GSMA reports 600 million users

LONDON—The GSM Association reported more than 600 million people around the world use GSM phones, and expects to exceed 630 million by the end of the year. The association noted GSM networks were currently operational in 171 countries, with more than 55 GPRS networks commercially deployed.
“The GSM global wireless family continues to be the world’s fastest growing and most widely deployed wireless technology,” said Rob Conway, chief executive officer of the GSM Association. “With the total digital wireless market expected to reach 1 billion customers by year end, GSM is best placed with over 70 percent market share to fully maximize the opportunities of verbal and visual wireless communications ahead.”