Started thread in General Cell Phone Forum on 2/25/10, probably should have posted here. Has to do with simultaneous phone/internet, and whether having that is a function of carrier (ATT, Verizon, whatever) or receiver (iPhone, Eris, whatever). Would appreciate someone taking a look and dealing with questions posed. Many thanks in advance.
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Simultaneous phone/internet ...
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Currently your phone has to have WCDMA what T-Mobile/AT&T calls 3G if you have a phone with that, AND! you have 3G coverage at that time, both should work.
Sprint/Verizon or other CDMA carriers or AT&T T-Mobile... if your phone has WiFi AND you are on WiFi network (in WiFi coverage) should also have simultaneous voice/data.
LTE (4G) which is coming to phones in the next ~ 1-3 years, MAY allow for simultaneous data/voice on verizon the coverage should be as good/better once the network is complete in 2013, to current 3G coverage.
WiMax on Sprint may also allow simultaneous voice/data, new phone is expected this year with it... time will tell!
Hope that clears it up...
Sprint/Verizon or other CDMA carriers or AT&T T-Mobile... if your phone has WiFi AND you are on WiFi network (in WiFi coverage) should also have simultaneous voice/data.
LTE (4G) which is coming to phones in the next ~ 1-3 years, MAY allow for simultaneous data/voice on verizon the coverage should be as good/better once the network is complete in 2013, to current 3G coverage.
WiMax on Sprint may also allow simultaneous voice/data, new phone is expected this year with it... time will tell!
Hope that clears it up...
Stefanie H
New member
Very helpful, LTE, and many thanks. Mind handling a few follow-ups? I think you're saying T-Mobil/ATT smart phones all are wired for WCDMA. Does this then mean that all are capable of simultaneous phone/internet, assuming 3G coverage, or is there some other spec I also should be looking for? Also, I think you're saying the other carriers' smart phones all are wired for CDMA, so to have simultaneous phone/internet, is the only additional requirement that they be wired for WiFi, or again is there some other spec I also should be looking for? Finally, if using a T-Mobil/ATT smart phone, might it also be wired for WiFi, and if so, does it revert to WiFi for simultaneous phone/internet if in non-3G coverage area, or otherwise switch between the two?
You offered a hand, I grabbed a whole arm, sorry, sorry, sorry. Again, many thanks for taking the time.
You offered a hand, I grabbed a whole arm, sorry, sorry, sorry. Again, many thanks for taking the time.
Baby #2 on the way
New member
Not all Smart phones have 3G / WCDMA... many AT&T Blackberries did not at one time, as long as any of their phones smart or not... the Razor V3XX as I recall is a 3G, Nokia 6555 is 3G... and many others that are not 'smart' phones...
Just look for the 3G on the spec sheet, remember you have 30 days if you don't like the phone so... Also keep in mind, with AT&T depending on where you use the phone, some areas may only have 3G available on the higher frequencies they use called PCS or 1900MHZ vs 850MHZ, thus in building 3G may not be available or calls may hand off to EDGE i.e 2G indoors.
This can happen at any time, I know at&t is working on improving this in many areas... just FYI, even if you are in a 3G area you may be stuck on 2G, at times... some phones can be forced to 3G only, that may help IF you never leave the 3G area... for now may be difficult if you travel.
The BlackBerry Bold and the iPhone 3G/3GS are 3G clearly... the BlackBerry curve is 2G.
If you browse at&t's website for phones, they show a 3G in the upper left next to the phone if the phone has it...
Spritn/Verizon if it has WiFi you will have simultaneous voice/data but ONLY when you are using WiFi which usually is only inside your home (if you have a wifi router and broadband connection) or someone else with the same, some restaurants, hotels etc, will have that along with a few other businesses. Basically this function is VERY limited in areas... not going to work going down the hwy, unless!!! you wanted to pay for a MiFi device 59.99/mo for 5GB of Wifi data you can share with 5 devices on either Sprint or Verizon, this is on top of your regular plan.. but you can share it with a laptop or 4... can be nice!
Sprint has/will soon have a 4G/3G Mifi device which may be handy if you live in one of their 4G areas... not only giving you unlimited 4G & 5GB of 3G service but also WiFi anywhere they cover. For your Laptop or wifi enabled phone...
If using T-Mobile/AT&T if the device has WiFi it CAN fall back to it, when you have Wifi available, however, as mentioned before those areas are limited, unless you get a device like a MiFi from Sprint/Verizon... as long as you are connected to Wifi and do not leave it's coverage, you should have simultaneous voice/data the whole time, it does NOT drop off like 3G CAN/will sometimes do in areas when you place a call.
Best bet if you want AT&T or T-Mobile definitely try the ____ out of the service for your first 30 days, make sure you have solid 3G or Wifi will cover you EVERY where you need/want to use the phone...
Glad I can help out... hope that all makes sense...
Just look for the 3G on the spec sheet, remember you have 30 days if you don't like the phone so... Also keep in mind, with AT&T depending on where you use the phone, some areas may only have 3G available on the higher frequencies they use called PCS or 1900MHZ vs 850MHZ, thus in building 3G may not be available or calls may hand off to EDGE i.e 2G indoors.
This can happen at any time, I know at&t is working on improving this in many areas... just FYI, even if you are in a 3G area you may be stuck on 2G, at times... some phones can be forced to 3G only, that may help IF you never leave the 3G area... for now may be difficult if you travel.
The BlackBerry Bold and the iPhone 3G/3GS are 3G clearly... the BlackBerry curve is 2G.
If you browse at&t's website for phones, they show a 3G in the upper left next to the phone if the phone has it...
Spritn/Verizon if it has WiFi you will have simultaneous voice/data but ONLY when you are using WiFi which usually is only inside your home (if you have a wifi router and broadband connection) or someone else with the same, some restaurants, hotels etc, will have that along with a few other businesses. Basically this function is VERY limited in areas... not going to work going down the hwy, unless!!! you wanted to pay for a MiFi device 59.99/mo for 5GB of Wifi data you can share with 5 devices on either Sprint or Verizon, this is on top of your regular plan.. but you can share it with a laptop or 4... can be nice!
Sprint has/will soon have a 4G/3G Mifi device which may be handy if you live in one of their 4G areas... not only giving you unlimited 4G & 5GB of 3G service but also WiFi anywhere they cover. For your Laptop or wifi enabled phone...
If using T-Mobile/AT&T if the device has WiFi it CAN fall back to it, when you have Wifi available, however, as mentioned before those areas are limited, unless you get a device like a MiFi from Sprint/Verizon... as long as you are connected to Wifi and do not leave it's coverage, you should have simultaneous voice/data the whole time, it does NOT drop off like 3G CAN/will sometimes do in areas when you place a call.
Best bet if you want AT&T or T-Mobile definitely try the ____ out of the service for your first 30 days, make sure you have solid 3G or Wifi will cover you EVERY where you need/want to use the phone...
Glad I can help out... hope that all makes sense...
I'm going to add on to LTE's post.
I may repeat some things, and I apologize for that.
In the United States we use two main types of wireless networks. CDMA and GSM. Some people try and call GSM WCDMA, but they are two separate network types. They operate interchangeably but have a few differences. For one, WCDMA is not a technology used in the United States, yet.
W-CDMA is deployed under UTMS (dominant in Japan), but by GSM. GSM is its OWN technology.
The GSM line up includes:
Some people use different terms and may classify things different. CDMA 2000 has sometimes been referred to as the standard CDMA 3G, but it really isn't the SPECIFIC technology.
GSM builds off of TDMA.
CDMA can place more calls per cell phone tower at one time and can penetrate buildings better than TDMA/GSM. A notable different is that CDMA doesn't use a SIM Card.
The reason Verizon Wireless and other CDMA carriers are unable to place calls and use data at the same time is because the network that places the call is the SAME network that places the data call. Therefore, it's similar to a dial-up connect where you cannot call and browse at the same time. Please note the speeds are 25 times faster than dial-up; however. Whenever Verizon Wireless releases 4G, LTE, you will be able to use both simultaneously. In contrast, GSM, WCDMA, and related all use completely separate networks to place data and calls. This makes data almost always available whether on a call or not; however, it has its drawbacks. Carriers have to try 5 times harder to expand their 3G networks. They can't just add the technology to an existing system and flip a switch, like CDMA can. They have to go on-site, add a new sub tower, program it, turn it on. It takes much longer and is much more inconvenient. Although GSM carriers, particularly AT&T, claim to have faster 3G networks than CDMA networks, like Verizon, all studies have shown the speed difference is minimal and the average user would not notice it. It actually takes twice as long for GSM HSPDA 3G to connect than it does for CDMA Rev. A. Once connected, speeds would be slightly faster on GSM HSPDA (but remember, it is minimal and many people would not notice).
If you have further questions, please post here!
I may repeat some things, and I apologize for that.
In the United States we use two main types of wireless networks. CDMA and GSM. Some people try and call GSM WCDMA, but they are two separate network types. They operate interchangeably but have a few differences. For one, WCDMA is not a technology used in the United States, yet.
W-CDMA is deployed under UTMS (dominant in Japan), but by GSM. GSM is its OWN technology.
The GSM line up includes:
- GSM (Standard Voice)
- EDGE (2G, 2.5G, and kind of 3G)
- HSPDA (Fast 3G)
- CDMA 2000 (standard voice)
- EV-DO Rev. O (3G)
- EV-DO Rev. A (3G-3.5G)
Some people use different terms and may classify things different. CDMA 2000 has sometimes been referred to as the standard CDMA 3G, but it really isn't the SPECIFIC technology.
GSM builds off of TDMA.
CDMA can place more calls per cell phone tower at one time and can penetrate buildings better than TDMA/GSM. A notable different is that CDMA doesn't use a SIM Card.
The reason Verizon Wireless and other CDMA carriers are unable to place calls and use data at the same time is because the network that places the call is the SAME network that places the data call. Therefore, it's similar to a dial-up connect where you cannot call and browse at the same time. Please note the speeds are 25 times faster than dial-up; however. Whenever Verizon Wireless releases 4G, LTE, you will be able to use both simultaneously. In contrast, GSM, WCDMA, and related all use completely separate networks to place data and calls. This makes data almost always available whether on a call or not; however, it has its drawbacks. Carriers have to try 5 times harder to expand their 3G networks. They can't just add the technology to an existing system and flip a switch, like CDMA can. They have to go on-site, add a new sub tower, program it, turn it on. It takes much longer and is much more inconvenient. Although GSM carriers, particularly AT&T, claim to have faster 3G networks than CDMA networks, like Verizon, all studies have shown the speed difference is minimal and the average user would not notice it. It actually takes twice as long for GSM HSPDA 3G to connect than it does for CDMA Rev. A. Once connected, speeds would be slightly faster on GSM HSPDA (but remember, it is minimal and many people would not notice).
If you have further questions, please post here!
mackiegirl12
New member
Very much appreciated! Seems to be some variability in use of terms (WCDMA vs GSM), but not important. You've given me a working handle on this thing, so at least I can intelligently approach some kind of a decision. Many thanks..
Many thanks to you and LTE, think I've now got tools to approach this thing. The ability of GSM to employ a SIM card seems significant, as does the ability of CDMA to better penetrate buildings and more easily expand coverage. I have to re-think how important it is to have simultaneous talk/data without being limited to WiFi, that still could be an overriding consideration.
I see you use Moto's Droid. I love the phone, but for my retired, more casual use, probably would opt for the virtual keyboard HTC Eris if going for CDMA advantages. I see where HTC is being sued by Apple for patent infringement, any comment on how that might affect a leaning toward Eris over Droid should I go the CDMA route?
Again, many thanks.
I see you use Moto's Droid. I love the phone, but for my retired, more casual use, probably would opt for the virtual keyboard HTC Eris if going for CDMA advantages. I see where HTC is being sued by Apple for patent infringement, any comment on how that might affect a leaning toward Eris over Droid should I go the CDMA route?
Again, many thanks.
Most people who live within the United States and rarely travel will prefer the Verizon Wireless CDMA network over the AT&T GSM network. The ONLY benefit of GSM is that they have a SIM card which is able to easily be placed in another phone for quick access and GSM is more globally used than CDMA (but this situation is changing).
With Verizon Wireless, they allow you to switch to other phones that are CDMA at any time, free. Just dial *228 and use option 3 or visit Cell Phones, 3G Smartphones, Mobile Service and Cell Phone Plans - Verizon Wireless. It's almost as simple as using a SIM. Verizon Wireless also has a free global rental phone program so if you do need a phone to use in a country where CDMA is unavailable, you can do this and it's free (just pay for the services used). With all that said, there is no benefit of GSM over CDMA.
The DROID Eris was originally intended for the mild user. It was meant to target a different audience...more of the simple people. The DROID by Moto was originally more complex and had more features; however, with Android 2.1 coming to the Eris, they're both equal players and can do about the same things. It's just a matter of if you want a keyboard or not. Keep in mind they both require a data plan of $29.99 per month or higher. Also keep in mind the Eris is cheaper, by $100.
I have the DROID and love it. It has some issues but they're slowly being worked out.
Also remember that if you were to go to AT&T you'd be locked into a 2 year commitment (as with Verizon Wireless, too). If you did that, you wouldn't be able to go back to Verizon Wireless immediately when LTE is released. LTE is the 4G network coming to Verizon that operates off the basis of WCDMA...which means Verizon may use SIM Cards for the 4G devices (or they may not, if they work the system right). When LTE is released, one thing is certain, simultaneous data and voice calls will be possible. This is coming late 2010 in some markets and only from Verizon Wireless at this moment.
With Verizon Wireless, they allow you to switch to other phones that are CDMA at any time, free. Just dial *228 and use option 3 or visit Cell Phones, 3G Smartphones, Mobile Service and Cell Phone Plans - Verizon Wireless. It's almost as simple as using a SIM. Verizon Wireless also has a free global rental phone program so if you do need a phone to use in a country where CDMA is unavailable, you can do this and it's free (just pay for the services used). With all that said, there is no benefit of GSM over CDMA.
The DROID Eris was originally intended for the mild user. It was meant to target a different audience...more of the simple people. The DROID by Moto was originally more complex and had more features; however, with Android 2.1 coming to the Eris, they're both equal players and can do about the same things. It's just a matter of if you want a keyboard or not. Keep in mind they both require a data plan of $29.99 per month or higher. Also keep in mind the Eris is cheaper, by $100.
I have the DROID and love it. It has some issues but they're slowly being worked out.
Also remember that if you were to go to AT&T you'd be locked into a 2 year commitment (as with Verizon Wireless, too). If you did that, you wouldn't be able to go back to Verizon Wireless immediately when LTE is released. LTE is the 4G network coming to Verizon that operates off the basis of WCDMA...which means Verizon may use SIM Cards for the 4G devices (or they may not, if they work the system right). When LTE is released, one thing is certain, simultaneous data and voice calls will be possible. This is coming late 2010 in some markets and only from Verizon Wireless at this moment.
That New Guy
New member
Thanks Nick, very helpful. Posted a reply, don't yet see it, maybe working its way through the system.
One thing that bothers me about the Droid and Eris, as well as the iPhone and probably scads of others, is lack of privacy. My current old dumb flip phone has solid cover (no window), and when set to fully silent (both ring and vibrate "off"), only a tiny light embedded in corner of case blinks to indicate incoming calls or texts. With all others mentioned, apparently there's no way to avoid the phone face lighting up like a billboard when a call or text comes in. Light level can be adjusted to dimmer, but inconvenient adjusting back up for brighter, then dimmer again for private, etc. And even at dimmer light, no where near as private as my current phones tiny blinking light. I know polarizer screen covers can be applied to lessen side view, but only minimally more private, and dull-down even straight on viewing. Do you know something I don't on how to make Droid (and presumably Eris) more private? I make no excuse for raising the issue, no reason required, privacy's a pretty basic right.
One thing that bothers me about the Droid and Eris, as well as the iPhone and probably scads of others, is lack of privacy. My current old dumb flip phone has solid cover (no window), and when set to fully silent (both ring and vibrate "off"), only a tiny light embedded in corner of case blinks to indicate incoming calls or texts. With all others mentioned, apparently there's no way to avoid the phone face lighting up like a billboard when a call or text comes in. Light level can be adjusted to dimmer, but inconvenient adjusting back up for brighter, then dimmer again for private, etc. And even at dimmer light, no where near as private as my current phones tiny blinking light. I know polarizer screen covers can be applied to lessen side view, but only minimally more private, and dull-down even straight on viewing. Do you know something I don't on how to make Droid (and presumably Eris) more private? I make no excuse for raising the issue, no reason required, privacy's a pretty basic right.