Difference Between GSM and UMTS Technology

Instructions

• 1

  GSM
  
  GSM was developed by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Although work started as early as 1982, it was not until early 90s that the technology was officially introduced. GSM was developed to define operating protocols for 2G cellular networks all across Europe and thus served as replacement to the old 1G cellular technology. With the passage of time, countries across the globe also launched the GSM technology.
  
  Just like any other technology, GSM also underwent a number of evolutionary phases. GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) were added to the GSM technology later on.
  
  Almost all 2G GSM networks operate in 900 MHz or 1800 MHz frequency bands. However in countries like China and USA, these bands are already allocated. For this reason, GSM networks in these countries use 850 MHz or 1900 MHz frequency bands instead. In order to maintain a difference between users on a particular GSM network, Subscriber Identity Module, more commonly known as SIM cards were introduced.
  
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• 2

  UMTS
  
  42 Mbit/s data transfer rate was never heard of until the development of UMTS. The speed at which consumers connected to UMTS operated cellular networks can use various services is unparalleled. UMTS directly corresponds to 3G technology and the future 4G technology which will also use UMTS operated networks is also under the process of development.
  
  Mobile users got the liberty of watching TV on their cell phones and video calling with the advent of UMTS. One just needs to have a smart phone with 3G network to experience the limitless possibilities.
  
  With the passage of time, more and more cell phone providers are switching from GSM to UMTS. This is basically to compete in the ongoing 3G competition across the globe.
  
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