Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a wireless technology used by mobile carriers to connect calls within the 2G network. Mobile carriers in the United States are phasing out 2G, which means that 2G phones will no longer work in the United States. If you're looking for a cheap flip phone or an imported wireless device, you'll want to pay attention to the cellular networks that support these devices. Here's what you need to know about mobile phone technology so you can buy a reliable wireless device that will work in the United States.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Mobile phone providers are constantly upgrading their equipment and developing new technologies to improve the quality of their mobile services. At the same time, consumer demand for data and mobile coverage continues to grow, putting more pressure on mobile phone providers to accommodate more users and capacity within their channels.
One of the newest technologies is 5G. The “G” in “5G” refers to the generation of wireless technology. 5G is simply one of many upgrades, starting with 1G, before moving on to 2G, 3G, and then 4G. Each successive generation supports more users more efficiently.
TDMA is one of several methods that mobile phone carriers use to transmit data and is used in 2G, or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, while Sprint and Verizon use Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to run their networks. TDMA was originally adopted by Western Union in 1979 for its Westar 3 communications satellite.
