GSM Overview Legal information and Privacy Policy 1999 Intel Corporation Click here for information on Using GSM . Simply Put GSM , which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, is a digital cellular radio network operating in over 200 countries world-wide. It provides almost complete coverage in western Europe, and growing coverage in the Americas, Asia and elsewhere. Of special interest is the capability of the GSM network to be used for data computing.
Most people think of voice calls when they think of cellular phones.
Because it uses radio frequencies, GSM is a wireless platform, in contrast to technologies which require connecting one's laptop modem to a telephone outlet to use the land-based telephone network. This means users of GSM can be fully mobile, and do wireless data computing anywhere, without worrying about adapters, telephone jacks, cables, etc. The unique roaming features of GSM allow cellular subscribers to use their services in any GSM service area in the world in which their provider has a roaming agreement. That means the phone you use in France could work in Germany, Australia, Finland and even China, depending on your provider's roaming agreements. The SIM card is personalized to you and you alone.