International Cell Phones Key Terms

Phone in these key terms for using cell phones internationally

Using cell phones internationally requires some basic knowledge about how cell phones work and what cell phone technologies are used overseas. While the U.S. uses two different cell phone network technologies, CDMA and GSM, the majority of the world uses GSM technology. However, even within GSM technology, countries differ in the frequency they use. You will want to know the frequency used by the country you are working or visiting. This will help you decide whether to bring your GSM phone, prepay a SIM card, rent an international phone or buy an unlocked GSM phone. The following provides an explanation of these terms about international cell phones.

 

GSM

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. It is the most common cell phone network technology outside of the United States.
Try: GSM World describes GSM technology in detail.

Quad band phone

A quad band phone allows you to use four bands of frequencies on your cell phone. GSM technology runs on specific frequencies. For example, Europe runs on 900MHz and 1.8GHz, while the US runs on 850MHz and 1.9GHz. A phone that operates on GSM in the US does not necessarily operate in Europe because of the different frequencies. Therefore, a quad band phone would allow you to use two bands while in the US and two different bands while in Europe.
Try: Phone Scoop provides a definition of a quad band phone.

SIM cards

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and it is the small card found in GSM phones that contains the identity of the phone, such as the phone number and the contacts. It is removable and can be put into other phones to maintain your phone number from phone to phone.
Try: CNet provides a description of SIM cards.

Prepaid SIM card

A popular choice for international cell phone usage, a prepaid SIM card, is a SIM card that has been activated with a certain amount of minutes. It allows you to use your phone as a local number so that you pay local rates for local calls. Many prepaid SIM cards allow you to have free incoming calls. An international prepaid SIM card must be used with an unlocked GSM phone.
Try: Telestial provides information about international prepaid SIM cards as well as providing rates and services for prepaid SIM cards in specific countries.

Unlocked GSM phone

An unlocked GSM phone is a cell phone that recognizes SIM cards from any carrier. These are more expensive than locked phones (which mean that only SIM cards from one carrier can be used on it) and are often sold by third-party vendors.
Try: Wise Geek discusses unlocked GSM phones in more detail.

International cell phone rentals

International cell phone rentals are another option for using cell phones overseas. These cell phones allow you to rent a phone with the right number of bands of frequencies for the country you are visiting. In combination with a prepaid SIM card, international cell phone rentals can be an efficient and less expensive alternative than buying a new quad band phone or unlocked GSM phone.
Try: Planet Omni describes international cell phone rentals and provides rates.

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