Frequently Asked Questions
GSM Technology is continually evolving.
Having made great leaps forward in the past 10 years, it is facing an even greater evolution in the years ahead.
If you wish to suggest any FAQ's for this section, please email webmaster@gsmworld.com
What do the initials GSM stand for?
Global System for Mobile Communications
What is GSM?
GSM is an open, non-proprietary system that is constantly
evolving. One of its great strengths is the international
roaming capability. This gives consumers seamless and same
standardised same number contactability in more than 170 countries.
GSM satellite roaming has extended service access to areas
where terrestrial coverage is not available.
What is technically distinctive about the technology?
GSM differs from first generation wireless systems in that
it uses digital technology and time division multiple access
transmission methods. Voice is digitally encoded via a unique
encoder, which emulates the characteristics of human speech.
This method of transmission permits a very efficient data
rate/information content ratio.
How will GSM evolve?
High bandwidth services are already becoming available through
second generation technologies. The development path to 3GSM
is clearly mapped out and brings with it the possibilities
of sophisticated data and multimedia applications. The GSM
standard will continue to evolve, I with wireless, satellite
and cordless systems offering greatly expanded services. These
will include high speed, multimedia data services, inbuilt
support for parallel use of such services and seamless integration
with the Internet and wireline networks.
What is 3GSM?
3GSM is the generic term used for the next generation of mobile
communications services.
These new systems will provide enhanced services to those
available today ie, voice, text and data. The concepts for
3GSM services are currently being developed across the industry
and by global groups such as the Third Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP). The GSM Association's vision of 3GSM is based
on today's GSM standard, but evolved to include an additional
radio air interface better suited to high speed and multimedia
data services.
Will my current mobile phone cease to work when 3GSM systems
are launched?
There will be a period in which second generation and third
generation systems co-exist. In essence, third generation
systems are based on second generation infrastructure and
services, but offer a new radio interface, among other features.
So your current mobile will continue to operate. It will be
up to you whether you wish to access 3GSM services. If you
do, you will need to upgrade.
What services will 3GSM offer?
Video on demand, high speed multimedia and internet access
are just a few possibilities. The main benefit of third generation
systems is that they will offer high end service capabilities,
which include substantially enhanced capacity, quality and
data rates than currently available. 3GSM services will also
include concurrent usage of multiple services and bridge the
gap between wireless and internet/computing.
Will third generation systems be truly worldwide and how
can I find out about developments in my own country?
It is likely that there will be up to three types of technology
deployed in 3GSM. These systems are being harmonised to ensure
they are compatible and will accept multimode handsets. This
integration of systems and services will give users worldwide
roaming. Your national regulatory authority is the best and
most accurate source of information on third generation licences
and their availability in your country. However, the GSM Association
collates this information as it becomes available and will
be happy to help with any queries you may have.
Is there a health risk-using mobile phones?
The international scientific community reviews all relevant
research as it is published. The consensus of these expert
groups is that there is no demonstrable evidence of a risk
to human health from mobile phone use. In addition, it is
argued that the low powered radio signals produced by mobile
phones do not have sufficient intrinsic energy to affect genetic
material. The GSM Association continues to support international
quality research into this question and contributes to a programme
coordinated by the World Health Organisation.
Is GSM secure?
From the outset, GSM has been a system designed with stringent
levels of inbuilt security. With constantly enhanced transmission
protocols and algorithms added to the flexible and future
proof platform, GSM remains the most secure public wireless
standard in the world.
What is the GSM Association?
The GSM Association, based in Dublin, Ireland and London,
UK, represents the interests of more than 690 GSM, satellite
and 3GSM operators, key manufacturers and suppliers to the
GSM industry as well as regulatory and administrative bodies
from more than 190 countries and regions around the world.
Most of the first third generation licensees are also members.
The GSM Association is responsible for the continued maintenance
of open standards and interoperability. The global cooperation
between operators is most powerfully illuminated by the success
of international roaming. One of the Association's major priorities
is the development and promotion of the GSM standard worldwide.
Back to top |
