About GSM

What is GSM?

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services.

What does GSM offer?

GSM supports voice calls and data transfer speeds of up to 9.6 kbit/s, together with the transmission of SMS (Short Message Service).

GSM operates in the 900MHz and 1.8GHz bands in Europe and the 1.9GHz and 850MHz bands in the US. The 850MHz band is also used for GSM and 3G in Australia, Canada and many South American countries. By having harmonised spectrum across most of the globe, GSM’s international roaming capability allows users to access the same services when travelling abroad as at home. This gives consumers seamless and same number connectivity in more than 218 countries.

Terrestrial GSM networks now cover more than 80% of the world’s population. With more than 3 billion people using GSM and approximately 80 percent of the world's population covered by mobile networks, GSM is fast becoming the most popular way to deliver information, communication and entertainment services to people worldwide.

Since the 1990s, the GSM family of technologies has become increasingly sophisticated and GSM networks now offer a wealth of mobile data and entertainment services.

After voice, the growth of SMS (Short Messaging Service), or text messaging, continues, with an estimated one trillion messages sent globally in 2005. More advanced messaging services – such as MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), IM (Instant Messaging) and mobile email – offer users an even richer mobile messaging experience.

GSM is now used in 218 countries and territories serving more than three billion people and providing travellers with access to mobile services wherever they go.