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Does China use GSM?

Published in Mobile Technology 1 min read

Yes, China uses GSM, but with some unique characteristics.

GSM in China

  • China Mobile, the largest mobile operator in the world, primarily uses TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) technology, which is a 3G standard developed in China.
  • China Telecom and China Unicom utilize GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) for their 3G networks.
  • China Mobile also offers GSM services, particularly for older devices and in areas where TD-SCDMA coverage is limited.

Unique Aspects of GSM in China

  • Frequency Bands: China uses different frequency bands for GSM compared to other countries.
  • SIM Cards: China uses SIM cards with a unique format and specifications.
  • Roaming: Roaming for GSM devices can be challenging in China due to the prevalence of TD-SCDMA.

Conclusion

While China primarily uses TD-SCDMA for its 3G network, GSM is still used by some operators and for older devices.

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