Although quite a few phone users have heard the term, not too many people know the actual definition of what GSM is, and the role in plays. As they say, knowledge is power, so let's find out.




First: What is the meaning of the GSM acronym?


Originally, GSM stood for Groupe Special Mobile, over time however this acronym changed in meaning to be read as Global System for Mobile communications. The group who made the decision to do this, and who also promotes this cellular standard, is known as the GSM Association.



Second: What function is GSM used for?


GSM allows mobile phones to make connections with the varied services we require (phone calls, messaging, internet, ect.).



Third: How is GSM accomplishing this?


GSM is is rightlyconsidered to be a cellular network, basically meaning that user's phones try to connect to the network by looking for cells in the immediate close area. The channels that are in use for speech and signaling are digital rather than the older analog, which helps explain the technical nickname of 2G, since it built the first generation analog into a second generation version.



Fourth: GSM connects on what band?


When talking about GSM connections, four primary bands must be discussed. These four are 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz. Both the 900MHz and the 1800MHz bands are which most of phone operators will use, however the 850MHz as well as the 1900MHz bands are mostly in use in the US, Canada, plus areas in South America.



Fifth: What does EDGE and GPRS mean when talking about GSM?


GPRS (which is an acronym for General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (which is an acronym for Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) are two releases originally intended to beef up GSM services, and in particular its accessing the internet capabilities. The GSM 2G cellular systems in combination with GPRS often are called 2.5G (since it is a half step up off 2G), whereas EDGE is an add on for GSM that is considered to be 3G radio technology (thus providing it the name 2.75G because is combines the previous gen GSM 2G and the more current 3G tech).



Sixth: Does 3G operate on the GSM network?
Connections to the 3G network primarily includes GSM's frequencies (850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz) as well as the 2100MHz UMTS. The 3G network having been given the capability to run on those GSM bands is considered a well thought our plan since it since it reduces the network fees due to the use of GSM's lower frequencies.



Seventh: What is GSM's current condition?


Presently, users of mobile phones throughout the world are very likely using GSM (use thought to be over 2 billion users in more than 212 countries).



Eighth: Why did the GSM bands become the one used most?


At the time it first was introduced, users flocked to the GSM frequency due to the higher digital voice quality that it was able to offer
added to it being capable of having lower cost alternatives to making calls with the phone (the most famous being Short Message Service (aka SMS)). Network carriers utilized the GSM frequencies mostly because of easy deployment of equipment.



Ninth: GSM's continued control over he market is due to what factors?


GSM’s worldwide usage has made roaming services from the network carriers a fact, which means that a network's subscribers can use their phones from GSM carriers in numerous nations. No other band can even come near to having the ability to match the GSM frequency's massive coverage.

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