Spanning The Globe: Samsung W531 For Sprint, Maybe VZW
Hybrid CDMA/GSM phones for international use are nothing new. The Samsung a790 was introduced some time ago, and both Sprint and Verizon Wireless have offered it at one time or another. Samsung is now updating the technology with its new W531, headed for Sprint (and also probably Verizon Wireless).
These combo phones operate with CDMA technology in the U.S., on the home networks of Sprint or Verizon. Then when you travel to places like Asia or Europe where GSM wireless technology prevails, these hybrid phones are set up to use it, by roaming on local carriers. These phones come bundled with flat rate roaming plans for use abroad. This is not as cheap as buying a prepaid SIM card and putting it in an unlocked GSM phone, but it’s a lot more convenient. And for busy international business travelers, convenience means a lot.
In spite of rumors that this phone might support the Sprint Music Store, we’re led to believe this will NOT be a multimedia phone (no memory card slot or dedicated media controls, etc.). But it is much more stylish and compact than previous “world” phones.
And if you have any ideas about using this phone to access GSM carriers in the U.S. like T-Mobile or Cingular, forget it. This phone is NOT expected to support GSM frequences in the States.
No idea what the price will be, but based on previous experience with similar models expect it to cost at least several hundred dollars.
Sprint, Samsung, W531, Verizon Wireless, a790, GSM, CDMA
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