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Mobile Communication
GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, is a digital cellular radio network operating in over 200 countries worldwide. It provides almost complete coverage in Western Europe, and growing coverage in the Americas, Asia and elsewhere. GSM networks presently operate on three different frequency ranges. These are:
- GSM 900 (also called GSM) - operates on the 900 MHz frequency range and is the most common in Europe and internationally.
- GSM 1800 (also called PCN and DCS 1800) - operates on the 1800 MHz frequency range and is found in a rapidly-increasing number of countries including France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and Russia
- GSM 1900 (also called PCS, PCS 1900, and DCS 1900) - the only frequency used in the United States and Canada for GSM.
GSM approval requirements are detailed below:
Pan-Europe
GSM terminal equipment is covered by Annex IV of the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC). All applicable Harmonized Standards on GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 900/1800 have been published in the European official journal. Currently there is no harmonized EMC standard for GSM terminal equipment. To declare EMC conformity, the generic EMC standard for other devices EN 50081/ 50082 can be used. However, in order to fulfill EMC requirements, the non-harmonized standard ETS 300 342-1 is recommended.
To declare safety conformity, EN 60950 applies. The GSM Certification Forum (GCF) has been developed in co-operation and through partnership with the GSM Association, representing GSM operators and terminal manufacturers, to ensure the interoperability of GSM terminals globally. The GSM Certification Forum program contains technical requirements on GSM 900/1800 terminals.
North America
For regulatory type approval in North America, FCC regulations including SAR and UL regulations concerning GSM have to be taken account of. Alternatively, a PCS-1900 mobile manufacturer will be required to comply with the GSM 1900 Type Certification Program, which is organized by GSM operators in North America. The program is maintained by PTCRB (PCS 1900 Type Certification Review Board).
Our Expertise
TÜV Rheinland through its expertise and cooperative arrangements with partners in Germany and America, we are able to offer customers testing and certification handling for all kinds of mobile terminal equipments.