GSM Module – Speed, Form Factor, Manufacturers

GSM Module Introduction

GSM Modules supports GSM technologies such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA and LTE. These modules operate on the GSM networks that are also used for cellphone communication.

GSM Module Speed

GSM module category has evolved over the past two decades starting with the GSM/GPRS networks. Carriers have recently launched LTE networks that supports speeds up to 100 Mbps. Here are the speeds of different GSM module categories,

Download Speed   Upload Speed
———————————————————————
GPRS Modules            86.5 Kbps        85.6 Kbps
1xRTT Modules          153 Kbps          153 Kbps
EDGE Modules           236.8 Kbps       236.8 Kbps
UMTS Modules           384 Kbps          384 Kbps
HSDPA 3.6 Modules    3.6 Mbps         384 Kbps
HSDPA 7.1 Modules     7.2 Mbps        5.76 Mbps
HSDPA 14.4 Modules   14.4 Mbps      5.76 Mbps
HSPA+ 21 Modules         21 Mbps       5.76 Mbps
DC-HSPA+ 42 Modules  42 Mbps       5.76 Mbps
LTE Modules                   100 Mbps        50 Mbps

GSM Module Form Factor

GSM Modules are available in variety of form factors such as PCIe, Board-to-Board connector, Land Grid Array (LGA), Ball Grid Array (BGA) etc. Refer to the module selection guide for more detailed information.

GSM Module Network

GSM standard is used by almost 85% of network operators, so GSM modules have broader adoption through out the world.

GSM Module Cost

As shown above, GSM modules support a range of technologies from GPRS to LTE. GSM GPRS modules cost less than $20 where as the LTE modules cost above $70. Other technologies (EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA) costs between $20 and $70.

GSM Module Certification

Depending on where the produt is launched, GSM modules will require different types of certification,

North America – PTCRB, FCC 
Europe             – GCF, CE
Brazil                – Anatel
Japan               – JATE, TELEC
Mexico             – COFETEL

 GSM Module Manufacturers

Here are some of GSM Module manufacturers,