calls made by digital phones tend to be clearer than those made by analog phones. Digital formatting (as done with music and movies) tends to produce better results (think of a DVD vs. a VHS tape).

How PCS (Personal Communications Services) Works

PCS works much like digital cellular. The big difference is that PCS networks have a higher frequency range of about 1900 MHz. FCC regulations only allow one analog and one digital carrier to have operations in major metropolitan areas. But, they allow up to six PCS networks in one place. This makes PCS carriers compete and can help make costs, plans and customer service better for users.

Type of Service - Do I want analog cellular, digital cellular or PCS service? Compare the columns below to find the one most suited for you.

Any phone that transmits signals through the air without a physical connection. Cell (cellular), mobile, portable phones (hand held), in-car mounted and bag (transportable) phones are all considered wireless phones.

Category	Analog Cellular	Digital Cellular	PCS
Frequency	800 MHz	800 MHz	1900 MHz
Channel Spacing	10-30 kHz	30 kHz	200 kHz
Call Quality	Poor-Good Sometimes interference with the network can cause static and dropped calls.	Very Clear Less prone to interference and therefore not as many dropped calls or static.	Very Clear Newer networks can make for better sound quality due to the newness of PCS itself.
Coverage Nationwide	Complete	Build-Out In Progress	Build-Out In Progress
Rural Area Access	Poor	Poor	Poor - may take a few years to improve
Security	Can Be Intercepted	More Secure	More Secure
Phone Cost	Inexpensive	Mid-Priced	Expensive
Air Time Cost	More Than Digital	Less Than Analog	Less Than Analog
Features	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Voicemail Less features due to no wireless data services.	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Caller ID Voicemail Text Messaging Numeric Paging Internet Access Additional bandwidth can deal with wireless data.	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Caller ID Voicemail Text Messaging Numeric Paging Internet Access Additional bandwidth can deal with wireless data.
Battery Life Talk Time On	1 1/2 - 2 Hrs.	2 - 10 Hrs.	2 - 10 Hrs.
Battery Life Not Talking	24 - 40 Hrs.	3 - 17 Days	3 - 17 Days
Disability Access	Generally HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.	Generally NOT HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.	Generally NOT HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.

Choosing Your Package

Choosing a cellular package can be overwhelming. Here are some questions to ask yourself about frequency of use and your other needs to determine the best plan for you before going shopping:

Calling Options

• At what time of day will I be making most of my calls?
• On average, how long do I expect each call to last?
• How selective will I be in giving out my cell phone number? Remember: You’re paying for calls you receive as well as those you make
• Will I use my cell phone for long distance calls?
• How often do I expect to travel outside my home calling area?

Phone Requirements

• Will my phone need a clip so I can attach it to a piece of clothing?
• Do I need a flip phone to guard against it inadvertently being turned on? One that has a cover you flip-up to access the phone.
• Does my phone need to be designed for use in other countries

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