Identification

3G wireless technology is the third generation in wireless communication. It offers an expanded bandwidth that makes Internet access faster and increase the capabilities of wireless phones. The term 3G stands for third generation and was coined by the International Telecommunication Union, which is responsible for creating communications standards.

History

According to Spread Spectrum Scene, there has been claims of 3G since the mid-1990s. By 2007, there were more than 40 million people on 3G networks in 40 countries around the world.

Significance

3G technology transfers information at an average of one megabit per second. That is significantly faster than the preceding 2G cellular technology, which transferred at a speed of 10 kilobits per second.

Features

3G technology has an improved roaming feature that can make it easier for providers to share their cellular towers, maintain consistent service for their customers and make roaming less expensive.

Considerations

3G technology has an increased bandwidth over its predecessor 2G technology. This allows files such as movies and large documents to be transferred on 3G that could not be done on 2G.

Source:

CNN.com: What is 3G Technology?

3GNewsroom.com: What is 3G

Spread Spectrum Scene: Third Generation Wireless Systems

More Information:

Federal Communications Commission: Third Generation Wireless Systems