The American system is for the standard GSM
on 1900.
Both reference standards are the TDMA and the CDMA,
this last one having the most recent but the least
widespread technology.
Again, there are a variety of mobile phone operators
(Verizon, Sprint PCS, Cingular,
VoiceStream).
They are all differents and pricing depends on the
usage... could range from $19.99 to...? Monthly price
includes service fee and a certain amount of minutes.
All the providers are pretty good in the cities but
there is spottier service once you are in less congested
areas of the country. Voicestream
does not work well oon the West coast.