Which statement about the GSM standard is accurate?

Which statement about the GSM standard is accurate?

• A. It is a standard for mobile devices but is not widely used.
• B. It is only used in Europe for voice services.
• C. It does not support international roaming between operators.
• D. The ubiquity of the GSM standard makes international roaming very common between mobile phone operators.

Answer: (D)

GSM’s global adoption enables international roaming between networks. GSM, or Global System for Mobile communications, was designed as a common, interoperable standard used by operators around the world. Because many networks share the same standard and use SIM-based authentication, a phone can operate on foreign networks and still access service. This interoperability is what makes roaming across borders so common, since operators establish roaming agreements to allow customers to use voice, text, and data abroad. The other statements don’t fit because GSM isn’t limited to Europe, isn’t restricted from roaming, and isn’t accurately described as rarely used. The widespread, international footprint and the roaming framework together explain why roaming is so prevalent.

GSM’s global adoption enables international roaming between networks. GSM, or Global System for Mobile communications, was designed as a common, interoperable standard used by operators around the world. Because many networks share the same standard and use SIM-based authentication, a phone can operate on foreign networks and still access service. This interoperability is what makes roaming across borders so common, since operators establish roaming agreements to allow customers to use voice, text, and data abroad.

The other statements don’t fit because GSM isn’t limited to Europe, isn’t restricted from roaming, and isn’t accurately described as rarely used. The widespread, international footprint and the roaming framework together explain why roaming is so prevalent.