The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network is the standard system used by most mobile phone networks around the world. Whether the telephony scheme uses a cellular network based around broadcast stations or satellite technology connected to signals from orbit, both systems are part of the GSM network. According to statistics accumulated by an organization known as the GSM Association, roughly 80 percent of all mobile phones around the world are part of this network.

The main purpose of the GSM network is to facilitate easier access to cellular and satellite platforms across international lines. Using digital technology, it employs both speech and data channels in its system. At minimum these channels operate on the second generation (2G) network, but many use the third generation (3G) system to offer these services to clients. This enables the exchange of information at high-speed data rates via satellites and mobile cellular towers across networks and company lines. For example, a person in Tokyo can text message a person in Toronto via Japan's system, through networks in the countries between until it finally arrives on the intended recipient's mobile device in Canada.

Creation of the GSM network occurred in 1982 with a meeting between high-level communication experts at the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations. Its original purpose was to address cellular infrastructure in Europe, but it quickly expanded to other nations. Many of the standards and operational procedures of the GSM network are published in annual journals. These help industry experts to streamline communications protocol from one system to another. In particular, the network has been essential in establishing worldwide access to emergency telephone services using the digits one-one-two (112), redirecting global phone traffic to emergency responders in a user's proximity. It also is responsible for establishing text message technology during the 1980s.

The GSM digital network operates on different frequencies depending on the system used, whether 2G or 3G. Each frequency is then subdivided into different channels that allow for short bursts of digital information to be sent via the GSM connection. Networks in North America operate on different frequencies than those in Europe or Asia. Much of this has to do with the sheer volume of mobile phone use in certain parts of the world and the fact that Canada and the United States had already allocated certain frequencies for other uses.

In order to send information via the GSM network, two different forms of codecs are used: 6.5 and 13 kilobits per second respectively. These are commonly known as Half Rate and Full Rate data channels. The audio portion of the signals, such as those used in voice communication, are sent using 3.1 kilohertz or audio along these networks. Using this system, the GSM network can ensure that information will be transferred with limited interruption and security from external interference.