Relax, It does it by itself

The Biggest problem for CDMA networks is its ability to switch handsets between carriers.  Qualcomm, the company that makes most of the handsets for the CDMA carriers, dominates their market.  They build technology for all the carriers which makes each handset exclusive for these carriers.  For example, Verizon phones can only be used with the Verizon network.  This basically means you cannot use a Verizon phone on on a Sprint network.  The other draw back is the use of SIM Cards.  Most people, including me, love the fact that if they break their phone they can just take out the SIM card and place it in the new phone with no loss of their phonebook.  The last problem with the CDMA network is international use.  Back when GSM and CDMA technologies were first introduced to most countries, they chose GSM technology because it is cheaper to maintain and operate. Therefore, today most CDMA phones cannot be used in Europe because they are not compatible.

The CDMA network has it's problems but they are constantly improving their network and finding solutions to the issues of GSM customers.  CDMA uses such a wide spectrum of  network they are able to offer services GSM carriers cannot.

One big issue, the phone book!  Verizon Wireless has a feature that is free for most customers called Back-Up Assistant.  By downloading this over the air onto your phone, it will automatically download your address book and refresh it every night while you sleep.  If you ever lose your phone it is always saved on the network.  Just one click and you have your life back in your new phone.

International coverage is also an issue that keeps getting easier for CDMA every year.  They have seen the increase of U.S. citizens need for travel and they are answering the call.  CDMA carriers such as Verizon Wireless are making more phones compatible for data and voice use by making their phones Tri-Band and Quad-band.  By doing this, CDMA phones are able to roam in countries that use GSM.  Its like having a different phone for every network built into one.  If the country is using CDMA it with switch between GSM and CDMA based on which has the better reception.

The Largest benefit of being on a CDMA network is just that, The Network!  Carriers such as Verizon Wireless are investing billions of dollars on The Network each year.  Last year Verizon Wireless purchased Alltel Wireless for 30 billion dollars adding 20 million customers to their Network family.  Making Verizon's network a whopping 87 million customers, thats 16 million more than At&t. Verizon Wireless also flooded the midwest U.S. by owning the rights to all of Alltel's cell sites making Verizon Wireless the largest carrier in the U.S.  The benefit is no roaming charges throughout the U.S. and fast data speeds because they are not piggy backing on other carriers networks.

Information courtesy of a Verizon Wireless Representative.