Is Straight Talk GSM Or CDMA
Straight Talk is among the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) that seek tenancy on larger networks, and these are the AT and T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. CDMA and GSM on the other hand are older radio systems that are used with cell phones. Straight talk is, therefore, not a GSM or CDMA; instead it offers support to both the 2G and 3G radio systems.
Now that we have established that straight talk is an MVNO, it might interest you to know that the carrier has other competitors that run on either one or more of the re-known networks. In light of the above, you must know that not all MVNO’s provide sufficient coverage in the places that you probably spend a lot of time, a fact that should be considered when looking to purchase an MVNO.
MVNO’s and their potential networks
So, as you choose between the different carriers, you have to ensure that it is hosted on a network that provides the best coverage. Straight talk for example runs on T-Mobile, Sprint, AT and T, and Verizon, other carriers that are hosted on the same networks and which are potential competitors of Straight talk are such as the Red Pocket, Net 10, and Trac fone.
MVNO networks and Coverage
Given the high number of networks it could be daunting to determine one that offers the best coverage, we will, therefore, make the process easy by breaking down on the efficiency of the networks in terms of coverage and whether it will be worth your while to settle with Straight Talk.
Network |
Verizon |
Sprint |
AT and T |
T-Mobile |
Coverage Satisfaction |
Super reliable |
Not reliable |
Highly reliable with minimal latency |
Reliable |
Coverage % as proposed by users |
95.9% |
Customer satisfaction falls from 70 to |
Customer satisfaction is below Verizon’s at 73 |
Coverage remains at 76 out of 100 |
Coverage per 4G services |
70% across the country |
30% across the country |
68% and 70% 3G coverage |
Three percentage point higher than the industries coverage |
Coverage area |
Big cities |
Urban and suburban areas |
Best coverage in Urban and Rural areas |
Covers up to 62% of the lower 48 states |
Of the major cellular networks ,sprint seems to be dragging its feet, it is therefore not reliable when compared to Verizon, which then means settling with an MVNO that is particularly hosted by Sprint is a deadly mistake that could keep you out of coverage thus render you unreachable. However, Sprint has found a way of downplaying its ineffectiveness and attracts subscribers with its budget-friendly perks and prices.
So while sprints plans are cheaper its performance in-network coverage is not as reliable but you must know that if you stay in an area with good Sprint coverage, then the connectivity is as good as what Verizon offers. AT and T on the other hand, has been determined to have the best latency experience and therefore, has the quickest network response time.
T-Mobile when compared to Sprint is a good performer with most users, applauding it for offering the best value and the best range of plans. The Network provider offers the second-best download experience when compared to Verizon and Sprint, what’s more, is that its plans are more affordable when compared to Verizon and AT and T.
Should you get straight talk?
Straight talk has made its mission to accommodate many users, the big cities, urban, suburban, and those in the rural areas by purchasing the right to use the most relevant network towers, which is one of the reason that you should settle with the MVNO.
If you are, therefore, looking for quality services without breaking the bank then straight talk it is, even better is that the MVNO runs a reward program where their clients earn points and get free monthly plans. Straight talk also offers a wide variety of cell phones; the service is best contracted by users who don’t want to get into lengthy contracts.
Conclusion
Straight talk offers a no-contract plan that begins from as low as $30 a month and you can also get the cheapest plan that runs from $25 per month, from which you will be able to enjoy unlimited international text or straight talk, and unlimited talk time and texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Straight talk reliable?
Straight Talk is available nationwide and runs some of the best deals in service and device provision.
- What are some of the potential problems when using straight talk?
So some of the minor problems that you will experience while using the MVNO, are slow data speeds occasionally, and if you choose to settle with the financing phones then you will end up paying more, which then makes it a costly affair.