GSM services initially was focused on circuit switched voice service. The GSM system evolved to offer additional types of data, messaging, multicast, and multimedia services.

GSM voice service started as a full rate voice service that allowed 8 users per GSM radio channel. The original design allowed for the use of a half rate voice service (lower quality audio) to increase the number of simultaneous GSM voice users to 16 per radio channel.

GSM Data services started as low speed circuit switched data (9.6 kbps). The GSM system evolved to allow the combination of multiple circuit switched data connections to provide high speed circuit switched data services - HSCSD.

GSM short messaging service - SMS is an electronic messaging service for extremely short text messages (140 characters). SMS evolved into executable messages that allow for advanced two-way messaging features.

GSM Multicast - GSM has the capabilities of one to many type services such as group call (dispatch type services) and voice broadcast (such as traffic alerts).

GSM Packet Data - GPRS - The GSM system evolved into general packet radio service which allowed for users to dynamically share packet data resources on one or more GSM channels for services such as Internet browsing.