3G Specifications

3G on Different Networks

• in 1998 the 3GPP, or 3rd Generation Partnership Program, was founded to improve GSM networks to 3G specifications. As a result, different mobile technologies reached different milestones. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) reached speeds of 114 Kbps. Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) went up to 384 Kbps. UMTS Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) had speeds up to 1.92 Mbps. High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) reached 14 Mbps.
  
  

General Speeds

• As of 2011, 3G networks should have a transfer rate of 2 or more Mbps (megabytes per second) in a fixed location. A device moving slowly, for example, in the hands of a pedestrian, should get speeds of 384 Kbps (kilobits per second.) Devices in a moving vehicle will reach speeds between 128 and 144 Kbps.
  
  

Applications of 3G

• Three-G enables streaming of video and audio content, leading many carriers to offer video and radio on demand services. Three-G transfers data quickly enough to enable voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) communication through programs such as Skype. Competitive multilayer gaming, video teleconferencing and quicker browsing are all made possible through 3G data.
  
  

4G and Beyond

• As of 2011, some telecommunication carriers are evolving their networks to 4G, the 4th generation of technologies as specified by the ITU. Four-G devices should reach speeds of 1 Gbps (gigabyte per second) when stationary and 100 MBps when moving. Newer standards like WiMAX and LTE do not meet those specifications, but are considered different enough from their predecessors to be considered 4G by telecoms and phone manufacturers. There is some controversy on which networks available as of 2011 should be accurately called 4G.