GSM PCH (Paging Channel) Explained

This page describes the GSM PCH (Paging Channel). In GSM systems, PCH stands for Paging Channel.

When a mobile device is in idle mode, it continuously monitors the PCH for paging messages, checking if the message contains its address. The network primarily uses the PCH to page or alert a mobile device about an incoming, mobile-terminated call from another mobile phone.

In slotted mode, the PCH is divided into paging sub-blocks. The mobile device listens according to the paging sub-blocks assigned to it by the network and enters sleep mode for the remaining time.

The PCH is also located in one of the configurations as listed in the AGCH (Access Grant Channel) description.

Normal bursts are used for PCH information mapping.