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3G is the third generation of cellular network technology, representing a significant advancement over 2G, particularly in terms of data transfer speeds and mobile internet capabilities. While 2G networks, including technologies such as GPRS and EDGE, supported limited data services, 3G introduced significantly higher-speed mobile internet, improved voice quality, and enhanced multimedia capabilities.[1] Although 3G enabled faster data speeds compared to 2G, it provided moderate internet speeds suitable for general browsing and multimedia content, but not for high-definition or data-intensive applications. Based on the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3G supports a range of services, including voice telephony, mobile internet access, video calls, video streaming, 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 referred to as 3.5G (HSPA) and 3.75G (HSPA+), introduced important improvements, enabling 3G networks to offer mobile broadband access with speeds ranging from several Mbit/s up to 42 Mbit/s.[4] These updates improved the reliability and speed of internet browsing, video streaming, and online gaming, enhancing the overall user experience for smartphones and mobile modems (e.g., for laptops) in comparison to earlier 3G technologies.
A new generation of cellular standards has emerged roughly every decade since the introduction of 1G systems in 1979. Each generation is defined by the introduction of new frequency bands, higher data rates, and transmission technologies that are not backward-compatible due to the need for significant changes in network architecture and infrastructure. The first commercial 3G networks were launched in mid-2001.[5][6][7][8] It was later succeeded by 4G technology, which provided even higher data transfer rates and introduced advancements in network performance.
- ^ a b "All about the Technology=2011-04-04". itu.int. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- ^ "3G CELLULAR STANDARDS WITH PATENTS". projectsatbangalore.com. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- ^ "3G vs. 4G: What's the Difference?". PC Magazine. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- ^ "HSPA - About Us". About Us. 9 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
- ^ Charny, Ben (1 October 2001). "World's first 3G phone network goes live". ZDNet. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- ^ McCarthy, Kieren (1 October 2001). "World's first 3G network live today". theregister.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- ^ "THE EVOLUTION TO 3G MOBILE – STATUS REPORT". itu.int. 29 July 2003. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- ^ "First 3G mobiles launched in Japan". 1 October 2001. Retrieved 16 August 2019.