What Was 3G Wireless Technology? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > The 5G Connection Corner 115 115 people found this article helpful

What Was 3G Wireless Technology?

Technical Specifications of 3G

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 15, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email The 5G Connection Corner Browsers Cloud Services Error Messages Family Tech Home Networking 5G Antivirus Around the Web 3G was the third generation of wireless technologies. It comes with enhancements over earlier wireless technologies, such as high-speed transmission, advanced multimedia access, and global roaming. 3G was mostly used with mobile phones and handsets as a means to connect the phone to the internet or other IP networks in order to make voice and video calls, to download and upload data, and to surf the Web. The 3G standard has been superseded by the 4G standard, which itself is being eclipsed by 5G services. pictafolio/E+/Getty Images

History of 3G

3G follows a pattern of G's that the ITU started in the early 1990s. The pattern is a wireless initiative called the International Mobile Communications 2000. 3G, therefore, comes just after 2G and 2.5G, the second-generation technologies. 2G technologies include, among others, the Global System for Mobile. 2.5G brought standards that are midway between 2G and 3G, including the General Packet Radio Service, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, and others.

How Is 3G Better

3G offered several enhancements over 2.5G and previous networks: Several times higher data speedEnhanced audio and video streamingVideoconferencing supportWeb and WAP browsing at higher speedsIPTV (TV through the internet) support

Technical Specifications

The transfer rate for 3G networks was between 128 and 144 kilobits per second for devices that are moving fast, and 384 kbps for slow ones — like walking pedestrians. For fixed wireless LANs, the speed goes beyond 2 Mbps. 3G included standards like W-CDMA, WLAN, and cellular radio, among others.

Requirements for Use

Unlike Wi-Fi, with which you can get for free in hotspots, you had to be subscribed to a service provider to get 3G network connectivity. This kind of service is often called a data plan or network plan. Your device connected to the 3G network through its SIM card (in the case of a mobile phone) or its 3G data card (which could be of different types, like USB, PCMCIA, etc.), both of which are usually provided or sold by the service provider. These cards are how the device connects to the internet when it is within range of a network. In fact, the device is backward compatible with older technologies, which is why a 3G compatible phone could get 2G service if it's available when 3G service is not. The 3G craze of the early 2010s has receded; most devices now support the 4G standard, using 3G as a fallback if 4G connections are not available. In some parts of the world, particularly in rural areas, 3G remains a backbone service. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 3G vs. 4G Technology Mobile Networks: 3G vs. 4G What Do All Those Gs Mean in Wireless Service? 5G: Everything You Need to Know What Is HSPA and HSPA+ on 3G Cellphones 5G Speed: How to Understand the Numbers What Is TDMA and What Does It Do? 6G: What It Is & When to Expect It 5G Availability Around the World Are the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S 4G Phones? 4G Mobile Networks: The Pros and the Cons Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model How Are 4G and 5G Different? The 7 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 WiMAX Technology Requirements, Performance and Cost Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies