The telecommunications world is continuing to change, and 3G technology represents the next stage
in mobile communications. 3G is an evolution in terms of services and data speeds from second generation (2G) mobile networks.
3G is a generic term covering a range of future wireless network technologies, including WCDMA, CDMA2000, UMTS and EDGE. 3G combines high-speed (up to 2Mbit/s, compared to 2G’s 65Kbit/s and 2.5’s 144Kbit/s) mobile access with Internet Protocol (IP) based services. This doesn’t just mean fast mobile connection to the World Wide Web - by liberating us from slow connections, cumbersome equipment and immovable access points - 3G enables new ways to communicate, access information, conduct business and learn.
3G, the next generation mobile network, was launched in the UK in March 2003 by the network operator 3 (Hutchison Telecom). Other UK network operators are now online with their 3G services including Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile and Orange (with Orange Intense). All five operators have an obligation under their licences to provide 3G services to at least 80 per cent of the population by 31 December 2007. BIOS: Technology Means Business