One of the most important parts of the prepaid world is understanding that there are two completely different networks–GSM and CDMA–and they are not really compatible. If you use T-Mobile or AT&T, then you’re on a GSM network. If you use Sprint or Verizon, then you’re CDMA and no matter which side you are on, the other half of the spectrum isn’t really going to be available to you.
However, a company called Syniverse created UniRoam technology that allowed CDMA users to roam on GSM networks. However, making GSM users able to roam to CDMA wasn’t available. Yesterday, Syniverse announced that UniRoam would now let users roam seamlessly both ways–GSM to CDMA as well as CDMA to GSM.
“When travelers cross borders, they want to get in touch with colleagues, friends and family without concern for behind-the-scenes technology disparities,” John Wick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Syniverse’s Mobile Transaction Services said in the release.
Syniverse stated that they have already signed an agreement with a Tier 1 operator in Japan to use this new technology, and other agreements are likely to follow. I don’t believe that the service is available in the United States just yet, unfortunately, but this innovation is still pretty exciting. With the ability to switch between GSM and CDMA seamlessly, roaming agreements can now be made between any companies, expanding the networks of all. Definitely a big step in the right direction for making networks more complete, and I could see some of the companies with slightly smaller networks (like T-Mobile) really benefiting from it.]]>
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