Updated February 8, 2023
What is the Full Form of GSM?
Global System for Mobile Communication is the full form of GSM. GSM is a standard for mobile telecommunications used worldwide. Developed in the 1980s and 1990s, GSM is the world’s most commonly used mobile technology, with over 3 billion users as of 2021 and likely to increase by more than double. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history, technology, and features of GSM, as well as its impact on the telecommunications industry and society.
History of GSM
GSM was first developed in the 1980s by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to standardize mobile telecommunications in Europe. The first GSM network was launched in 1991 by Radiolinja (now part of Elisa) in Finland. Over the next few years, several European countries rolled out GSM networks, and by the mid-1990s, GSM had become the dominant mobile technology in Europe.
GSM in the early 2000s had become the standard for mobile telecommunications among many countries. Today, GSM is used by over 80% of mobile networks worldwide, making it the most widely used mobile technology in the world.
Technology Used by GSM
The technology used by GSM is as follows:-
#1 Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)
GSM uses TDM to divide the radio frequency spectrum into time slots for different users allowing multiple users to share the same frequency band and supporting many users on a small range.
#2 Circuit-Switched Data (CSD)
GSM uses CSD to allow users to send and receive data over the network. This technology enables users to access essential data services like text messaging and internet access, which laid the foundation for developing more advanced data services and mobile applications.
#3 SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module)
GSM uses SIM cards to store users’ subscription information, such as phone numbers and network operator details. It allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks and devices, as long as the device is GSM-compatible, thus making it more convenient for users.
#4 Encryption
GSM uses encryption to secure voice and data communications, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to listen to or intercept communications, thus providing a high level of security.
#5 Advanced Calling Features
GSM provides advanced features like call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, and conference calls, making it more convenient for users to manage their calls.
#6 Messaging services
GSM provides messaging services like Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) that allows users to send and receive text and multimedia messages, which have become an integral part of our daily lives.
Impact of GSM
GSM has an impact on the telecommunications industry and society as a whole. Some of them are:-
#1 Affordability and Accessibility
GSM has made mobile communications affordable and widely available by turning mobile communications into a mass-market product. It has allowed people to stay connected.
#2 Development of Mobile Internet
GSM played a crucial role in developing the mobile internet into an integral part of our lives, with billions of people using it to access information, communicate, and stay connected.
#3 Fostering Global Connectivity
GSM has played a vital role in promoting global connectivity, making it possible for businesses and individuals to communicate and conduct transactions across borders. It has helped to drive economic growth and development and has made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe.
#4 Mobile Banking And E-Commerce
GSM played a significant role in developing mobile banking and e-commerce services, which have become an integral part of our daily lives. It has made it possible for people to conduct financial transactions and make purchases quickly from the comfort of their homes, thus leading to a significant increase in the convenience and accessibility of these services.
#5 Economic Growth
GSM also played a crucial role in driving economic growth by enabling businesses to communicate and transact across borders and making mobile banking and e-commerce services widely available. This has resulted in new opportunities for companies and individuals and the development of a more connected and prosperous global economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we learned the full form of GSM, a standard for mobile telecommunications that has profoundly impacted the telecommunications industry and society. GSM has made mobile communications more affordable and accessible to a broader range of people and has played a vital role in developing the mobile internet.
However, as technology advances, GSM is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the modern digital age. The GSM technology is now being phased out by newer mobile technologies such as 3G, 4G, and 5G, providing faster data speeds and more advanced features. Nevertheless, GSM‘s legacy will continue to be felt for many years, as it has played an essential role in shaping the world.
