global system for mobile communications

Also known as: GSM

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is a digital mobile phone system that was first developed in Europe. It is a cellular system where a geographic area is divided into smaller regions called cells. Each cell has a base station that communicates with mobile devices within that cell.12

Key features of cellular communication include:
* Frequency Reuse: Frequencies assigned to one cell can be reused in other cells, increasing the system's efficiency.2
* Handoff: As a mobile device moves between cells, the call is automatically rerouted without interruption.2
* Cell Splitting: When demand in a cell increases, it can be divided into smaller cells to accommodate more users.2

GSM is a second-generation (2G) digital system that enabled features like text messaging and internet browsing. It became widely adopted across Europe and laid the groundwork for future mobile communication technologies.2

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mobile telephone
Development of cellular systems
…European Community announced the digital global system for mobile communications, referred to as GSM, the first such system that would permit any cellular user in one European country to operate in another European country with the same equipment. GSM soon became ubiquitous throughout Europe.
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…European Community announced the digital global system for mobile communications, referred to as GSM, the first such system that would permit any cellular user in one European country to operate in another European country with the same equipment. GSM soon became ubiquitous throughout Europe.
Read More