Although it is possible for the GSM cellular system to work on a variety of frequencies, the GSM

standard defines GSM frequency bands and frequencies for the different spectrum allocations that are
in use around the globe. For most applications the GSM frequency allocations fall into three or four
bands, and therefore it is possible for phones to be used for global roaming.
While the majority of GSM activity falls into just a few bands, for some specialist applications, or in
countries where spectrum allocation requirements mean that the standard bands cannot be used,
different allocations may be required. Accordingly for most global roaming dual band, tri-band or
quad-band phones will operate in most countries, although in some instances phones using other
frequencies may be required.

GSM band allocations

There is a total of fourteen different recognised GSM frequency bands. These are defined in 3GPP TS
45.005.
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(MHZ)

(MHZ)

380

380.2 -

COMMENTS

390.2 - 399.8

389.8
410

410.2 -

420.2 - 429.8

419.8
450

450.4 -

460.4 - 467.6

457.6
480

478.8 -

488.8 - 496.0

486.0
710

698.0 -

728.0 - 746.0

716.0
750

747.0 -

777.0 - 792.0

762.0
810

806.0 -

851.0 - 866.0

821.0
850

824.0 -

869.0 - 894.0

849.0
900

890.0 -

935.0 - 960.0

915.0
900

880.0 -

GSM allocation
925.0 - 960.0

915.0
900

876.0 - 915

P-GSM, i.e. Primary or standard

E-GSM, i.e. Extended GSM

allocation

921.0 - 960.0

R-GSM, i.e. Railway GSM

allocation

900

870.4 -

915.4 - 921.0

876.0
1800

1710.0 -

1805.0 -

T-GSM

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(MHZ)

(MHZ)

1900

1785.0

1880.0

1850.0 -

1930.0 -

1910.0

1990.0

COMMENTS

GSM frequency band usage

The usage of the different frequency bands varies around the globe although there is a large degree of
standardisation. The GSM frequencies available depend upon the regulatory requirements for the
particular country and the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) region in which the country is
located.
As a rough guide Europe tends to use the GSM 900 and 1800 bands as standard. These bands are also
generally used in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
For North America the USA uses both 850 and 1900 MHz bands, the actual band used is determined
by the regulatory authorities and is dependent upon the area. For Canada the 1900 MHz band is the
primary one used, particularly for urban areas with 850 MHz used as a backup in rural areas.
For Central and South America, the GSM 850 and 1900 MHz frequency bands are the most widely
used although there are some areas where other frequencies are used.

GSM multiband phones

In order that cell phone users are able to take advantage of the roaming facilities offered by GSM, it is
necessary that the cellphones are able to cover the bands of the countries which are visited.
Today most phones support operation on multiple bands and are known as multi-band phones.
Typically most standard phones are dual-band phones. For Europe, Middle east, Asia and Oceania
these would operate on GSM 900 and 1800 bands and for North America, etc dual band phones would
operate on GSM 850 and 1900 frequency bands.
To provide better roaming coverage, tri-band and quad-band phones are also available. European
triband phones typically cover the GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 bands giving good coverage in Europe as
well as moderate coverage in North America. Similarly North America tri-band phones use the 900,
1800 and 1900 GSM frequencies. Quad band phones are also available covering the 850, 900, 1800
and 1900 MHz GSM frequency bands, i.e. the four major bands and thereby allowing global use.