What Are GSM Cell Phones?

    GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) Cell Phones are the phones with the most standardized mobile telephony in the world. Statistics prove that more than 80% of the mobile phones currently being used in the world have this in-built technology within them.

    The cellular networks of GSM mobile phones have excellent connectivity as they search the network in the closest vicinity. The maximum distance supported by a GSM mobile is about 35 kilometers. Among the principal features of GSM, sending of SMS's is facilitated by only GSM cell phones.

    The delivery reports of sent messages are shown only in the GSM phones. One sends messages from his handset to others' handsets without knowing whether his message has been delivered to the receiver unless there is GSM technology in his phone.

    There exist four types of 'Call Forwarding' in the cell phones that are supported by GSM technology. In the 'Forward All Calls' mode, all the calls coming to one's GSM phone are forwarded irrespective of any conditions. The 'Forward if Busy' mode forwards calls to another phone number in case the particular GSM phone is busy with another call. The forwarding of calls coming to the GSM phone occurs if the user fails to answer them in the 'Forward if Not Answered' mode. Last but not the least, the 'Forward if Out of Reach' forwards calls to another phone in case the particular phone possessing GSM technology is in switch-off mode or out of network zone.

    The grouping of GSM services can be done into three categories: a. Teleservices: These encompass the features of regular calls, emergency calls and voice messages. b. Bearer Services: Cell broadcasting, data services and SMS facilities come under this category of services. c. Supplementary Services:

    Cell phones in possession of GSM technology have the option of 'Call Waiting' in them. In case a person is already on a call and is receiving another call at the same time, he can put the first caller on hold temporarily and then easily talk with the other caller. This provision is present in only the phones with GSM technology.

    The prices of GSM mobile phones vary from model to model and company to company. For instance, the NOKIA GSM Model No. N95 along with a 512 MB card is worth about $200. The LG BL40 New Chocolate Quadband GSM World Cellular Phone costs about $385. The price of the newly launched Blackberry Storm 2 9520 QUadband GSM World Cellphone is about $500. Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou) Quadband GSM World Cellphone has been priced by the company at $500.

    On the whole, the presence of GSM technology in the cell phones is advantageous for both the consumers as well as the network operators. The former benefits from the roaming facilities and the switching of carriers in the phone without its replacement; while the latter enjoys the benefits of choosing from the large database of GSM technology vendors.