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. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the exciting technology.
Personal Communications Services or PCS refers to a whole family of next-generation wireless communications services that include new categories of wireless voice, two-way messaging and high-speed data transmission using lightweight, multi-function, digital pocket phones and mobile computers. Licenses to provide these new services in the 1850-1990 MHz band of the radio spectrum were auctioned by the Federal Communications Commission in 1995. The higher frequencies at which the PCS networks operate accommodate more information, more efficiently than lower frequencies. (Cellular networks operate in the lower 800 MHz band).
PCS networks operate similarly to other radio technologies in that signal are sent using a series of transmitters (also called base stations) mounted on buildings, free-standing towers and other structures.
PCS phones send and receive digital signals via these base stations and a system of computerized switches. When a call is made on a PCS phone, the signal is received by a base station, which forwards it to a switch-a network of computers, software and control systems that processes, routes and completes voice and data transmissions.
The switch determines how the call should be processed, for example, whether it should be transmitted to another wireless phone or a wired phone.
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.
Yes. GSM-based PCS systems serve more than 300 million subscribers in about 150 countries around the world. With more than 200 service providers since the first systems began commercial operation in 1991, GSM is the fastest-growing wireless telecommunications technology in the world. GSM networks already reach more than 2.7 billion people in Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Europe, India, the Middle East, New Zealand and North America.
There will be a period in which 2G and 3G systems co-exist. In essence, 3G systems are based on 2G 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 3G services. If you do, you will need to upgrade.
Video on demand, high speed multimedia and internet access are just a few possibilities. The main benefit of 3G systems is that they will offer high end service capabilities, which include substantially enhanced capacity, quality and data rates than currently available. 3G systems will also include concurrent usage of multiple services and bridge the gap between wireless and internet/computing.
It is likely that there will be up to three types of technology deployed in 3G. 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 3G 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.
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.
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.
The GSM Association, based in Dublin, Ireland and London, UK, represents the interests of more than 490 GSM, satellite and 3G operators, key manufacturers and suppliers to the GSM industry as well as regulatory and administrative bodies from more than 159 countries and regions around the world. Most of the first 3G 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.
APUA was the first in the English speaking Caribbean to introduce a GSM mobile network. Jamaica soon followed suit. Neighbouring islands are planning their GSM networks as they now begin to realise that GSM is the leading global mobile network.
GSM - The world's leading mobile technology
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Additional information on PCS wireless technology is available on the Federal Communications Commission's Web site at http://www.fcc.gov as well as http://www.gsmworld.com