What is CDMA technology?

Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, is one of the two prominent mobile network technologies used for cell phones. CDMA cell phones use a different technology for passing calls between networks, resulting in fewer dropped calls, but typically cannot receive data while making phone calls.

The most noticeable difference between the two technologies for most users is that CDMA is rarely used outside of the United States, making it more difficult for CDMA users to use their phones while traveling abroad.

As of 2015, all major American cell networks have agreed to use LTE, or Long Term Evolution, technology, meaning in the future, the differences in technology used across cell carriers will shrink.