GSM Cell Phones

The development of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks has been decades in the making, originally designed as a European system using digital technology. Its high performance led to its massive success, and it's now the most dominant cell phone network system in the world. GSM is now available at an affordable price and offers the possibility for international roaming.

The GSM system also supports premium features like GPRS (Global Packet Radio Service), which offers high-speed data transmission, as well as its advanced version EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution). The integration of EDGE technology into GSM systems promises to enable users to do more messaging and downloading with their GSM phone at higher speeds than ever before. GPRS and EDGE are just a couple of features now common to most GSM phones.

Common GSM Feature Packages

Bluetooth connectivity is another useful GSM technology that helps turn cell phones into way more than just a way to talk to friends and family. Bluetooth technology is now a popular system of communication between compatible devices, like cell phones, PCs, printers, headsets, and much more. It was developed as an alternative to using standard cables to connect a handset to a PC, utilizing radio waves as a means of data exchange.

Bluetooth capability is often used as a means of information synchronization between a PC and a handset. Additionally, Bluetooth headsets have become quite common for hands-free, wireless communication within a certain range. An Infrared port is sometimes found on GSM handsets as well, which uses a light-based line of communication between a cell phone and PC for similar data exchange purposes.

Other GSM standards include a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), which provides the most universal and efficient way for cell phones to access the Internet. These and other GSM innovations pave the way for exciting feature packages, including wireless web browsing and e-mail. Integrated with Java technology, advanced capability for downloading is possible.

GSM Messaging Possibilities

Short Messaging Service (SMS) and its advanced successor, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), frequently play a part in GSM cell phone communication as well. Text messaging has been all the rage in recent years, but this technology has taken years to develop. SMS enables short text messages, typically of 160 characters, to be exchanged between SMS phones. SMS has evolved over the years to include short message forms of e-mail alerts, chat services, and even the ability to download ring tones.

MMS features take this capability a step further to include photo, video, and audio components along with a standard text message. Since so many GSM phones now come with an integrated camera, often with the ability to record video, cell phones have taken the form of mobile entertainment centers. Messages have evolved to take on endless forms, and this has become a big part of the appeal of owning a GSM phone.

GSM phones are available in a few different varieties, depending on their intended use. World phones of tri-band and quad-band network compatibility have the largest global range for frequent travelers, and dual-band phones work in most regions except North America. It's important to note the specific country's network compatibility before purchasing a GSM phone.