LTE vs GSM vs CDMA?

[AFPoster]

Whats the difference?

 

[kdarling]

Wow. How much detail are you looking for? How about starting with:

GSM and CDMA2000 = alternative standards for 2G and 3G cell networks.

LTE = a standard for 4G. Can be added as another network on top of either GSM or CDMA2000 systems.

 

[Muad'Dib]

I would start with a few Wikipedia articles. That should get you started on such a BIG question.

 

[AFPoster]

Wow. How much detail are you looking for? How about starting with:

GSM and CDMA2000 = alternative standards for 2G and 3G cell networks.

LTE = a standard for 4G. Can be added as another network on top of either GSM or CDMA2000 systems.

Ok. I thought it was:

GSM = AT&T / T-Mobile / Sprint for their 2g / 3g network.
CDMA = Verizon for their 2g / 3g network.
LTE = 4g for all networks to add on (only 3 so far are: Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile)

I'm guessing I am way off?

 

[grapes911]

^ You are close. Sprint is CDMA and just announced it will support LTE.

LTE isn't really an add-on. It's a completely different technology, just as CDMA and GSM are different technologies. LTE will eventually replace CDMA and GSM. Until that happens, carriers will support multiple protocols.