GSM Cell Phones
GSM network has been on the rise in USA for about the last decade now, and becoming very popular cell phone network; significant competitor to already established CDMA & TDMA standard. In this section, we would like to give you some information on what type of frequencies work in USA, types of cell phones and providers as well as information on obtaining a SIM card for your phone.
Most of the European GSM networks work on 900MHz/1800MHz frequencies, whereas USA GSM networks mostly run 900/1900. Most of you already possess cellular phones that you operate in your home country. Please note, if your cell phone is tri-band (900/1800/1900), it will most likely work in USA. So, please do not forget to bring it with you. You will certainly need the communication, calls, text messages, and internet. All you will need is a American SIM card, which can be purchased in many locations all across the 50 states, including at our E-POINT locations in Ocean City or Rehoboth Beach. Another item you might need to purchase is power adapter that can also be purchased at our center for low price of $5. You can use that same power adapter for your other electronic devices that you might want to carry with you, such as, chargers, MP3 players etc. If your phone is dual band (900/1800), then it will not operate in USA even if you have international roaming activated. So you will need to purchase a cell phone.
As a general Guideline for your information:
Dual-band - A dual-band phone operates at both the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum. Dual-band works in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and much of South America.
Tri-band - A tri-band phone operates on three frequency bands, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz, allowing you to use it in Europe, Africa, Asia, nearly all of North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Quad-band - A quad-band phone allows you to roam almost anywhere globally. It covers the 850 Mhz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency ranges. Many countries in South America only have 850 MHz GSM service while both 1900 MHZ and 850 MHz GSM services are supported in the USA. 99% of all countries use the GSM standard.
Also, please note that E-Point Student Center retails inexpensive phones, SIMs, package(phone+SIM) special deals for students, and as soon as you arrive please ask us about how it works and how much it is. We are also selling high end cellular products, Nokia smart phones, unlocked APPLE iPhones etc. If you have GSM related questions please email us epointcafe@gmail.com , subject - GSM question , and we will be happy to reply promptly.