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When was GSM first introduced?

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GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) was first introduced in the early 1980s. The development of GSM began in the late 1970s, and it was officially launched as a digital mobile communication standard in 1991. Here's a technical explanation of the timeline leading to the introduction of GSM:

  1. 1970s - Conceptualization:
    • The concept of a pan-European mobile communication system was proposed in the late 1970s. The goal was to develop a standardized digital system that could support voice and data services and facilitate international roaming.
  2. Early 1980s - Formation of CEPT:
    • The Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) established a committee called Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) to work on the development of a standardized mobile communication system. This committee consisted of experts from various European countries.
  3. Mid-1980s - Technical Specifications:
    • In the mid-1980s, GSM's technical specifications were defined, including details about frequency bands, modulation schemes, encryption, and overall network architecture. This work was based on the initial work of the CEPT's GSM committee.
  4. 1987 - First GSM Network:
    • The first GSM network was launched in Finland by the state-owned telecom operator, Telecom Finland (now Telia Finland). This marked the practical implementation of GSM technology.
  5. Late 1980s - Finalization of Standards:
    • By the late 1980s, the technical standards for GSM were largely finalized. These standards were developed with the objective of creating a common platform for mobile communication in Europe.
  6. 1991 - Commercial Launch:
    • In 1991, the first commercial GSM network was launched in Finland, and the technology was rapidly adopted by other European countries. GSM's official launch marked the beginning of its widespread deployment.
  7. Global Expansion:
    • After its successful introduction in Europe, GSM technology began to expand globally. Various countries and regions adopted GSM as their mobile communication standard, leading to the establishment of a global framework for mobile services.
  8. Subsequent Generations:
    • GSM's success laid the foundation for the development of subsequent generations of mobile technologies, including 2G (second generation), 3G (third generation), and 4G (fourth generation), which offered advancements in data speeds and capabilities.
  9. Continued Evolution:
    • GSM technology continued to evolve and improve, with the introduction of Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) for faster data transfer and later enhancements like GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) for even higher data speeds.

In summary, GSM was first introduced in the early 1980s, with its official commercial launch occurring in 1991. It was developed to provide a standardized, digital mobile communication system for Europe, but its success led to global adoption and served as the foundation for subsequent generations of mobile technologies.