Cell phones aka mobile phones use radio waves to transmit voice and data. These radio waves are transmitted at different frequencies. They work just like regular radio stations transmission do which is at varying frequencies.
GSM cell phones work within four frequencies 850 MHz 900 MHz 1800 MHz 1900 MHz. Although these frequencies seem very close a phone that works in one of these frequency bands will not work on another band unless that second band is present in the phone. For example if you have a phone that has 900/1800 it will only work on networks that uses these two frequencies. It will not work on any network that uses 850/1900 frequencies. By network I mean the physical medium service providers (at&t and t-mobile in the US) use to move voice and data that is transmitted by their customers.
Example to explain frequencies bands: Let’s equate frequency bands with language. In general they work in a similar fashion.
850 = English
900 = German
1800 = French
1900 = Spanish
The cell phone would equal a person. If the person speaks all four languages he/she can communicate with anyone that speaks any of these languages. If he/she only speaks three languages he/she will be able to communicate with three others who speak his/her language so on and so forth…
unlocked cell phones
Gsm and 3G Frequencies used in the United States and around the world
US GSM & 3G Frequencies and.
Two frequency bands are used by GSM service providers in the United States. At the inception of the GSM Network in the United States only 1900 MHz frequency was used for GSM cell phone service. For a while now there has been a growing amount of GSM service on the 850 MHz band especially by AT&T/Cingular. This type of service was at first developed for rural areas, because the 850 MHz band has better range than the 1900 MHz band. Now it's widespread in all areas.Most of the 850 MHz service belonged to AT&T, and Cingular (these two companies have merged Cingular is being phased out). T-Mobile does not have any of its own 850 MHz service. It does have roaming agreement with AT&T. So T-mobile user will sometimes find themselves in an area where the only signal available is on 850 MHz and they can use their cell phones in these area’s where roaming charges usually apply.
Do you need both frequencies in the United States?
No and Yes depending on the users situation. The user only need one of the frequency bands because the coverage is so wide spread that he/she will get service in most of the country. However it’s a good idea to have both bands in case of an emergency the user needs service and his/her phone can roam off the secondary band. But because these bands are used by competing service providers i.e. AT&T (formerly Cingular), T-mobile and others chances are that if there is service for one service provider in an area there will be service for other as well.Which frequencies are used internationally?
GSM was developed in Europe. Initially, all countries with GSM service used the 900 MHz band. Than service providers started to add 1800 MHz coverage, due to congestion in the 900 MHz band. Currently majority of the countries in the world use the 900/1900 MHz frequency. With the exception of the United States which stated off with the 1900 MHz frequency band and than added the 850 MHz as well. Some countries with close links to the United States also use the 1900/850 MHz frequencies.If you plan on traveling overseas in the future refer to the table Below to get a feeling for which countries use which frequency bands. 900 MHz frequency band is the most common band used internationally. 1800 MHz frequency band will give users expanded coverage in countries that have 900 MHz frequency. Some countries only have 1900 MHz. Japan is the only county in the world that doesn’t have a GSM network it runs exclusive WCDMA/UMTS/3G. The Good news is that a lot of new Quad Band phones come with WCDMA/UMTS/3G built in along with the four GSM frequencies.
What is a SIM?
A Key features of GSM is the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), commonly known as a SIM card. The SIM is a detachable smart card containing the user's subscription information and phonebook. This allows the user to retain his or her information after switching handsets. Alternatively, the user can also change operators while retaining the handset simply by changing the SIM. Some operators will block this by allowing the phone to use only a single SIM, or only a SIM issued by them; this practice is known as SIM locking, and is illegal in some countries. Subscribers can purchase a variety of unlocked cell phones which come directly from the manufactuer with out any types of lock on them so they can be used with any carrier world wide. The only consideration should be to check the frequency range used in the country the cell phone will be used. A cell phone with all four frequencies (850 900 1800 1900mhz) will work with any GSM carrier.
In Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States many operators lock the cell phones they sell. This is done because the price of the cell phone is typically subsidised with revenue from subscriptions, and operators want to try to avoid subsidising competitor's mobiles. A subscriber can usually contact the provider to remove the lock for a fee, utilize private services to remove the lock, or make use of ample software and websites available on the Internet to unlock the handset themselves. While most web sites offer the unlocking for a fee, some do it for free. The locking applies to the handset, identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, not to the account (which is identified by the SIM card). It is always possible to switch to another (non-locked). such handsets can be purchased from various dealer online who deal in unlocked cell phones.
Some providers will unlock the phone for free if the customer has held an account for a certain time period. Third party unlocking services exist that are often quicker and lower cost than that of the operator. In most countries, removing the lock is legal. United States-based AT&T and T-Mobile provide free unlocking services to their customers. customer can call in and find out about the time required.
unlocked cell phones are avaiable around the world thanks to the internet as well as manufactuers setting up their own flagship stores to sell these phones. A person can purchase a phone in one country and use prepaid sim cards to utilized his phone in any part of the world.
In Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States many operators lock the cell phones they sell. This is done because the price of the cell phone is typically subsidised with revenue from subscriptions, and operators want to try to avoid subsidising competitor's mobiles. A subscriber can usually contact the provider to remove the lock for a fee, utilize private services to remove the lock, or make use of ample software and websites available on the Internet to unlock the handset themselves. While most web sites offer the unlocking for a fee, some do it for free. The locking applies to the handset, identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, not to the account (which is identified by the SIM card). It is always possible to switch to another (non-locked). such handsets can be purchased from various dealer online who deal in unlocked cell phones.
Some providers will unlock the phone for free if the customer has held an account for a certain time period. Third party unlocking services exist that are often quicker and lower cost than that of the operator. In most countries, removing the lock is legal. United States-based AT&T and T-Mobile provide free unlocking services to their customers. customer can call in and find out about the time required.
unlocked cell phones are avaiable around the world thanks to the internet as well as manufactuers setting up their own flagship stores to sell these phones. A person can purchase a phone in one country and use prepaid sim cards to utilized his phone in any part of the world.
GSM Frequency Band From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
| 1 | Country | Band Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Afghanistan | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3 | Albania | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 4 | Algeria | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 5 | American Samoa | GSM 1900 |
| 6 | Andorra | GSM 900 |
| 7 | Angola | GSM 900 |
| 8 | Antigua & Barbuda | GSM 1900 |
| 9 | Argentina | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 10 | Armenia Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 11 | Aruba | GSM 900 / 1800 /1900 |
| 12 | Australia | GSM 900 |
| 13 | Australia | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 14 | Austria | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 15 | Azerbaijan Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 16 | Bahrain | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 17 | Bangladesh | GSM 900 |
| 18 | Belarus Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 19 | Belgium | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 20 | Belize | GSM 1900 |
| 21 | Benin | GSM 900 |
| 22 | Bermuda | GSM 1900 |
| 23 | Bolivia | GSM 1900 |
| 24 | Bosnia Herzegovina | GSM 900 |
| 25 | Botswana | GSM 900 |
| 26 | Brazil | GSM 1800 |
| 27 | Brunei Darussalam | GSM 900 |
| 28 | Bulgaria | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 29 | Burkina Faso | GSM 900 |
| 30 | Burundi | GSM 900 |
| 31 | Cambodia Kingdom of | GSM 900 |
| 32 | Cameroon | GSM 900 |
| 33 | Canada | GSM 1900 |
| 34 | Cape Verde | GSM 900 |
| 35 | Central African Republic | GSM 900 |
| 36 | Chad | GSM 900 |
| 37 | Chile | GSM 1900 |
| 38 | China Peoples Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 39 | Congo | GSM 900 |
| 40 | Congo Democratic Republic of | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 41 | Costa Rica | GSM 1800 / WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 42 | Cote d'Ivoire | GSM 900 |
| 43 | Croatia | GSM 900 |
| 44 | Cuba | GSM 900 |
| 45 | Cyprus | GSM 900 |
| 46 | Czech Republic | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 47 | Denmark | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 48 | Dominican Republic | GSM 1900 |
| 49 | Egypt | GSM 900 |
| 50 | El Salvador | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 51 | Equatorial Guinea | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 52 | Estonia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 53 | Ethiopia | GSM 900 |
| 54 | Faroe Islands | GSM 900 |
| 55 | Yugoslav (Serbia) Federal Republic of | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 56 | Fiji | GSM 900 |
| 57 | Finland | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 58 | France | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 59 | French Polynesia | GSM 900 |
| 60 | French West Indies | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 61 | Gabon of Republic | GSM 900 |
| 62 | Gambia | GSM 900 |
| 63 | Georgia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 64 | Germany | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 65 | Ghana | GSM 900 |
| 66 | Gibraltar | GSM 900 |
| 67 | Greece | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 68 | Greenland | GSM 900 |
| 69 | Grenada | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 70 | Guam | GSM 1900 |
| 71 | Guernsey | GSM 900 |
| 72 | Guinea | GSM 900 |
| 73 | Hong Kong | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 74 | Iceland | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 75 | India | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 76 | Indonesia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 77 | Iran | GSM 900 |
| 78 | Ireland | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 79 | Isle of Man | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 80 | Israel | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 81 | Italy | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UTMS / 3G |
| 82 | Jamaica | GSM 900 |
| 83 | Japan | WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 84 | Jersey | GSM 900 |
| 85 | Jordan | GSM 900 |
| 86 | Kazakhstan | GSM 900 |
| 87 | Kenya | GSM 900 |
| 88 | Kuwait | GSM 900 |
| 89 | Kyrgyz Republic | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 90 | Lao | GSM 900 |
| 91 | Latvia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 92 | Lebanon | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 93 | Lesoth | GSM 900 |
| 94 | Liberia Sudan | GSM 900 |
| 95 | Libya | GSM 900 |
| 96 | Liechtenstein | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 97 | Macau | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 98 | Macedonia the former Yugoslav Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 99 | Madagascar | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 100 | Malawi | GSM 900 |
| 101 | Malaysia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 102 | Maldives | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 103 | Mali | GSM 900 |
| 104 | Malta | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 105 | Mauritania | GSM 900 |
| 106 | Mauritius | GSM 900 |
| 107 | Mexico | GSM 1900 |
| 108 | Micronesia the Federated States of | GSM 900 |
| 109 | Moldova of Republic | GSM 900 |
| 110 | Monaco | GSM 900 |
| 111 | Mongolia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 112 | Morocco | GSM 900 |
| 113 | Mozambique | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 114 | Myanmar | GSM 900 |
| 115 | Namibia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 116 | Nepal | GSM 900 |
| 117 | Netherlands | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 118 | Netherlands Antilles | GSM 900 / 1900 |
| 119 | New Caledonia | GSM 900 |
| 120 | New Zealand | GSM 900 |
| 121 | Niger | GSM 900 |
| 122 | Nigeria | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 123 | Norway | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 124 | Oman Sultanate of | GSM 900 |
| 125 | Pakistan | GSM 900 |
| 126 | Palestinian Authority | GSM 900 |
| 127 | Panama Republic of | GSM 850 |
| 128 | Papua New Guinea | GSM 900 |
| 129 | Paraguay | GSM 1900 |
| 130 | Peru | GSM 1900 |
| 131 | Philippines | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 132 | Poland | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 133 | Portugal | GSM 900 1800 / WDCMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 134 | Qatar | GSM 900 |
| 135 | Reunion | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 136 | Romania | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 137 | Russia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 138 | Rwanda Republic of | GSM 900 |
| 139 | Sao Tome and Principe | GSM 900 |
| 140 | Saudi Arabia | GSM 900 / WCDMA /UMTS / 3G |
| 141 | Senegal | GSM 900 |
| 142 | Seychelles | GSM 900 |
| 143 | Sierra Leone | GSM 900 |
| 144 | Singapore | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 145 | Slovak Republic | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 146 | Slovenia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 147 | Somalia | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 148 | South Africa | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 149 | South Korea | WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 150 | Spain | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 151 | Sri Lanka | GSM 900 |
| 152 | Suriname | GSM 900 |
| 153 | Swaziland | GSM 900 |
| 154 | Sweden | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 155 | Switzerland | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 156 | Syria | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 157 | Taiwan | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 158 | Tajikistan | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 159 | Tanzania | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 160 | Thailand | GSM 900 1800 / 1900 / WDCMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 161 | Togo | GSM 900 |
| 162 | Tonga | GSM 900 |
| 163 | Trinidad and Tobago | GSM 1800 |
| 164 | Tunisia | GSM 900 |
| 165 | Turkey | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 166 | Turkmenistan | GSM 900 |
| 167 | Uganda | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 168 | Ukraine | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 169 | United Arab Emirates | GSM 900 / WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 170 | United Kingdom | GSM 900 / 1800 / WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 171 | United States | GSM 850 / 1900 / WCDMA / UMTS / 3G |
| 172 | Uzbekistan | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 173 | Vanuatu | GSM 900 |
| 174 | Venezuela | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 175 | Vietnam | GSM 900 |
| 176 | Yemen | GSM 900 |
| 177 | Zambia | GSM 900 |
| 178 | Zimbabwe | GSM 900 |
gsm world's website for most current information on gsm world
What is a 3g network and What is a 3g phone
The third generation of cellular phone standards and technology is known as 3G, upgrade of 2G. It is based on the International Telecommunication Union family of standards under the International Mobile Telecommunications programme.
3G technologies enable network operators to offer users a wider range of advanced services while achieving greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency. Services include wide-area wireless voice telephony and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. Typically, they provide service at 5-10 Megabite per second.
3G networks are wide area cellular telephone networks which evolved to incorporate high-speed internet access and video telephony. IEEE 802.11 (common home Wi-Fi) networks are short range, high-bandwidth networks primarily developed for data.
Rogers Wireless began implementing 3G HSDPA services in eastern Canada early 2007 in the form of Rogers Vision; expansion into western Canada is expected soon.
The most significant feature of 3G mobile technology is that it supports greater numbers of voice and data customers — especially in urban areas — and higher data rates at lower incremental cost than 2G.
By using the radio spectrum in bands identified, which is provided by the UTI for Third Generation IMT-2000 mobile services, it subsequently licensed to operators. 3G uses .6 MHz channel carrier width to deliver significantly higher data rates and increased capacity compared to 2G networks.
The .5 MHz channel carrier provides optimum use of radio resources for operators who have been granted large, contiguous blocks of spectrum. On the other hand, it also helps to reduce the cost to 3G networks while being capable of providing extremely high-speed data transmission to users.
It also allows the transmission of 384 kbit/s for mobile systems and 2 Mb/s for stationary systems. 3G users are expected to have greater capacity and better spectrum efficiency, which allows them to access global roaming between different 3G networks.
3G cell phones are designed to work on these networks. Most 3G phones still come with build in GSM frequency bands (850/900/1800/1900mhz) so they can be used on 2G GSM Networks in places where 3G capaiblity isn't available or upto par GSM Networks can be used for voice and data.
3G technologies enable network operators to offer users a wider range of advanced services while achieving greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency. Services include wide-area wireless voice telephony and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. Typically, they provide service at 5-10 Megabite per second.
3G networks are wide area cellular telephone networks which evolved to incorporate high-speed internet access and video telephony. IEEE 802.11 (common home Wi-Fi) networks are short range, high-bandwidth networks primarily developed for data.
Rogers Wireless began implementing 3G HSDPA services in eastern Canada early 2007 in the form of Rogers Vision; expansion into western Canada is expected soon.
The most significant feature of 3G mobile technology is that it supports greater numbers of voice and data customers — especially in urban areas — and higher data rates at lower incremental cost than 2G.
By using the radio spectrum in bands identified, which is provided by the UTI for Third Generation IMT-2000 mobile services, it subsequently licensed to operators. 3G uses .6 MHz channel carrier width to deliver significantly higher data rates and increased capacity compared to 2G networks.
The .5 MHz channel carrier provides optimum use of radio resources for operators who have been granted large, contiguous blocks of spectrum. On the other hand, it also helps to reduce the cost to 3G networks while being capable of providing extremely high-speed data transmission to users.
It also allows the transmission of 384 kbit/s for mobile systems and 2 Mb/s for stationary systems. 3G users are expected to have greater capacity and better spectrum efficiency, which allows them to access global roaming between different 3G networks.
3G cell phones are designed to work on these networks. Most 3G phones still come with build in GSM frequency bands (850/900/1800/1900mhz) so they can be used on 2G GSM Networks in places where 3G capaiblity isn't available or upto par GSM Networks can be used for voice and data.
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