What is 3G and why do I want it?

Every day we are bombarded with offers to switch to 3G

Here’s what we need to know

· 3G means Third Generation

· With 3G, you have greater capacity

· This makes live video streaming, video calls, broadband wireless not just possible, but practical

· Can be very expensive, relatively new technology

· Speeds up to 14.4 Mbits/s and 5.8 Mbits /s uplink

· Comparable to Wi-Fi

· 2G includes GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

· GSM: Global; System for Mobile Communication 80% of world

· GSM introduced us to SMS: Short Text Messaging

· GSM is a cellular network, which means that mobile phones connect to it by searching for cells in the immediate vicinity; 9600 bit/s

· TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access

· CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access

· EDGE: Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution

· 4G: a comprehensive IP solution where voice, data and streamed multimedia can be given to users on an "Anytime, Anywhere" basis, and at higher data rates than previous generations. wireless broadband access, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), video chat, mobile TV, HDTV content, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), minimal service like voice and data, and other streaming services for "anytime-anywhere"

Analogue, TDMA/CDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, 4G