GSM is the most popular standard for mobile phone service in the world. In more than 200 countries around the world, people use the GSM mobile service. However, different countries use different GSM radio frequencies for their mobile networks. Four frequencies are used worldwide for GSM mobile services. They are 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz
Although the frequencies 850, 900 and 1800, 1900 are very close, normally mobile phones cannot receive more than one frequency at a time, a phone that works with one band, cannot receive signals from other bands. So if you want your mobile to work with multiple bands, you need to have multi-band mobiles. Depending on your need, you can opt for a dual, triple, or quad band mobile set.
Taken together, the high and low frequency bands have some advantages and disadvantages. For high frequency service, the network is less affected by weather influences. And you can have a clearer, more uninterrupted connection. Another advantage of a high frequency is that you only need a small antenna. The main disadvantage of the higher frequency band is its shorter range. These bands are good for cities where the density of mobile users is higher. Whereas, the lower frequency bands are good for rural areas due to their long range.
850 MHz is the lowest frequency used for GSM mobile service. As a result of this, the 850 MHz network has a larger and more penetrating range than the 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz network. Other than that, the difference between the 850 MHz and 900 MHz network is barely noticeable. Low frequency services are good in large buildings due to their more penetrating range. One disadvantage of a low frequency network is its low capacity.
900 MHz networks are pretty old networks. Like 850 MHz, 900 MHz also has a larger and more penetrating range than the 1800 and 1900 MHz network.
1800 MHz is a relatively high frequency for cell phones. Because of this, 1800 MHz networks have a smaller and less penetrating range compared to 900 and 850 MHz networks. This is why the range in large buildings is low. One advantage of 1800 MHz networks is that the capacity is higher. This band is inactive for cities where the density of mobile users is high.
1900 MHz available in North America only, some networks in Canada and South Africa. This band is not available in Europe or Asia. 1900 MHz quite similar to 1800 MHz. Due to the high frequency band of 1900 MHz, the network is not interrupted by weather influences and you can have a clear connection most of the time. For this network, the GSM provider needs to use more mini antennas. One advantage of 1900 Mhz networks is that the capacity is higher.
