GSM, 800, 1900, exc.

[Pedal2Medal00]

I am a bit confused about the whole GSM thing. When people refer to 800 MHZ GSM are they also refering to 850 GSM or is that totally different? If I had a phone that was 80O GSM compatable would it also be compatable with 850? Who uses 850, and who uses 800? Will AT&T ever use 800 (or 850) over their 1900 MHZ GSM network in rural areas?

[YRless]

I believe 800 and 850 are the same refuring the cellular band

[SQFreak]

GSM800 = GSM850

850MHz is a slightly more accurate description of the "Cellular" band.

[Fire14]

Originally posted by: Pedal2Medal00
I am a bit confused about the whole GSM thing. When people refer to 800 MHZ GSM are they also refering to 850 GSM or is that totally different? If I had a phone that was 80O GSM compatable would it also be compatable with 850? Who uses 850, and who uses 800? Will AT&T ever use 800 (or 850) over their 1900 MHZ GSM network in rural areas?

Yes 800 MHz is the same as 850 Mhz, it's just more generalized. As far as AT&T using 850 in 1900 rural area's that all depends on what license they have for what area's. If they don't have an 800 license then they can't deploy it, lucky for us if/when the merger goes thru there will be more coverage and it shouldn't matter which freq. is used you should still have good coverage. Remember 1900 when deployed right will give you coverage like 850.