When it comes to Network Configuration and Change Management, there are virtual operators that do not have GSM radio infrastructure, or assigned frequency but lease the networks of other operators: MVNO.
The GSM network has the characteristic of not authenticating the user, using the SIM card. The phone does not authenticate the network. It is then possible to carry out attacks; IMSI-catcher type or third party communications interception (eavesdropping). Always check network management software.
Many providers of mobile telephony offer on their website a page for each type of transmission (2G, 3G) reception areas. These are in many cases overstated. For this reason there are several projects that aim to build this type of information provided by the actual phones and smartphones including a GPS, you can find for example:
National Frequency Agency (ANFR) has a website that shows a map of location of 2G and 3G antennas. Open signal maps: Use an application (Android) to recover the information signal strength.
GSM frequency bands are present in the United States and Canada. Some countries (Ecuador, Panama) use the GSM 850 standard. The 1900 is also known as GSM 1900 PCS (Personal Communications Service).
These two types of networks found in Europe, especially in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy. GSM 900 uses 880-915 MHz to send voice or data from mobile and the 925-960 MHz band to receive information from the network. Uses the GSM 1800 band 1710 MHz-1785 MHz to send information from the mobile device (upload) and the band 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz for receiving information (download). Devices that operate in both 900 in 1800 are called GSM dual band or simply dual band. GSM 1800 is also known as DCS 1800 (Digital Communication System).
Allocation of frequencies
Frequencies in the 900 MHz band can be used for GSM or UMTS. Note that the GSM-R network RFF is a private communications network. It is incompatible with the GSM or UMTS “consumer” devices and therefore inaccessible by conventional GSM subscribers.
The implementation of a 900 MHz GSM network with good coverage is often expensive in developing countries. The extended to cover is huge, the low population density in places and the financial means to implement the infrastructure are reduced. The main problem in sparsely populated areas is the high number of base stations to install. Even industrialized countries face the problem of coverage in rural areas.
The use of lower frequencies substantially increases the range of the base stations. And 450 MHz, their scope is almost double what it is 900 MHz. With these frequencies, the radio coverage could reach 120 km. This would be particularly suitable for coastal areas, desert or rural, where the traffic is low and flat.
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