GSM Networks
In the early days of mobile telephony, the various systems used throughout the world were incompatible with one another which was expensive and caused communication problems. There has since been a massive growth in mobile telephone systems worldwide and a system was needed to resolve communication issues. A group formed in Europe in the early 1980s called Groupe Special Mobile (GSM ) with the aim of developing a system that could be used throughout Europe.
GSM has evolved into the Global System for Mobile Communications – an international digital technology system used for transmitting mobile voice and data services. GSM architecture enables users to roam in many parts of the world and switch carriers without switching phones. Users can access the same services when travelling abroad as at home through GSM roaming.
Advances in GSM architecture mean that users can travel to many parts of the world with their mobile phones and can switch carriers using the same phone. With global GSM roaming, they can also access the same services abroad as they can at home. You can find out if your phone will work on a particular network or in a particular country by checking this link: http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml
GSM systems work in over 200 countries over four different frequencies: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. The main GSM networks in the UK are Cable and Wireless UK (GSM 1800 technology), FMS Solutions (GSM 1800), Mundio Mobile Limited (GSM 1800), Orange PCS Ltd (GSM 1800), T-Mobile (UK) Limited (GSM 1800), Telefonica O2 UK Limited (GSM 900/1800), TeleWare PLC (GSM 1800), Vodafone Ltd (GSM 900/1800).
Mobile phones operate over three frequency bands: Dual Band (900MHz and 1800 MHz), Tri-Band (900 MHz, 1800MHz and 1900 MHz) and Quad Band (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz). The 3rd Generation or 3G standard enables simultaneous use of speech and data services and higher data rates and delivers multimedia applications using greater bandwiths. Users can therefore connect to the internet very securely at the highest possible speeds. The main 3G networks in the UK using 3G 2100 technology are Hutchison 3G UK, Orange PCS, T-Mobile UK, Telefonica O2 UK and Vodafone.
Every mobile phone uses a SIM card which is a Subscriber Identity Module card. The SIM card identifies the user and holds data including text messages, phone logs and contact details. At Flying Penguin, we offer mobile phone products which are unlocked and SIM free. Check the huge variety of SIM free, unlocked mobile phone deals at www.flying-penguin.co.uk. A SIM free mobile phone comes without a SIM card so you can use your existing SIM card and any network provider. This means you can choose a tariff that suits your requirements because you are not tied to a particular network.
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Tags: cell phone, cell phones, GSM mobile communications, GSM mobile phones, GSM networks, mobile phones