The GSM Association group said there were 970 mil GSM users worldwide as of the end of 2003 compared to 181 mil CDMA users. The association is a trade organization comprised of wireless operators that use GSM technology. The group said in a statement that 15 mil new GSM users were being added a month. About 180 mil new GSM users were added in 2003, which represented 80% of all new wireless users for the year, the group claimed. “By taking 80% of growth in 2003, GSM outperformed the market and reinforced its position as the global standard for mobile communications,” Rob Conway, chief executive of the association said in a statement.