Community update: The 850 MHz issue

[Doug Sutherland]

Mathew Davis:
> Who uses the 900 band does anyone know?

Nobody in North America uses 900 or 1800.

Originally all GSM phones were 900Mhz. The GSM specs were 
created in Europe. Due to congestion on the 900Mhz band most
providers added support for 1800Mhz. 

North America was late in the GSM game due to old networks
and therefore much prior investment. However, it is basically 
unheard of now to buy a GSM phone in North America that 
does not support 850/1900, the two North American bands.
These two are must have for North American customers in 
general. Quad band should be the goal.

Good GSM coverage info here
http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml

  -- Doug