The population rate and power propagation equations are presented and solved to compare the amplification performances of bismuth-based Er3+-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) pumped by 980- and 1480-nm lasers, respectively. In both single signal and coarse wavelength-division-multiplexing (CWDM) signals inputs, the 1480-nm pumped bismuth-based EDFA provides a larger signal gain than the 980-nm pumped one does, whereas the latter provides a relatively lower noise figure (NF). Comparative results indicate that the 1480-nm pumping scheme is more advantageous for bismuth-based EDFA regarding the band width and gain property.