GSM cell phones become industry standard

Almost everywhere except the U.S., GSM cell phones set the standard in wireless communication. GSM, which stands for Global System of Mobile Communications, was chosen in the 1980s as the wireless technology for the European continent.

Most of the rest of the world followed and today, more people carry GSM cell phones than any other type.

Because GSM is the standard in Europe, Africa, Australia and most of Asia, cell phone customers can be use the same phone as they travel between these countries and continents. All that GSM phone users need is a SIM card—a subscriber identification module. SIM cards plug into GSM phones and contain all of the information needed to access a local service provider. You can buy SIM cards when you arrive in a foreign country, or you can buy through a company called Telestial before you travel.

GSM phones are also sold in the United States, but the technology is not compatible with much of the rest of the world. If you frequently travel overseas, you may want to purchase an internationally compatible GSM phone. These would be 900MHz or 1800MHz cell phones. Most GSM phones available in the U.S. are 1900 MHz, but more companies are starting to offer the internationally compatible phones.

In addition to being useable around the world, GSM phones have several other advantages. The phones provide a level of safety and security not available from analog models. The sound quality that GSM technology affords is clear and crisp. The digital technology and superior batteries in GSM phones make it possible to talk more and charge less.

Speaking of charging less, GSM handset are relative inexpensive. We saw one model advertised for just $99.

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About The Author:

Wendy Whittaker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com. A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.