Basics of Computer Networking

Difference between GSM and LTE

Last Updated : 15 Jul, 2025

When you study mobile communication technologies, you will find two kinds of terms. They are the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and LTE (Long-Term Evolution). These elements play a crucial role in mobile-to-mobile communication and SIM card operation. However, there are plenty of differences between GSM and LTE. In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between GSM and LTE in detail.

What is the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)?

The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is a mobile network widely used by mobile phone users around the world. In GSM, the SIM Card can be carried in the new mobile handset. It is operated on either 900 MHz or 1, 800 MHz frequency band. In GSM, two technologies are used which are: FDMA and TDMA.

Advantages of GSM

The GSM Service is well known for its Global Coverage.
The GSM can provide Good Voice Quality.
GSM is easy to implement and maintain.

Disadvantages of GSM

With 2G technology, GSM offers very slow data speeds.
GSM is becoming outdated with the rise of 4G and 5G technologies.
GSM is less secure compared to modern technologies.

What is the Long-Term Evolution (LTE)?

The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for high-speed data communication. It delivers download speeds of around 100 Mbps and upload speeds of around 50 Mbps. It does not deliver good voice call quality while using the data services. It needs a SIM Card to validate the handset.

Advantages of LTE

LTE provides faster download and upload speeds.
LTE offers reduced latency which enhances real-time communication.
LTE can provide Better Spectrum Efficiency.

Disadvantages of LTE

LTE networks and devices can be more expensive to implement.
LTE has a very Limited Coverage in Some Areas.
LTE-enabled devices may consume more battery power.

Difference Between GSM and LTE

GSM	LTE
It is a prominent wireless technology used to determine the cellular network protocol used in mobile phones.	LTE refers to the next generation of wireless technology for the cellular mobile communication system.
GSM supports both voice calls and data.	Whereas it is used only for high-speed data communication.
GSM uses Frequency Division Multiple Access(FDMA) and Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA).	Whereas it uses Orthogonal frequency division multiple access(OFDMA) and Single-carrier frequency division multiple access(SC-FDMA)
In GSM, information is transported through channels that are separated into physical and logical channels.	Whereas in LTE, information is carried out using physical, logical, and transport channels.
GSM uses both the second-generation (also known as 2G) and third-generation (3G) communication standards.	LTE only uses the fourth generation (4G).
In GSM, two frequency bands are used 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.	Whereas in LTE, frequency bands from 1 to 25 and from 33 to 41 are reserved for FDD( Frequency Division Duplex) and TDD(Time Division Duplex) respectively.
In this, the information of the customer is stored in a sim card.	Whereas in this, a sim card is required to verify the mobile phone.
It is a comparatively slow network.	Whereas it is the fastest network.
The GSM architecture consists of the following:- Base Station Subsystem (BSS) Core Network (CN) User Equipment (UE).	The fundamental elements in the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) LTE architecture of Release 8 are as follows:- NB (E-UTRAN Node B) eGW (access gateway) MME (Mobile Management Entity) UPE (User Plane Entity).
Modulation Method- Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK)	Modulation Method- Quadrature Phase Shift Keying 16 QAM 64 QAM
ARFCN is the GSM channel number.	EARFCN is the LTE channel number.
It is used for voice calls, GPRS, and data communications, and it includes new capabilities including SAIC, VAMOS, and MSRD.	It is designed for data calls and includes MIMO, carrier aggregation, beamforming, and enhanced release ten versions.
GSM follows 2*2 MIMO advancement.	LTE follows 88, 44 MIMO advancement.

Conclusion

Both GSM and LTE are so important for mobile and smartphone communication. Though the LTE can replace the GSM, the need for the GSM does not vanish yet. Understanding the difference between GSM and LTE will help to understand the working of respective devices as well.

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