3G Network and Services

Telecommunications companies nowadays, boast about their 3G services and its coverage. But what does a 3G network mean? What is the 3G wireless internet network that we can get through our phones all about? Can we really get mobile internet access comparable to the wired broadband internet? In this article, you would find out the meaning and endeavors of 3G, together with details necessary to appreciate and take advantage of 3G networks.

What is a 3G Network?

Third-generation or 3G, also known as IMT 2000, is a family of radio interfaces which evolved from previous generations to facilitate wider range of services and advanced network capacity. According to the definition of ITU (International Telecommunications Union), 3G includes the following technologies:

What is 3G capable of?

It enables network operators to offer subscribers a wider range of advanced services while achieving greater network capacity through increased bandwidth, transfer rates and spectral efficiency. 3G networks are intended to facilitate smart phone advanced capabilities such as the following.

How fast is 3G Wireless?

The 3G network provides a platform for distributing converged fixed, mobile, voice, data, and internet and multimedia services. 3G speeds vary upon application as demonstrated below:

How did 3G improve from 2G?

3G broadband features a wider range of services, advance network capacity and increased information transfer rates over the previous generations. Based upon higher network bandwidth than the first 2G digital cellular phones, 3G capable devices are able to support simultaneous transmission of voice and data. Furthermore, it enables high capacity data transmission that would support video streaming and web browsing capabilities. The following is a simple comparison of 2G and 3G features:

How did 3G improve from 2G?

3G broadband features a wider range of services, advance network capacity and increased information transfer rates over the previous generations. Based upon higher network bandwidth than the first 2G digital cellular phones, 3G capable devices are able to support simultaneous transmission of voice and data. Furthermore, it enables high capacity data transmission that would support video streaming and web browsing capabilities. The following is a simple comparison of 2G and 3G features:

2G

Maximum 2G speed is up to 20Kbps

  • Digital voice service
  • Push-to-Talk (PTT)
  • Short Message Service (SMS)
  • Conference calling
  • Caller ID
  • Voice mail
  • Simple data applications (email and Web browsing)

3G

Maximum 3G speed is up to 3.1Mbps

All 2G and 2.5G Features plus:

  • Support for all 2G and 2.5G features plus:
  • Full motion video
  • Streaming music
  • 3D gaming
  • Faster Web browsing
  • Improved Security

How do we use 3G?

To access the 3G network, you need to have 3 things:

  1. 3G Compatible Device
  2. 3G Network Subscription Plan
  3. 3G Coverage

First, you need to have a 3G device which may be a 3G phone or any device with a 3G embedded module. Devices other than 3G mobile phones, such as video cameras, gaming devices and even vending machines are able to accessible to the network as long as it has a 3G embedded module. Furthermore, portable integrated 3G USB modules that would enable laptops to access the network are also available to the market.

Secondly, you need a subscription to a 3G network service provider to get 3G connectivity. These services are often called data plan or network plan. SIM cards or data cards helps the service provider identify its subscribers at this point.

Lastly, to access the 3G phone network you need to be in 3G cities or area where it is available. Through the 3G device and subscription plan, you can access the 3G network whenever within the 3G network. But even if you are not in one, you could still you the previous generation features provided by your carrier because 3G have backwards compatibility. The list of carrier coverage is included on the last part of this article.

What are 3G Mobile Phones?

When we speak of 3G devices, one single device comes to our mind: 3G phones. Simply explained, a 3G phone is any phone which is compatible with the 3G network; it could access the 3G network if given a data plan.

The difference between previous generation phones may not be obvious to the consumers, although there are few similarities among 3G phones which are obviously aimed to maximize the 3G features. They commonly have two cameras, one allowing the users to have video calls and the other for regular camera functions. It also requires a SIM card which enables the service providers to identify the subscribers. Other than that, is usually caters applications that enables video/music download and internet access.

What are SIM cards? And how do we use it?

A SIM or subscriber Identity Module card is a removable memory chip that stores service-subscriber key that is used to identify the subscriber inside a network. It also stores contact numbers, text messages and other data allowing the SIM card user to switch to a new phone easily, by simply inserting the SIM card from the old to the new cell phone.

3G Companies and Service Providers

Review our list of 3G Service providers in the United States, UK and Canada: 3G Service Providers