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 (GSMA) is a group that helps mobile phone companies all over the world. It is a non-profit organization. This means it does not aim to make money. Over 750 mobile companies are full GSMA members. Another 400 companies, like those making phones or apps, are also members.
Contents
What is the GSMA?
The GSMA is like a club for mobile phone companies. It helps them work together. This group makes sure mobile services work well for everyone. They also help new mobile technologies grow.
How did the GSMA start?
The GSMA started in 1995. It was first called the GSM MoU Association. "MoU" stands for "Memorandum of Understanding." This group was made to help and promote companies using GSM. GSM is a special way mobile phones talk to each other.
The story of the GSMA goes back to 1987. At that time, 13 companies from 12 countries signed an agreement. They promised to use GSM for mobile services. This helped mobile phones become popular everywhere.
Who are the members of GSMA?
The GSMA has different types of members.
Full Members
If a company runs a mobile network, it can be a full member. These companies use GSM technology. About 750 mobile operators around the world are full members.
Associate Members
Other companies can be associate members. These are companies that work with mobile phones. They do not run mobile networks themselves. Examples include:
- Companies that make mobile phones and devices.
- Companies that create software and apps.
- Companies that provide equipment for mobile networks.
- Internet companies.
- Organizations in other areas like banking, healthcare, or transport.
There are about 400 associate member companies.
How is the GSMA run?
The GSMA has a board with 25 people. These people come from the biggest mobile companies. Some smaller companies also have representatives. The board members are chosen every two years.
José María Álvarez-Pallete López became the GSMA Chairman in January 2022. He is the CEO of Telefónica Group. Mats Granryd has been the Director General of the GSMA since January 2016.
What does the GSMA do?
The GSMA runs different programs. They work with their members to make new mobile technologies work well. They want these technologies to be used widely.
Main Programs
The GSMA has three main programs:
- Future Networks: This program helps new standards like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE). These make calls and messages better.
- Identity: This program focuses on how people are identified on mobile networks.
- Internet of Things: This program helps connect everyday objects to the internet. For example, smart home devices.
Working Groups and Advocacy
The GSMA also has groups that work on specific topics. These include:
- How phones work when you travel to another country (roaming).
- How different networks connect to each other.
- Stopping fraud and keeping mobile services safe.
- Rules about inventions and ideas (intellectual property).
The GSMA also talks to governments. They share the mobile industry's ideas and needs. They want fair rules for mobile services. They also work to make sure enough radio space is available for mobile phones. They also help mobile services grow in developing countries.
The GSMA supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These are goals for a better and more sustainable future for everyone.
GSMA Events
The GSMA organizes big events for the mobile industry.
Mobile World Congress Barcelona
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The Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC Barcelona) is a very large event. It is held every year. It is a big exhibition and conference for the mobile industry. In 2019, over 109,000 people visited it. The event first started in 1987.
Since 2006, MWC Barcelona has been held in Barcelona, Spain. It takes place at the Fira Gran Via venue. In 2019, it was recognized by Guinness World Records for the fourth time. It was the world's largest carbon-neutral trade show. This means it tried to have no negative impact on the environment.
Other Events
Besides MWC Barcelona, the GSMA organizes other events:
- MWC Kigali
- MWC Shanghai
- MWC Las Vegas
- 4YFN (a startup event)
- MWC Doha
- The M360 series of regional events.
TAC/IMEI Database
The GSMA helps manage special codes for mobile devices. These are called Type Allocation Code (TAC). TAC is used to create the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Every wireless device has a unique IMEI number.
The GSMA gives official IMEI number ranges to companies that make mobile devices. They record these numbers and device information in a database. This database helps authorized groups identify the maker and model of a mobile device using its IMEI.
See also
In Spanish: Asociación GSM para niños
