What are GSM and GPRS?
What are GSM and GPRS?
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) has become the most successful global mobile technology for mobile phones and digital cellular networks with more than one billion subscribers. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) brings the possibility of data services and applications based on Internet Protocol (IP) to GSM mobile networks. In current network implementations, GPRS data transfer speeds are between 30 to 40 Kbit/s. What do GSM and GPRS do?
GSM is designed to deliver high-quality and secure mobile voice and data services to mobile users. Its success is based on its inherent support for roaming and interoperability across a number of different networks and across a number of different countries. GSM is available on multiple frequency bands globally and offers the widest selection of mobile services and mobile terminals currently available.
GPRS enables fast connections through which information can be sent and received as the need arises, without having to wait for a dial-up modem to establish a connection. This is why GPRS devices are sometimes referred to be as being an ‘always online’ technology. And because pricing is often based on the amount of data transferred rather than the connection time, this has made GPRS applications such as email popular with small and large businesses around the world.
Benefits of GSM & GPRS
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- International standard - one and the same mobile phone works across continents
- International roaming capability for professionals travelling overseas
- Well established interoperability of GSM/GPRS devices and networks
GSM phones require a small electronic chip, called a SIM card, to be inserted into a slot in the handset. This international SIM card is the “heart” of your phone - it contains your cell phone number, your phone book, and all of your registration information. Most companies with GSM service provide you access to over 320 GSM networks in over 140 countries.
What are Unlocked GSM Phones?
Unlocked GSM phones are either a) phones which are directly from the manufacturer which were never locked, or b) phones from a carrier which have been modified to openly work on any network.
What are the different frequencies of GSM that I need?
Most of the world’s GSM networks operate at 900MHz and 1800MHz. However, in order to use the networks in the USA and Canada you will need a handset that is also capable of operating at the 1900MHz frequency. Most phones are now either “dual” “tri” or “quad band” (includes 850MHz) to serve most of the world.
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