Arduino has gone mobile by offering a GPRS/GSM add-on module to the Arduino motherboard.

This will allow the development platform to connect to the internet via GSM mobile phone networks.

The module, or shield, was developed in conjunction with Telefónica’s Physical Internet Laboratory and is available to purchase.

The open-source GSM Shield comes with a Telefónica SIM card ready to be plugged in and used (any other GSM/GPRS SIM card can also be used).

The activation process is available through the BlueVia website where users can login with their Arduino account and be online in minutes.

Arduino and Telefónica have made this board compatible with the other network interfaces available for Arduino. Code written for the Ethernet or Wifi Shield can be adapted for this shield by changing just a few lines of code.

A000043 Arduino GSM Shield (integrated antenna) €69 + taxes 
A000044 Arduino GSM Shield (antenna connector) €69 + taxes
 
The first one is available from 11th of March directly from Arduino store and from the 25th of March also from all the other distributors. The second one will be available in 5 weeks.

Technical specification

The Shield uses a radio modem M10 by Quectel. It is possible to communicate with the board using (AT commands). 

The GSM library was especially tailored for this shield. It adjusts its footprint depending on whether you add more or less of the initial blocks to it. 

The board implements the Arduino R3 layout and is compatible with 3.3v boards. 

The shield contains a number of informational LEDs: On, Status and Net. 

Operating voltage 5V (supplied from the Arduino Board) 

Connection with Arduino on pins 2, 3 (Software Serial) and 7 (reset)