MTS plans to launch a CDMA dongle (USB data card) that will also work on 3G GSM networks. However, this will be targeted only at international travelers.
BlackBerry has similar smartphones dubbed as world edition phones that work on both CDMA as well as GSM networks.
The benefits of such dongles cannot be over stated. With this technology, a subscriber can travel anywhere in the world without worrying whether or not he will be within network coverage.
This technology is particularly important for CDMA players as most of the world has GSM coverage while CDMA coverage is somewhat rarer. This leads to people preferring GSM dongles even where GSM network is weaker than CDMA.
Talking to The Mobile Indian, MTS spokesperson Viraj Chouhan said, “We plan to introduce a CDMA + GSM dongle in India targeted specially at frequent international travelers who need seamless data connectivity.”
He, however, did not disclose a timeline or price for this new device.
MTS is a CDMA only operator unlike the two other CDMA operators in India — Tata Communications and Reliance Communications, both of which have GSM operations as well.