What is GSM?

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GSM is a technology which is the leading cell phone standard all over the world. In 1982 it was recognized as a standard for digital wireless communications and was first adopted in Europe and then by Asia, Africa etc. The first system was online in 1991 and GSM was formerly known as Group Special Mobile but now stands for Global System for Mobile communications. USA, however has not adopted GSM as a standard and so different carriers now use different technologies as opposed to only GSM.
GSM uses digital technology and the methods of time division multiple access transmission. In GSM, sound is digitally prearranged through a special encoder, which imitates the distinctiveness of human speech. This method of transmission allows a very competent statistics speed/information content ratio.
GSM is an open system and is a non propriety technology. One of the great benefits of GSM is that it facilitates international roaming. As it is adopted by more than 170 countries, you have the facility of using your GSM cell phone in all these places without having to change your number. GSM satellite roaming has broadened the scope of cellular services even to areas where standard terrestrial services are not possible.
GSM is a technology that is rapidly growing and constantly evolving with wireless, satellite and cordless systems offering greatly expanded services. These services include multimedia data services, high speed, inbuilt support for side by side use of these services and faultless incorporation with the Internet and wireline networks. 3GSM (next generation of mobile communications services) is already charted out and will make available services enhancing the already existing voice, data, and text services. GSM will provide video on demand and will help to lessen the gap between wireless and internet/computers.
GSM works on different frequency bands across the world. In North America it uses a 1900 MHz frequency whereas in other parts of the world it uses either 900MHz or 1800 MHz. As different frequencies are used in different places, your GSM handset should support various bands so that it can be used globally.
From the beginning, GSM has been developed with the need to give its customers utmost security in terms of secure communications, fraud prevention, and call privacy. Today it is the worlds most secure public wireless standard for cellular phones.

In an entirely different context, GSM could also stand for grams per square metre. This is the standard measure used for paper, and fabrics.

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First answer by ID3400636332. Last edit by Mehtamatics. Contributor trust: 519 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 178 [recommend question].