Phone Technology Questions

1. What is the difference between analog and digital phones?

Analog phones send and receive signals without compressing data. Although this technology offers broader coverage, the service is more expensive, it offers less standby and talk time, and calls are less secure.

Digital phones, on the other hand, convert signals into a sequence of ones and zeros over a narrow range of frequencies. It offers longer battery life, encrypted transmissions, text messages, caller ID, and other features.

2. What are the different types of wireless networks in Canada?

Wireless phone networks are either analog or digital. There are 3 competing digital networks in use throughout Canada: TDMA, CDMA, and GSM. The standard analog format used by traditional cell phones is AMPS.

3. What is AMPS?

AMPS stands for Advanced Mobile Phone Service. AMPS is the standard format for analog cellular phone services.

4. What is TDMA?

TDMA stands for Time Division Multiple Access. TDMA operates by transmitting signals only at certain intervals, allowing several phones to use the same frequency simultaneously.

5. What is CDMA?

CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. CDMA sends signals in a series of ‘packets’, each with its own encrypted code. When the packets are received, they are reassembled back into a continuous signal.

6. What is GSM?

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM operates similar to TDMA and is the standard format used throughout most of the world. Canadian GSM systems operate at a different frequency than most European and Asian GSM systems however, making them incompatible.

7. What is PCS?

PCS stands for Personal Communications Services. PCS phones use digital technology and operate at 1900Mhz with any of the three digital technologies used in Canada.

8. What is a dual-mode phone?

A dual-mode phone is a phone that can operate on both analog and digital networks.

9. What is a dual-band phone?

A dual-band phone is a phone that can operate on both the 1900Mhz PCS and 800Mhz digital networks.

10. What is a tri-mode phone?

A tri-mode phone is a phone that can operate on 1900Mhz PCS, 800Mhz digital, and on analog networks.

11. What is an ESN?

ESN stands for Electronic Serial Number. The ESN can be found on a label which is typically located below your battery pack on the back of the phone.