What is EDGE Mobile Network? Let’s Quickly Differentiate between GSM, CDMA and TDMA

EDGE Mobile Network stands for Enhanced Data for Global Evolution. According to AT&T, it is also termed as a third generation mobile data technology. It came into existence to provide quick internet service in cell phones, and can be used to bridge gaps of coverage networks from different cell phone providers.


EDGE is a kind of GSM technology and is considered as a 3G network. It came into inception in 2003 and at first, it was implemented by Cingular. EDGE was three times faster than the GPRS networks that were widespread.

When it comes to its speed, EDGE network comes with an average speed of 75-135 Kbps. The maximum speed that the 3G network can deliver is recorded as 473.6 Kbit per second. According to the International Mobile Telecommunications, it would need 8 time slots to be used simultaneously.

The Technology Involved

The EDGE mobile network is reverse compatible with the 2G networks, and does not needs software or hardware to be changed for it to be utilized. EDGE transceiver units are installed at the base station, thus bringing the EDGE access to the network coverage area of that particular station.

The benefits of the Edge Mobile Network came into highlight before the tremendous incorporation of 3G networks. It is four times as streamlined as GPRS network, and AT&T states that low power usage with EDGE mobile networks as compared to 3G. However, the disadvantage comes up from the fact that 3G is much faster than EDGE- up to 2.4 Mbps.


Wireless carriers make use of technology including GSM, EDGE, CDMA or TDMA and that comes into consideration when you buy or sell a cell phone. While selecting the ideal mobile service plan your mobile carrier choice is significant and so is choosing the mobile right carrier service in the first place. So let us dip into the real differences between all of them!

Traditionally, primary types of mobile phone technologies including CDMA and GSM have been at odds competitors. This incompatibility or inconsistency is the major reasons why majority of AT&T phones would not be compatible with Verizon service and vice versa.

On the contrary, EDGE mobile network is viewed as a faster version of GSM and TDMA is efficaciously outmoded, so the latter doesn’t becomes a reliable choice anymore. Ultimately, it all boils down to choose the right option between GSM and CDMA, with GSM outplaying CDMA for user satisfaction and consumer friendliness.

Although both GSM and CDMA are the 3G networks, but GSM is a quicker option between the two. CDMA comes with a download speed of about 1 mega bit per second, while on the contrary GSM claims to provide a speed of 7Mbps. But when it comes to EDGE mobile network, it is three times faster than GSM and is actually designed on the same concept. It came into inception to aid media streaming on mobile phones. Hence, AT&T and T-Mobile come in EDGE mobile networks.

One good thing about GSM network providers is that they put customer information on a removable SIM card and this unique approach makes it conducive to switch phones easily; just take the SIM card out of your old phone and then insert it into your new phone. So, taking the advantage of phone with a removable SIM, and a phone you can take to your foreign visits is just something incredible.

CDMA mobile phones may or may not support SIM cards, but the user information gets stored with the service provider, which ultimately gives you access to switch phones. CDMA mobile phones need programming with every carrier you use, so whenever you want to switch carriers, the phone needs proper programming once.

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