MULTI-BAND VS. MULTI-MODE CELL-PHONES

1. Multiple band - A phone that has multiple-band capability can switch frequencies. For
example, a dual-band TDMA phone could use TDMA services in either an 800-MHz or
a 1900-MHz system. A quad-band GSM phone could use GSM service in the 850-MHz,
900-MHz, 1800-MHz or 1900-MHz band.



2. Multiple mode - In cell phones, "mode" refers to the type of transmission technology
used. So, a phone that supported AMPS and TDMA could switch back and forth as
needed. It's important that one of the modes is AMPS -- this gives you analog service if
you are in an area that doesn't have digital support.

3. Multiple band/Multiple mode - It allows you to switch between frequency bands and
transmission modes as needed.

Changing bands or modes is done automatically by phones that support these options. Usually
the phone will have a default option set, such as 1900-MHz TDMA, and will try to connect at
that frequency with that technology first. If it supports dual bands, it will switch to 800 MHz if it
cannot connect at 1900 MHz. And if the phone supports more than one mode, it will try the
digital mode(s) first, then switch to analog.
You can find both dual-mode and tri-mode phones. The term "tri-mode" can be deceptive. It
may mean that the phone supports two digital technologies, such as CDMA and TDMA, as well
as analog. In that case, it is a true tri-mode phone. But it can also mean that it supports one
digital technology in two bands and also offers analog support.