Evolving GSM data services

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) already includes basic data services, but growing demand for higher bit rates and efficient bandwidth utilization has motivated a plan to introduce several new data services. These new high speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) and general packet radio service (GPRS) are described. An architectural vision has been created which introduces distributed packet data switching separated from the mobile switching center as a generation 2.5 network on the road to the third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).