Modes

Many phones are advertised as being "tri-mode" or "dual-band", etc. These refer to the combination of technologies and frequency bands the phone supports.

Examples of modes include "CDMA 1900", "GSM 900", and "AMPS 850". There are many other combinations. The first part is the technology, while the number represents the frequency band.

For example, a phone that supports AMPS 850, CDMA 850, and CDMA 1900 is "tri-mode". It could also be called "dual-band", although that's not common for that specific type of phone.

Conversely, a phone that supports GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, and GSM 1900 could be called "quad-mode", although the term "quad-band" is more common.

CDMA, GSM, and WCDMA are all current digital technologies. TDMA is an old digital technology, and AMPS is an even older analog technology.

See: CDMA

See: GSM

See: WCDMA

Modes in the 850, 1900, or 1700 bands are used in the US. Modes in the 900, 1800, and 2100 bands are for use overseas.

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