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What are 3G Networks?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Third generation or 3G networks represent an international standard for wide-area cellular networks that are replacing 2G networks. The main advantage of these networks is use of a wider radio spectrum resulting in faster data transmission for advanced multimedia services and a larger network capacity. Carriers can deliver these advantages at a reduced cost compared to 2G network technologies, though physical implementation of a 3G network can be expensive in some cases.

3G networks represent the natural evolution from previous standards. Increasingly cellular phones and handheld mobile devices have incorporated additional services to telephony. Today’s mobile devices offer high-speed World Wide Web access, emailing, messaging, video phone and multimedia services. People want to be able to watch streaming movies on their cellular phones, download and play music, store data and share files with other cellular users. 3G networks offer faster, slicker ways to do this.

A tablet PC using 3G technology.
A tablet PC using 3G technology.

These networks have been in operation globally since December 2005 and are continuing to spread. Some telecommunication companies in the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe use a flavor of 3G called W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). Others use CDMA2000, a non-compatible, competing 3G standard that includes a small family of protocols. These are known as CDMA2000 1xRTT (1 times Radio Transmission Technology), CDA2000 EV-DO (Evolution Data Only), and CDMA EV-DV (Evolution Data/Voice). Two popular mobile carries that use CDMA technology are Sprint and Verizon.

3G phones are mobile telephony devices that operate on the 3G network.
3G phones are mobile telephony devices that operate on the 3G network.

If your mobile phone utilizes a subscriber identity module or SIM card, your carrier is using a GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) network. GSM networks make the switch to 3G networks by first incorporating a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). From here the network can be converted to a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a 3G standard sometimes referred to as 3GSM. Alternately the network can incorporate an Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) system, though some people consider EDGE a 2.75G system since it is slightly slower than other 3G networks.

Videos may be streamed and downloaded more quickly over a 4G network than with older types of connections, such as 3G.
Videos may be streamed and downloaded more quickly over a 4G network than with older types of connections, such as 3G.

In practical terms, if you are looking for a GSM mobile phone carrier and that carrier offers UMTS or EDGE, you know you are getting a 3G network. Alternately, if considering CDMA carriers, look for one of the CDMA2000 flavors mentioned earlier. Be alert for newer technologies as well. As you might have expected, there is already talk of 4G networks, and protocols will continue to evolve with time to define newer standards.

Discussion Comments

anon157550

what should be the minimum processor speed of our phone so that we can use 3G?

anon157548

what extra money will we have to pay for a 3G network?

anon81510

Are multi media messages free or do they use the internet?

anon24654

GSM phones are best for EU. You can buy a local SIMS card and only pay local charges. Otherwise you pay roaming to the US and the charges are through the roof.

anon24599

If I am in the US and I bring my 3G phone to Europe, will it work? Will I encounter roaming charges?

anon23771

which are Mhz using commonly in worldwide?

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    • A tablet PC using 3G technology.
      By: m.schuckart
      A tablet PC using 3G technology.
    • 3G phones are mobile telephony devices that operate on the 3G network.
      By: Maridav
      3G phones are mobile telephony devices that operate on the 3G network.
    • Videos may be streamed and downloaded more quickly over a 4G network than with older types of connections, such as 3G.
      By: Coka
      Videos may be streamed and downloaded more quickly over a 4G network than with older types of connections, such as 3G.