3G

For other uses, see 3G (disambiguation).

A USB modem for 3G plugged into a laptop.
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3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It is the upgrade to 2G, 2.5G, GPRS and 2.75G Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution networks, offering faster data transfer, and better voice quality.[1] This network was superseded by 4G, and later by 5G. This network is based on a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile telecommunications services and networks that comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications set by the International Telecommunication Union. 3G is used in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.[1]

3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information transfer rate of at least 144 kbit/s.[2][3] Later 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to smartphones and mobile modems, e.g. in laptop computers. This ensures it is adequate for wireless voice calls, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV technologies.

A new generation of cellular standards has appeared approximately every tenth year since 1G systems were introduced between 1979 and the early to mid-1980s. Each generation is characterized by new frequency bands, higher data rates and non–backward-compatible transmission technology. The first commercial 3G networks were introduced in mid-2001.[4][5][6][7]

  1. ^ a b "All about the Technology=2011-04-04". itu.int. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  2. ^ "3G CELLULAR STANDARDS WITH PATENTS". projectsatbangalore.com. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  3. ^ "3G vs. 4G: What's the Difference?". PC Magazine. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  4. ^ Charny, Ben (1 October 2001). "World's first 3G phone network goes live". ZDNet. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  5. ^ McCarthy, Kieren (1 October 2001). "World's first 3G network live today". theregister.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  6. ^ "THE EVOLUTION TO 3G MOBILE – STATUS REPORT". itu.int. 29 July 2003. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  7. ^ "First 3G mobiles launched in Japan". 1 October 2001. Retrieved 16 August 2019.