GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is a 2G mobile phone technology. In common usage, "GSM" encompasses its data counterpart, GPRS, and their successor 3G standards, EDGE (also known as IMT or EGPRS) and UMTS.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, originally Group Spécial Mobile) is a 2G mobile phone technology. In common usage, "GSM" encompasses its data counterparts, GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (also known as (IMT-SC or EGPRS), and their 3G successor, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System).
The frequencies employed for GSM/EDGE/UMTS service vary by region; 900 and 1800 MHz are most common in Europe, Africa, and most of Asia whereas 850 and 1900 are most common in North America, and Central and South America employ a combination. A so-called "world phone" is thus typically a quad-band GSM phone capable of using the 850/900/1,800/1,900 MHz bands.
