Technology is all about development – and things are changing and developing and advancing each and every day, each and every moment. In such a dynamic world, especially in respect of mobile technology, maybe using 2G internet plans feels a little outdated especially when compared to the faster, more advanced 3G internet plans for mobile. But it might not be. Let’s look at the major differences between 2G & 3G, and then you can decide which mobile internet packs work for you.
2G or 3G? Differences & how to choose a mobile internet plan?
2G Technology:
Also known as the Global System for Mobile communication, and forming the basis of mobile wireless technology (including voice and internet plans for mobile) over the analogue mobile communication, the 2G technology was introduced way back in 1991 and since has come a long way in regard of both technological advancement as well as number of people using it on a regular basis (while mobile telephony and wireless communication technology was available as well as affordable for only a select few people, today almost every one, whether young or old, rich or poor, man or woman, is using mobile phones with voice, SMS and internet plans, the foundation of which was laid by the 2G technology only.
This technology is the father of SIM (subscriber Identity Mobile) and it introduced and enhanced a secured and clear communication mode in the mobile industry. GSM technology has been widely adopted all over the globe and in today’s world most of the globe is covered with GSM technology.
3G Technology:
The need for the 3G technology was felt with the rise of mobile internet, mobile internet packs and complex and heavy mobile apps when the mobile technology experts realised that the mobile internet pack under GSM’s air interface were not good enough to give high quality performance to multimedia applications under mobile phones.
The 3G technology is the mobile standard specifications which are compatible with the IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) specs to support multimedia. 3G technology has supported applications like location based services, video streaming, high speed internet and video calls. Japan in 2001 launched the very first commercial 3G network, and 3G has picked up all over the world since.
Some basic differences between 2G & 3G are:
• 2G is basically used for voice telephony while 3G supports more advanced mobile phone features such as mobile internet packs.
• GSM air interface data rate is 270Kbps and 3G allows a minimum of 2Mbps downlink in stationary mobile and 384Kbps while moving.
• GSM uses TDMA and FDMA for multiple access technology and 3G utilizes variations of CDMA technology like WCDMA, CDMA2000, CDA2000 1X EV-DO.
• A5 ciphering algorithm is used in 2G and a more secured KASUMI encryption is used in 3G mobile communication.
