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What Is GSM in Cellular Networking?

GSM is short for Global System for Mobile Communications

By Adam Fendelman Adam Fendelman Writer University of Missouri-Columbia Adam Fendelman is a syndicated technology writer and senior web designer whose focus was on web analytics and web design among other things. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 3, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS Global System for Mobile communications is the most popular cell phone standard. According to the GSM Association, which represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry, roughly 80 percent of the world uses GSM technology for wireless calls.

Which Networks Are GSM

Here's a quick breakdown of just a few mobile carriers and that use GSM: T-MobileAT&TIndigo WirelessPine CellularTerreStar In the United States, Sprint and Verizon use CDMA instead of GSM.

GSM vs CDMA

GSM offers wider international roaming capabilities than other U.S. network technologies and can enable a cell phone to be a “world phone." With GSM, switching SIM cards activates different phones to the same network account. In addition, GSM allows for simultaneous data and voice operation—something CDMA cannot manage. GSM carriers offer roaming contracts with other GSM carriers and typically cover rural areas more completely than competing CDMA carriers, and often without roaming charges. What is CDMA and How Does it Work?

Technical Information About GSM

The origins of GSM start in 1982 when the Groupe Spécial Mobile was created by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations to design a pan-European mobile technology. GSM didn't begin being used commercially until 1991, where it was built using TDMA technology. GSM provides standard features like phone call encryption, data networking, caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, SMS, and conferencing. This cell phone technology works in the 1900 MHz band in the US and the 900 MHz band in Europe and Asia. Data is compressed and digitized, and then sent through a channel with two other data streams, each using their own slot. FAQ What does 'GSM unlocked' mean? A phone labeled as a GSM unlocked phone is a device that can work with any compatible mobile service provider. Unlike a locked phone, you don't have to purchase a contract with a specific cellular network for the phone. You can choose to activate the device with any GSM mobile carrier. What does 'GSM carrier' mean? A GSM carrier is a mobile network provider that uses the Global System for Mobile communications cellular technology. GSM carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile provide service to GSM phones while Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) carriers are only compatible with CDMA phones. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Understanding How a Mobile Network Works What is TDMA? Using Your Smartphone When Traveling to Another Country MWC 2023: Dates, News, Announcements, and Everything Else to Know What Is TDMA and What Does It Do? What is a SIM Card? What is CDMA and How Does it Work? 8 Solutions for When Your iPhone Says No SIM What Was 3G Wireless Technology? The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2022 How to Check if an iPhone Is Unlocked 5G: Everything You Need to Know What to Consider Before You Buy an Unlocked Smartphone What Do All Those Gs Mean in Wireless Service? What Is An Unlocked Phone? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies