GSM gateway
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A GSM Gateway (also known as a GSM Router, Fixed Cellular Terminal, Fixed Wireless Terminal, Cellular Gateway) is a device enabling a GSM SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) to be utilised from a fixed/land line handset as though they were calling from the GSM Mobile telephone/Cellular Telephone. The use of a GSM gateway is called GSM termination or origination.
When using a fixed/land line handset with a GSM gateway, consumers make and receive calls, from the fixed/land line handset, through a Mobile/Cellular Network.
Background: The uptake of mobile/cellular telephones worldwide has exceeded that of fixed/land line telephones worldwide.
In most instances the Fixed Line Carriers are also Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the charges to initiate a call (originating call) from fixed/land line telephone service exceeds the charge the charges from a mobile/cellular telephone service. In the highly competitive mobile/cellular phone market the MNOs have lowered rates to call from any mobile/cellular telephone as an incentive to bring consumers to their networks. Some MNOs allow "free" or uncharged calls to others on the same network. It is also a common practise for the MNOs to offer "capped plans" enticing consumers to use mobile phones more and more.
Reason for using a GSM gateway: If consumers are able to simulate the practise of calling from a fixed/land line telephone to that of a mobile/cellular telephone, then they will avoid the high charges incurred when utilising the fixed/land line phone and make calls at the competitive rates offered when using a mobile phone. A GSM gateway enables this practice.
With the emergence of VoIP the use of GSM gateways has allowed many consumers around the world save on telephone costs.
Overviews on manufacturers' websites:
Novatec Kommunikationstechnik GmbH, Germany
Overview of Distribuitors (online purchase)
