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