GSM –Know IT

GSM –Know IT

GSM stands for global system for mobile communication. About 80% of the world uses GSM technology when placing wireless calls. Cell phone carriers T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM for their cell phone networks. While Sprint, Virgin Mobile, and Verizon Wireless use the competing CDMA standard.

Typically, an internal or external alarm system GSM module operates over a GSM/GPRS cellular network. This means the system reports and communicates, not only with landline phones, but with cell phones as well. Therefore, if your telephone lines are cut or disabled, the home stays secure and there remains a way for the system to call out to a monitoring station, or you, or both.

GSM has the advantage of using SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards. The SIM card, which acts as your digital identity, is tied to your cell phone service carrier’s network rather than to the handset itself. If you opt for a GSM module for your alarm system, the SIM card would be placed within your module, just as the card would be within a cell phone.

Having a GSM module in place can provide a primary or back-up plan if your telephone landline is cut or you don’t have (or want) a landline to begin with. Remember, cut phone lines can come about when the phone company messes up, weather plays a part, or when lines are intentionally cut by a thief trying to break into your home.

Having this GSM module in place is my back-up in case our phone line is cut due to a phone company mistake, weather, or if the lines are cut by a potential thief.