CDMA vs. GSM: What's the Difference?
CDMA is short for Code Division Multiple Access. GSM is short for Global System for Mobile Communication. Both standards are for radio systems used in cell phones. GSM is the world's most commonly used cell phone standard. According to the GSM Association, "roughly 80% of the world uses GSM technology to make wireless calls". GSM offers more flexibility than CDMA devices for global use and as a result present less challenges to the cell phone carrier unlocking industry. STL SMARTphones provides instant and remote carrier unlocking services. However, only GSM carriers can be instantly unlocked in person.
This list of phone carriers may be incomplete. However, the majority of major United States' carriers are included in the listing.
CDMA Carriers
Major Carrier
Verizon Wireless
Sprint
CDMA Mobile Virtual Network Operators
Alaska Communications
Appalachian Wireless
Blue Wireless
Bluegrass Cellular
Bravado Wireless
C Spire Wireless
Carolina West Wireless
Cellcom
Chariton Valley Wireless
Chat Mobility
Choice Wireless
Clear Talk
Copper Valley Telecom
Custer Telephone Cooperative
ETC (Enhanced Telecommunication Corporation)
GCI Wireless (maintains a CDMA and GSM network; contact provider for more information)
Illinois Valley Cellular
Inland Cellular
Mid-Rivers Communications
Mobi PCS
MTA Solutions