# Global System for Mobile Communications

> standard to describe protocols for second generation digital cellular networks used by mobile phones

**Wikidata**: [Q46904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46904)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsm

## Summary
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is a standard that describes protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks used by mobile phones. It serves as a mobile phone network standard and generation, having been established in the telecommunications industry to enable wireless wide area network (Wireless WAN) connectivity. GSM was succeeded by 3G technology.

## Key Facts
*   **Definition:** A standard describing protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
*   **Also Known As:** Groupe Spécial Mobile, 2G, and Global System for Mobile.
*   **Classification:** Instance of a mobile phone network standard and mobile phone generation.
*   **Industry:** Telecommunications.
*   **Function:** Used for Wireless WAN.
*   **Timeline:** Began in 1990 (commercial launch noted in Germany in 1992).
*   **Succession:** Followed by 3G (3rd generation mobile telecommunications technology).

## FAQs
### Q: What does GSM stand for?
A: GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. It was originally known as Groupe Spécial Mobile.

### Q: What generation of mobile technology is GSM?
A: GSM is associated with the second generation (2G) of mobile phone technology. It is explicitly described as a standard for 2G digital cellular networks.

### Q: What technology came after GSM?
A: GSM was followed by 3G, the term used to represent the 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology.

## Why It Matters
GSM represents a foundational shift in the telecommunications industry as the standard for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks. By defining the protocols for these networks, GSM enabled the widespread adoption of mobile phone technology transitioning from analog to digital. It functions as a Wireless WAN, facilitating mobile connectivity across vast geographic areas. The standard's establishment in the early 1990s (starting around 1990) set the infrastructure baseline that would eventually evolve into the faster 3G networks. Its global acceptance is evidenced by its classification as both a network standard and a distinct generation of mobile technology, making it a critical infrastructure component in the history of mobile communications.

## Notable For
*   **Standardizing 2G:** It is the primary standard describing protocols for second-generation digital cellular networks.
*   **Global Industry Adoption:** Identified as a major "mobile phone generation" and "mobile phone network standard" within the telecommunications industry.
*   **Evolutionary Step:** It serves as the direct predecessor to 3G technology.
*   **Digital Protocols:** It marked the move to digital networks, distinct from prior analog generations.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the standard utilized to describe protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks utilized by mobile phones. In structured classifications, GSM is defined as an "instance of" both a mobile phone network standard and a mobile phone generation. It is distinctively identified as 2G and is sometimes referred to synonymously with this generation.

### Terminology and Identity
The acronym GSM originally stood for *Groupe Spécial Mobile* (and *Groupe Special Mobile*). It is also referred to as the *Global System for Mobile*. Other aliases include:
*   GSM 900
*   Sistema Global para las Comunicaciones Moviles
*   GSM mobile phone base station

### Operational Context
GSM operates within the **telecommunications industry**. Its primary technical use is defined as **Wireless WAN** (Wireless Wide Area Network). The standard governs the operation of mobile phone base stations and the devices connected to them.

### Historical Timeline
The development and deployment of GSM are marked by specific chronological milestones:
*   **Start Time:** The standard's timeline begins with a start value of **1990**.
*   **Regional Deployment:** Specific deployment in Germany is recorded starting in **1992**.
*   **Succession:** The standard was eventually **followed by 3G** (3rd generation mobile telecommunications technology).

## References

1. [Source](https://books.google.de/books?id=ffVHAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA5)
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
5. National Library of Israel
6. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)