GSM/GPRS

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, and GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. GPRS is an extension of GSM that allows mobile devices to access data networks and transmit and receive larger and complex data, similar to WiFi, in addition to voice communication.

GSM is what is known as a circuit-switched system that uses digital modulation to deliver data and mobile services. GSM networks can only use SMS to transmit limited amounts of data in very specific formats. GPRS is a packet-switched system that breaks down data into packets and transmits them through available channels, thus allowing larger and all forms of data.

GPRS provides faster data rates than GSM and it allows mobile devices to access the internet and perform data functions like web browsing, file transfer, online chat, and video conferencing.