The term "3G" is a telecom buzzword in the wireless industry that refers to a form of high speed data network. More specifically, it is a "third generation" platform for high-speed data transfers taking place over a mobile phone network.

Significance

The technology used in a 3G network was developed to satiate several mobile needs. These needs include giving access to the Internet, watching movies online from a mobile phone, exchanging large data files and video conferencing. The National Telecommunication Regulator Commission provides six categories for 3G use: mobile Internet access, mobile intranet/extranet access, infotainment, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), location-based services, and rich voice/simple voice services.

Benefits

A 3G network provides users with speeds up to nearly 25 times faster than 2G networks, which include Edge service and slower networks such as GPRS. Users can stream movies and video clips, transfer large files in short periods of times (on par with DSL speeds), and access various other Internet services quickly.

Types

Different 3G phones offer various 3G frequencies based on where they are released for sale and use. For example, the United States uses the 850 MHz spectrum for AT&T service and the 1700 MHz AWS spectrum for T-Mobile USA, among other frequencies. However, European standards use other frequencies which typically cover the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrums. Thus, a 3G device in the U.S. may not work in Europe with 3G speeds.

Identification

Cell phones bought in the U.S from a major carrier will typically offer 3G service if stated in the phone's user manual. However, an "unlocked" device (also referred to as a "grey market" device) may not offer the same service. You will want to check the phone's 3G frequencies list and verify if that frequency is supported by your carrier by phoning customer service.

Speeds

3G is capable of receiving downlink speeds up to 14 Mbps, although most networks run closer to the 7.2 Mbps range at this time. The technology used to achieve these possible speeds is known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA).

Source:

National Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

GSM Frequencies - World Zone Map

TechTarget - Mobile Data Transmission Speed Comparisons