| GSM is the most popular standard for mobile | | | | network has a bigger and more penetrating |
| phone service in the world. In more then 200 | | | | reach then the 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz |
| countries in the world people using GSM | | | | network. Apart from that, the difference |
| mobile service. However, different countries | | | | between the 850 MHz and the 900 MHz network |
| use different GSM Radio frequency for their | | | | hardly noticeable. Lower frequency services |
| mobile networks. Worldwide four frequencies | | | | are good in big building because of their |
| are widely used for GSM mobile services. They | | | | more penetrating reach. A disadvantage of a |
| are 850MHz, 900 MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz. | | | | low frequency network is its low capacity. |
| | | | |
| Although 850, 900 and 1800, 1900 frequency | | | | 900 MHz networks are quite old networks. Like |
| are very close, normally mobile phones can't | | | | 850 MHz, 900MHz also has a bigger and more |
| receive more then one frequency at-a-time, a | | | | penetrating reach then the 1800 and 1900 MHz |
| phone that works with one band, can not | | | | network. |
| receive signals of other bands. So if you | | | | |
| want your mobile to work with multiple bands, | | | | 1800 MHz is a relatively high frequency for |
| you need to have multi band mobiles. Based on | | | | cellular phones. Because of this, 1800 MHz |
| your need, you can go for dual, tri or quad | | | | networks have a smaller and less penetrating |
| band mobile set. | | | | reach compare to 900 and 850 MHz networks. By |
| | | | this the reach in big buildings is low. An |
| As a whole, both high and low frequency bands | | | | advantage of 1800 MHz networks is that the |
| have some advantage and disadvantages. For | | | | capacity is bigger. This band is idle for |
| high frequency service, the network is less | | | | cities where density of mobile users high. |
| effected by the influences of the weather. | | | | |
| And you can have more clear and | | | | 1900 MHz available only in North America, |
| un-interrupted connection. Another advantage | | | | some networks in Canada and South Africa. |
| of a high frequency is that you only need | | | | This band is not available in Europe or Asia. |
| small antenna. Main disadvantage of higher | | | | 1900 MHz quite similar to 1800MHz. Because of |
| frequency band is its lower reach. These | | | | high frequency 1900 MHz band network isn't |
| bands are good for cities where density of | | | | interrupted by the influences of the weather |
| mobile users is more. Where as, lower | | | | and you can have a crystal clear connection |
| frequency bands are good for rural areas | | | | most of the times. For this network, GSM |
| because of their large area reach. | | | | provider needs to use more mini antennas. An |
| | | | advantage of 1900 MHz networks is that the |
| 850 MHz is the lowest frequency used for GSM | | | | capacity is bigger. |
| mobile service. As a result of this, 850 MHz | | | | |