Advantages Of GSM

GSM supports all types of cellular devices from regular cell phones to smartphones.Louis-Laurent Grandadam/Photodisc/Getty Images

GSM, or Global System for Mobile communications, is one of several types of cellular technology. GSM allows for voice and data transmissions across several frequencies, and supports cellular devices from basic to smartphones. One of the most popular cellular services, GSM service is available across almost 80 percent of the world.

International Roaming

Because GSM service is available in more than 200 countries, customers are able to roam internationally without changing their devices or their service plans. Messaging services and other advanced services, such as data, also remain available. Cellular companies make partnership agreements with providers overseas, so customers are able to roam internationally at reduced roaming rates.

GSM services are highly secure, with technologies in place that can protect against both eavesdropping and service hacking. GSM devices and services cannot be cloned as easily as other technologies. The SIM card, or Subscriber Identity Module card which carries subscriber and contact information, secures customer information. These cards also allow customers to transfer their subscription information and phone book information from one handset to another at any time.

GSM providers control a large share of the cellular market and therefore are able to provide a large variety of affordable devices and services. Manufacturers are able to provide many different types of devices for affordable prices because the large volume of purchases helps to drive down the manufacturing costs. The variety of devices and services appeal to customers as well, because they want to try the newest and most interesting products.

The GSM technology uses five bands of MHz frequency; 450, 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz. Manufacturers are able to produce devices that can pick up two or three different frequency bands. Those handsets can then switch between those frequencies automatically as needed, in order to maintain a network connection almost anywhere. The signals available with GSM service are efficient, meaning that a great deal of data can transmit across the frequency bands without reducing the effectiveness of the signals.