EVDO refers to mobile broadband access; it doesn't affect call quality.
Cell phone technologies keep advancing, and with their advancement comes a plethora of new acronyms for consumers to learn. As of April 2011, EVDO is currently in wide use throughout the United States, although it's rapidly being phased out by newer, faster technology. Whether your phone uses EVDO depends largely on the phone itself, as well as your cellular service provider.
EVDO Meaning
EVDO is an acronym for Evolution Data Optimized, a specific type of 3G, or third generation, mobile broadband service. It only runs on cell phones using the CDMA, or Code Division Multiple Access standard. It's a means of accessing the Internet wirelessly via your cell phone, without the need to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot -- as long as you're within range of cell phone towers that support this service. Not all cell phone providers offer this service; two major carriers in the United States that do are Sprint and Verizon.
Comparison
Regarding speed, EVDO Rev A is most comparable with HSPA, another 3G mobile broadband technology used by AT&T. EVDO Rev A features download speeds ranging from 600 Kbps to 1,400 Kbps, with bursts up to 3.1 Mbps. Upload speeds range from 500 Kbps to 800 Kbps, with bursts up to 1.8 Mbps. Meanwhile, HSPA features download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1700 Kbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1200 Kbps. As of April 2011, 4G technologies, such as WiMax and LTE, are the only cell phone services that are faster -- provided you have a solid signal.
Considerations
Two speeds of EVDO are available for cell phones. EVDO Rev 0 is the older and slower one; EVDO Rev A is newer and faster. Depending on carrier availability and phone compatibility, you may be able to tether your computer to your EVDO-enabled cell phone, which allows you to use it as a mobile hotspot wherever you are. If it is available, additional charges for this service are likely charged by your carrier. EVDO cell phone service is most prevalent in North America, and most specifically in the United States. Some carriers also offer EVDO service in Canada and Mexico, but it is not widely used elsewhere in the world. Also, your EVDO speeds, like your call quality, depend largely on how strong signal is in your area. If you are nowhere near areas where your cell phone carrier provides service, you may see your cell phone display the acronym "1X" in place of the "EV" graphic you're used to seeing. That means you're out of range of EVDO, but you can access the Internet using 1XRTT technology, which is a 2 G standard available across the United States. Speeds range from 50 Kbps to 100 Kbps both downloading and uploading, with bursts of up to 144 Kbps either way.
Warning
When you're choosing a cell phone and carrier, take into account where and how you'll be using your phone most frequently. If you live and work in an area with strong EVDO support with a particular carrier, and do not travel out of that area frequently, EVDO is a good choice for you. However, if you frequently find yourself in the middle of nowhere and can only get 1X reception, the added expense of an EVDO phone and accompanying data plan may not be worth it. Also, keep in mind that cell phones that offer navigation plans frequently rely on 3G technologies -- including EVDO. If you rely on cell phone navigation programs when driving, seriously consider your mobile broadband options before traveling.
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