Digital vs Analog: Which one is right for me?
Over the last 30 years, cell phones have gone from a privilege to a necessity, with a majority of adults owning phones. Digital and analog phone services are the two major types of services used in the United States. Although digital is the choice of most users, there are definite advantages to analog service as well.
Analog Phone Service
Analog cell phones were the first type of cell phone used in the United States. Analog technology was created in the early 1980s and approved for use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1983. Analog cell phones use frequencies between 824 megahertz (MHz) and 894 MHz. Analog phones broadcast calls on to airwaves (like radios) using one frequency or one channel. Sound quality may not be good, and analog phones cannot offer any type of wireless service.
Digital Phone Service
Although digital phones were introduced as the second generation (2G) of cellular phones, they too use radio technology. The radio technology is used differently than analog because digital systems can be compressed and manipulated easily, unlike analog, which doesn't fully utilize a signal between phone and cellular network. Digital phones convert the voice into binary information and compress it, which allows more channels within a bandwidth.
Analog Service Pros
Analog phones, an older technology, are still great for occasional use. Because they are older and have less technology to offer, they are somewhat inexpensive. Analog phones have quite expansive coverage areas, with service available in over three-fourths of the United States. Most cell phone carriers are compatible with analog technology, making it easy to find.
Analog Service Cons
Owing to somewhat outdated technology, analog phones are not very secure because of cloning and scanned information. Therefore strangers can clone numbers and retrieve information rather easily from an analog phone. Analog phones are also easily intercepted by any type of radio receiver. This means calls are overheard and have poor sound quality. Because of the older technology, there are no data plans or wireless availability with analog phone coverage.
Digital Service Pros
Digital cell phones are more efficient in transmitting and receiving information. They have better sound quality and reception, fewer dropped calls and better overall technological function. Digital cell service offers Internet access, call waiting, voice mail, text-messaging and the ability to download applications.
Digital Service Cons
Digital coverage is available with many carriers across the United States, but rural areas may not offer the coverage. Digital phones are overall more expensive than their analog counterparts, and unexpected prices of data and Internet usage can surprise the users.
Digital vs Analog?
The choice of which phone service to purchase is dependent on the user. If it's for occasional use and there is no need for data, analog may be the right choice. If a user would like a data plan, clear calls and the ability to download applications, then digital may be the right choice.
Tags: cell phones, United States, Analog phones, Digital Analog, ability download
