History Of GSM

In the early 1980s, many countries in Europe witnessed a rapid expansion of analog cellular telephone systems. However, each country developed its own system, and interoperability across borders became a limiting factor.
In 1982, the Conference of European Post and Tele communications (CEPT), established a working group called the Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM).
The task of GSM is to define a new standard for mobile communications in the 900 MHz range using digital technology.
1986
Field tests were held in Paris to select which digital transmission technology to use.
The choice was Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) or Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA).
1987
A combination of TDMA and FDMA was selected as the transmission technology for GSM.
Operators from 12 countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing themselves to introducing GSM by 1991.
1988
CEPT began producing GSM specifications for a phased implementation.
Another five countries signed the MoU.
1989
European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) took over responsibility for GSM specification.
1990
Phase 1 specifications were frozen to allow manufacturers to develop network equipment.
1991
The GSM standard was released.
An addition was made to the MoU allowing countries outside CEPT to sign.
The year 1991 also saw the definition of the first derivative of GSM, GSM 1800 or DCS 1800, which more or less translates the GSM system in to the 1800MHz frequency band.
The meaning of acronym GSM was changed to Global System for Mobile communications the same year.
1992
Phase 1 specifications were completed.
First commercial Phase 1 GSM networks were launched.
The first international roaming agreement was established between Telecom Finland and Vodafone in UK.