GSMA facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | GSMA |
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| Formation | 1995 |
| Type | Industry trade body |
| Purpose | Representing mobile network operators |
| Headquarters | London, England, UK |
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Membership
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1200 companies |
The GSM Association, often called the GSMA, is a group that helps connect and support mobile phone companies around the world. It works to make sure mobile services keep getting better for everyone.
More than 750 mobile phone companies are full members of the GSMA. Also, about 400 other companies that work with mobile technology are associate members. The GSMA helps its members through special projects, group meetings, and by speaking up for them.
Contents
History of the GSMA
The GSMA started in 1995. It was first called the 'GSM MoU Association'. Its main goal was to support and promote mobile companies using the GSM standard. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications.
The idea for the GSMA began in 1987. At that time, 13 phone companies from 12 countries signed an agreement. This agreement was about using GSM for mobile phone services.
Who Can Join the GSMA?
Full membership in the GSMA is for mobile phone companies. These companies must use a GSM-related technology. Around 750 such companies worldwide are full members.
Other companies can become associate members. These include makers of phones and devices. Software companies, equipment providers, and internet companies can also join. Even groups in finance, healthcare, media, and transport are members. There are about 400 associate member companies.
The GSMA is led by a board of 25 people. These people come from the world's largest phone companies. They are chosen every two years. José María Álvarez-Pallete López became the GSMA Chairman in January 2022. Mats Granryd has been the Director General since January 2016.
What the GSMA Does
The GSMA runs different projects with its members. These projects help new mobile technologies work well together. They also help these technologies become widely used.
Some of their main projects include:
- Future Networks: This project helps new standards like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE). RCS makes messaging better, like group chats and sharing files. VoLTE lets you make calls using 4G networks, which means clearer sound.
- Identity: This project works on making digital identity safe and easy to use.
- Internet of Things (IoT): This project focuses on connecting everyday objects to the internet. Think of smart homes or connected cars.
The GSMA also has groups that work on specific topics. These include how phones work when you travel (roaming). They also cover how different phone networks connect. Other groups focus on stopping fraud and keeping things secure.
The GSMA also talks to governments and other organizations. They share the mobile industry's ideas and needs. Their goals are to make sure rules for mobile phones are fair. They also work to make sure enough radio space is available for mobile services. They also want to help more people in developing countries get mobile services.
The GSMA also supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These are goals to make the world a better place.
GSMA Events
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The GSMA organizes big events for the mobile industry. The most famous one is Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC Barcelona). It is the largest yearly exhibition and conference about mobile phones. In 2019, over 109,000 people visited it. This event first took place in 1987.
Since 2006, MWC Barcelona has been held in Barcelona, Spain. It is now at the Fira Gran Via venue. In 2019, the event was named the world's largest carbon-neutral trade show. This was the fourth time it received this award.
Besides MWC Barcelona, the GSMA also holds other MWC events. These include MWC Kigali, MWC Shanghai, and MWC Las Vegas. They also have a series of smaller regional events called 'Mobile 360'.
TAC/IMEI Database
The GSMA manages something called the Type Allocation Code (TAC). This code is used to create the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. An IMEI number is a special code that can uniquely identify a wireless device. It's like a serial number for your phone.
The GSMA gives official IMEI number ranges to all phone makers. They record these ranges and device details in a large database. This database helps authorized groups find out the maker and model of a mobile device using its IMEI number.
See also
In Spanish: Asociación GSM para niños
