History of GSM and More

The idea of the first cellular network was brainstormed in 1947. It was intended to be used for military purposes as a way of supplying troops with more advanced forms of communications. From 1947 till about 1979 several different forms of broadcasting technology emerged. The United States began to develop the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) network, while European countries were developing their own forms of communication.

History of GSM Technology

Europeans quickly realized the disadvantages of each European country operating on their mobile network. It prevents cell phone use from country to country within Europe. With the emerging European Union and high travel volume between countries in Europe this was seen as a problem. Rectifying the situation the Conference of European Posts and Telegraphs (CEPT) assembled a research group with intentions of researching the mobile phone system in Europe. This group was called Group Special Mobile (GSM).

For the next ten years the GSM group outlined standards, researched technology and designed a way to implement a pan-European mobile phone network. In 1989 work done by the GSM group was transferred to the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI). The name GSM was transposed to name the type of service invented. The acronym GSM had been changed from Group Special Mobile to Global Systems Mobile Telecommunications.

By April of 1991 commercial service of the GSM network had begun. Just a year and half later in 1993 there were already 36 GSM networks in over 22 countries. Several other countries were on the rise to adopt this new mobile phone network and participate in what was becoming a worldwide standard. At the same time, GSM also became widely used in the Middle East, South Africa and Australia.

While the European Union had developed a sophisticated digital cell phone system, the United States was still operating primarily on the old, analog AMPS network and TDMA. In the end of October 2001, Cingular was the first to announce their switch to the 3G GSM network. This involved switching more then 22 million customers from TDMA to GSM.

In 2005 Cingular stopped new phone activation on the TDMA network and began only selling GSM service.

Today major operators on the GSM network include Cingular/AT&T, and T-Mobile. Other common carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint operate on CDMA networks.

Most of the world external to the United States uses GSM technology. However, operate on different frequencies then the United States GSM phones.

There are five major GSM frequencies that have become standard worldwide. They include GSM-900, GSM-1800, GSM-850, GSM-1900 and GSM-400.

GSM-900 and GSM-1800

GSM-900 and GSM-1800 are standards used mostly worldwide. It is the frequency European phones operate on as well as most of Asia and Australia.

GSM-850 and GSM-1900

GSM-850 and GSM-1900 are primarily United States frequencies. They are also the standard for Canada GSM service and countries in Latin and South America. Most of the Cingular network operates on GSM 850, while much of T-Mobile operates at GSM-1900. T-Mobile however, has roaming agreements with Cingular. Meaning in the case of no service at GSM-1900, the phone will switch to GSM-850 and operate on Cingular’s network.

GSM-400

GSM-400 is the least popular of the bunch and is rarely used. It is an older frequency that was used in Russia and Europe before GSM-900 and GSM-1800 became available. There is not many networks currently operating at this frequency.

Which Phone Operates on Which Network?

There are four different frequencies that GSM phones operate on. It is important to purchase a phone operating on the frequencies for the service provider you use. If you purchase your phone from your cell phone company, you should have no problem matching your phone to your provider’s frequency. However, issues arise when trying to use a GSM phone internationally or purchasing your phone online.

Dual-Band Phone

Purchasing a dual band phone will operate either at GSM-900 and GSM-1800, or GSM-850 and GSM-1900. Meaning your phone will either work for the United States standard, or the European standard. However will not work for both.

Tri-Band Phone

Tri-band phones are a step up from a dual band phones; operating on three of the four GSM frequencies. Making it ideal for people who frequently travel. Switch the SIM card in your GSM phone, to a card for the area you are in, and your GSM phone will work internationally. Typically a tri-band phone will operate on the United States Standard, or European Standard. Additionally it will work on one of the frequencies for the opposite standard. If this is primarily a United States phone, it is important to select a phone operating on GSM-850 and GSM-1900 frequencies, and the European frequency for the provider you have selected. Tri-band phone provide great flexibility, however exclude an entire frequency on the GSM band. For complete working international phone, purchase a Quad-band phone.

Quad-Band Phone

Quad-band phones operate on four different GSM frequencies. Typically, GSM-900, GSM-1800, GSM-850 and GSM-1900. These phones can be taken almost anywhere GSM service is offered, and with the proper SIM card will provide adequate calling from the country you are in.

Why Not Always Purchase a Quad-Band Phone?

Quad band phones are expensive. Significantly more expensive then a tri-band and especially a dual-band phone. Quad-band phones are ideal for frequent travelers. People who often require a cell phone worldwide. If you need the added service capabilities from a quad-band phone, then it is worth the purchase. However, infrequent travelers and people primarily using their phone from one location, should not bare the extra expense.

The chart below displays countries and the frequency of GSM service they offer.