GSM, DCS, PCS

A. Really nothing at all. All DCS and PCS are is a different technical implementations of the GSM standard - namely GSM 900, DCS 1800 and PCS1900. All of these systems use GSM technology, but they operate at different frequencies. GSM900 operates at 900MHz , DCS1800 operates at 1800 MHz and PCS 1900 operates at 1900 MHz.

Q. Can I use my GSM 900 Phone on DCS 1800 or PCS 1900 network?

A. No. You can use your SIM card in a DCS 1800 or PCS 1900 providing your operator has a roaming agreement. There are new phones being developed now. The first Dual Mode handsets will be available by the end of 1997.

There is a also a Tri Mode handsets being developed that is tri-band (900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) and tri-codec (fullrate, halfrate and enhanced fullrate).

Telia Mobitel of Sweden are planning to intergrate DCS 1800 into their 900 network by the beginning of next year. Because they're both the same standard with the same specifications, the same GSM switches can be used for both. All that needs to be installed is the radio network, along with a software upgrade to the switches to handle the two frequency bands.

Q. What is fullrate, halfrate and enhanced fullrate?

A. Half Rate Codec is a way of increasing the capacity of the network. The handset MUST support this or it will use Full Rate and offer not benefits to the network operator. Quality as well is supposed to suffer.

Full Rate Codec is what is being used now by all networks.

Enhanced Full Rate Codec offers much better speech quality, rivaling that of the fixed network.

Q. What is Cell Broadcast?

A. Cell Broadcast allows you to view information on the screen of your phone updated automatically. For example it can tell you what area you're in. by selecting other channels, you can access other services like traffic reports, weather, sporting and many other services. For example the network could if there was an accident it one suburb alert all mobile users in that suburb of it. Or if there are roadworks, the uses are unlimited.

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