Cellular data
What is cellular data?
Until a few years ago, cellphones were used almost exclusively for voice calls. But with the roll-out of high-speed data services, cellular operators are cashing in on the growing demand for mobile broadband Internet access. However, the arcane terminology used by the industry can be a minefield to navigate. Here's a quick guide.
What is GPRS?
General Packet Radio Service is a mobile data service for second-generation (2G) cellphone networks that use the GSM standard. It offers download speeds of up to 80 Kbit/s.
What is Edge?
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution is a type of GPRS, sometimes called 2,75G, which offers download speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s in ideal conditions.
What is UMTS?
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, sometimes called Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), is a 3G standard typically used by GSM operators. In its plain vanilla form, it can offer data downloads of up to 384 Kbit/s but can provide connections of up to 7,2 Mbit/s using an evolution of the technology known as High-Speed Downlink/Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA/HSUPA).
What's next?
Standards such as Evolved High-Speed Packet Access will deliver downloads of up to 42 Mbit/s within a few years.
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