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,