Fax over GSM is not a new concept, with the service being available in the UK since 1994. The GSM Fax service really took off in the UK in 1996 when Nokia launched the Nokia 9000 Communicator, which enabled the user of this early smartphone to receive and view faxes on it’s LCD display. The Nokia 9000 could also enable the user to type a fax and send it to a normal fax machine.
Since then the GSM Fax service offered by the mobile phone networks has not changed a great deal becuase it is such a bsic service offering – the only slight improvement has been the availability of GSM Fax Terminals such as the telecom FM Cellfax Plus. A SIM Card is inserted into the Cellfax unit which then provides a connection to enable a standard analogue fax machine to be conected to enable faxes to be sent and received just like using a standard PSTN analogue telephone line.
This means tht temporary or mobile offices can still take advantage of the GSM Fax service offered by the mobile phone networks, providing convenience for when you really do need to send or receive a fax in this age of e-mail. GSM Fax terminals are widely used by construction companies and are finding an increased use aboard ships and other marine work and pleasure craft.
