GSM Hype

GSM keeps on growing

It's been ten years since the launch of the first GSM network, but GSM still continues to grow with China being in the lead - and recently, Afghanistan also got its own GSM network.

GSM is continuing its tremendous growth according to figures released recently by the GSM Association, showing that the number of global GSM wireless customers is fast approaching the three quarter billion mark, meaning GSM is the preferred mobile technology of choice for one in nine people on the planet.

An astounding 75 billion text messages were sent globally in Q1 2002, representing an increase of more than 50 per cent on the same period of 2001.

According to statistics from Cingular Wireless, SMS usage increased more than 450 per cent since last summer.

In parallel with the expansion of global customers - more than 167 million new customers have been added in the last twelve months - the staggering growth of SMS (Short Message Service) continues. An astounding 75 billion text messages were sent globally in Q1 2002, representing an increase of more than 50 per cent on the same period of 2001. The total forecast for 2002 is now put at 360 billion messages, up from 250 billion reached during 2002.Click here for savings!

The GSM Association points toward several key factors behind text messaging growth such as increasing competition in the wireless sector, more choice of handsets & tariff options, the spread of GSM family platforms into untapped new markets, e.g. ring tones, new business models such as premium rate SMS, wholesale marketing and new text messaging contexts such as interactive television based messaging - as seen in Norway and Finland, for example.

In the Americas, the GSM Association also estimates the potential for growth of texting to be immense with GSM/GPRS overlay on TDMA networks well under way. According to statistics from Cingular Wireless, this potential is already being realized, with SMS usage having increased more than 450 per cent since last summer. With SMS interconnect between operators in North America, a development that kick started markets elsewhere in the world, the signs are extremely positive.

Although Europe currently accounts for 50 per cent of the total subscriber figures - where some operators are achieving more than ten per cent of service revenues from SMS - Asia and the Americas are catching up swiftly. The largest single market for GSM remains China with more than 160 million customers.

Even war torn Afghanistan now has access to GSM services, with the recent launch of the Afghan Wireless Communications Company. The network was launched in April 2002 by Chairman Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan’s Interim Administration. The AWCC GSM network will provide Afghanistan with national and international mobile calling, voice mail, SMS text messaging and data services.