GSM Mobiles

What is GSM?

GSM or Global System for Mobile communications is a cellular network that uses 2G digital technology and was made popular by GSM Association. Initially, GSM referred to Groupe Special Mobile that was formed in the early 1980s and it was standardized as a mobile phone technology in European countries. It was in 1991 in Finland that the very first network using GSM started operating.

GSM mobiles have become popular because of the very convenient and helpful benefits subscribers get when using the device. For one, networks that operate with GSM have contracts with other GSM operators so users of GSM mobiles can communicate to other subscribers through the same gadget no matter where they are in the world. Also, communication was made more affordable in GSM mobiles because the GSM technology gave birth to what is now known as SMS (short message service) or text message service.

How Does GSM Work?

There are various types of cells used by networks operating with GSM technology. These cells vary from each other in terms of spatial coverage which in turn depends on the type of terrain, positioning of antennas and the time by which signals are transmitted from a mobile phone to a GSM network.

When GSM mobiles are activated, the cells in these mobiles look for proximate cells around them. When a mobile user makes a call, his voice is transmitted as signals through frequencies of varying measurements. The signals from the GSM mobile are carried to the network operating with GSM then this network carries the signal to the mobile targeted by the caller.

The frequencies by which network operators transmit signals also vary in terms of location. US network operators work through 1900 and 850 megahertz frequencies while European countries work through 900 megahertz and 1.8 gigahertz.

GSM mobiles also makes use of the SIM or Subscriber Identity Module. It is the card by which network operators can provide service to their subscribers. It also facilitates retention of the subscriber's information and contact list as he changes mobile phone units.