GSM

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Introduction: The Evolution Of Mobile Telephone Systems

GSM Subscriber Services

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Throughout the evolution of cellular telecommunications, various systems have been developed without the benefit of standardized specifications. This presented many problems directly related to compatibility, especially with the development of digital radio technology. The GSM standard is intended to address these problems.

From 1982 to 1985 discussions were held to decide between building an analog or digital system. After multiple field tests, a digital system was adopted for GSM. The next task was to decide between a narrow or broadband solution. In May 1987, the narrowband time division multiple access (TDMA) solution was chosen. A summary of GSM milestones is given in Table 2.

Table 2. GSM Milestones

Year	Milestone
1982	GSM formed
1986	field test
1987	TDMA chosen as access method
1988	memorandum of understanding signed
1989	validation of GSM system
1990	preoperation system
1991	commercial system start-up
1992	coverage of larger cities/airports
1993	coverage of main roads
1995	coverage of rural areas