GSM give your more liberty of switching phones. Because the technology is based on a SIM card. That SIM card is basically your own number and your phone book. So you only need to take your SIM card out from a GSM phone to another GSM phone. No need programming, no need to transfer your phonebook manually. GSM is also the most recent technology of Wireless Generation in Canada, and the 3G (WCDMA/UMTS) technology is based on GSM networks, so if you want to be ready for future technology, GSM is the way to go. *Rogers is planning to launch 3G in about 2yrs or so.
When I say, liberty of switching phones, I also means that if you want to buy a phone from overseas, just make sure that phone has the proper frequencies and it's unlocked, than it is possible.
If you're planning to use GSM, make sure to pick up a phone with 850mhz and 1900mhz. It is the 2 frequencies that we use in north america. No matter you choose Fido or Rogers, make sure your phone has 850mhz!! Since Rogers bought Fido, if you use Fido, you can get Rogers' network for free inside of Fido footprint, or enhanced Rogers coverage at $5 per month as an option. If you use Rogers, even better, it's free to use both Network.
GSM is only digital, so the coverage that you see at Rogers.com is ALL digital, 93% of Canadian Population. If you compare to CDMA networks, Telus or Bell, they have analog and digital networks, however, analog has less features, you can only place calls in Analog networks, no call display, no text messging, etc. and it also use a lots of power in battery while using analog. CDMA digital networks covers around 85% of canadian population.
Some ppl claim that CDMA has better Voice quality, however, I don't see how bad is it with my GSM phones. Voice quality is also based on which model you'll use. With GSM, even the phone has 1bar of signal, the call will still carry on without a problem, however, CDMA networks will needs to run around to get better signal to clear the call.
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Note : I work for Rogers, I use Rogers(GSM), so my opinion might be one sided. But I can tell you that I've been honest with it. It depends on what you really need, if you need technology, or fun with phones, GSM is really the way to go. If you're telling me that monthly plans and stuff like that concern you the most, then I'll suggest you to shop around before taking any decision.
my $0.02
kalok~
