CDMA (code division multiple access) ­ a digital technology that provides increased capacity over analog technology. CDMA is also known as spread spectrum technology because it uses a low-power signal that is "spread" across a wide bandwidth. With CDMA, a phone call is assigned a code, which identifies it to the correct receiving phone. Using the identifying code and a low-power signal, a large number of calls can be carried simultaneously on the same group of channels.

TDMA (time division multiple access) ­ TDMA is a digital technology designed to increase the channel capacity by chopping the signal into pieces and assigning each one to a different time slot, each lasting a fraction of a second. Using TDMA, a single channel can be used to handle simultaneous phone calls.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) GSM uses narrowband TDMA, which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. GSM is the international standard for wireless technology. GSM allows users to utilize one phone and one number in many countries throughout the world. GSM is a digital technology and therefore the call quality is of a very high standard. Calls are always clear and the network is very secure.

• Do a personal calling inventory. Determine how many calls you're likely to make, the time of day you're likely to place the calls and what days you're likely to make the calls. Decide if you want your cell phone to replace your home land-line phone.
• Cellular One provides a variety of pricing plans designed to accommodate light, regular or heavy volume customers. Choose a plan that best fits your calling patterns.
• If you plan to use the phone occasionally, select an economy plan. If you make frequent calls, it may be more economical to sign up for a plan that provides a certain amount of free minutes of usage. Frequent users should sign up for a service plan which provides a higher monthly fee, several free hours and the lowest rate for air time.
• Compare local coverage areas. A roaming charge applies when you call from outside your home area. Some homed areas span several states, so any call made within that large area is considered a local call. Business travelers who make lots of long distance calls should choose a plan with a national rate.