Confused... HSDPA = CDMA?

[papabri]

I can't seem to find a clear answer whether my AT&T Atrix will work on VZW.

I see the atrix works on the following frequencies:

GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 Mhz

Verizon operates on the 850 mhz and the 1900 mhz frequencies on the CDMA spectrum.

I'm reading that HSDPA is "an evolution and improvement on W-CDMA" (What is HSDPA?).

Does this mean the phone will work with VZW as long as it's unlocked and I pop in a SIM card? Sorry if this is a dumb question. I realize verizon is supposedly coming out with its own Atrix, but I already own the AT&T model and I'm just trying to figure out my options for service providers.

 

[WolfmanRobby]

It's not just about Frequency, it's about the "Format" of the signal.

Short answer... the Atrix will NOT work on Verizon.

-Verizon uses CDMA / LTE.
-The Atrix is a GSM / HSPDA++ phone.

To my knowledge, Verizon is not getting their version of the Atrix. Unless, the rumor is about the next generation Atrix that is supposed to be LTE. LTE phones should be cross compatible between Verizon's LTE and AT&T's LTE. But, that's not going to be for a long time (6 months, a year, possibly 2 years!!).

 

[papabri]

Excellent. A clear answer, thank you sir.

 

[MikeAusA]

ATTs 2G network is GSM (others use CDMA)

ATTs 3G network is UMTS/WCDMA - HSDPA etc is one of its options for high speed data on WCDMA.

WCDMA and CDMA are totally incompatible.

 

[kilasix9]

Just get the Bionic...