Understanding Cell Phone Technology:  3G

When it comes to selecting the cell phone that is best for you, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the technological aspects of a particular cell phone product and or particular cell phone features or a cell phone service.  You don’t need to have an expert’s knowledge of cell phone technology; however, the basic information about the technological aspects of a cell phone will serve you well.

Through this brief article, you are provided with some very basic information about one aspect of cell phone technology -- specifically what is known in the industry as 3G.  Of course, if you find that you have additional questions or desire additional information about 3G or about any other aspect of cell phone technology, you should contact a reliable and experienced professional in the field who can provide you with additional materials.  In addition, later in this article you will be provided with a website that has more specific and detailed information about 3G that might be helpful to you.

Technical Definition of 3G

Perhaps the best place to start when it comes to developing a fuller appreciation of the term 3G and what 3G is all about is the technical definition of 3G.  Thus, in this article, we present to you the generally accepted and widely utilized definition of 3G.  That definition is:

“In cell telephony, third-generation protocols support much higher data rates, measured in Mbps, intended for applications other than voice. 3G networks trials started in Japan in 2001. 3G networks started in Europe and part of Asia/Pacific in 2002, and in the US not long thereafter. 3G supports bandwidth-hungry applications such as full-motion video, video-conferencing and full Internet access.“

A More Common Understanding of 3G

As you likely understand when considering computer programs, new versions or new generations of these programs are introduced onto the marketplace from time to time.  The same holds true for cell phone protocols. 

3G -- which stands for third generation -- is the latest cell phone protocol that is moving from the testing stage into the full marketing phase at the present point in time.  Through this latest generation of cell phone protocol, the typical cell phone supporting this protocol will be able to do far more than merely carry voice transmissions.  Thanks to the technology associated with 3G, the typical cell phone with this protocol will support more significant bandwidth that will allow for such things as:

• full fledged motion pictures
• video conferencing
• complete and total Internet and World Wide Web access

What 3G Mean to You

Thanks to 3G, your cell phone will become a far more useful and versatile tool.  You will be able to rely on your cell phone for a wide range of different options and services.

Where to Obtain More Information About 3G

If you are interested in obtaining more information about 3G after reviewing what has been presented to you in this article, one option is the extensive information that can be found at a venue on the Internet and World Wide Web:  www.3gpp.org.