2G and 3G Technologies

2G and 3G technologies denote the second and third generation technologies used in mobile communication.

Difference Between 2G and 3G Network

2G (Second Generation)

Second Generation (2G) technology was launched in the year 1991 in Finland. It is based on the technology known as global system for mobile communication or in short we can say GSM. In this technology for the first time SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is introduced and a more secured and clear communication was established.

This technology enabled network, provides services like text messages, picture messages and MMS. It uses either TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).

3G (Third Generation)

3G technology was first used in Japan in the year 2001 and it offers higher speed of mobile devices. The standards of the technology were set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This technology enables use of various services like GPS (Global Positioning System), mobile television and video conferencing. It provides much better bandwidth and increased speed.

This technology is much more flexible as it can support 5 major radio technologies that operate under CDMA, TDMA and FDMA.

The main difference between 2G and 3G networks is seen by the mobile users who download data and browse the Internet on the mobile phones. On 3G network you will find much faster download speeds, faster access to the data and applications as compared to 2G networks.