3G stands for third generation and refers to the third generation of mobile phone technology. 3G phones are digital and offer more communication tools and options than a standard mobile phone. Two of the best known 3G phones are the apple iPhone and the Blackberry, but there are far more 3G phone options available too.
The development of 3G phones
If there are 3G phones there must have obviously been previous generations of phone. The first generation (1G) of mobile phones had analogue voice capabilities. However, unlike 3G phones, 1G phones didn’t have any data capabilities. Although it seems like a lifetime ago 1G phones couldn’t be used for text messaging! 1G phones were bulky, inexpensive and unreliable.
The second generation of mobile phone technology brought 2G phones. 2G phones were a vast improvement on their predecessors. 2G phones were digital and text messages could be sent (albeit slowly) using 2G phones and new features such as caller ID were introduced.
There was, however, another stage between 2G phones and 3G phones. 2.5G phones, if you will! In this next phase, data could be sent much more quickly.
We now have 3G phones. 3G phones offer high voice quality and fast broadband transmission rates.
What can 3G phones do?
3G phones have all sorts of capabilities. They are multi-functional and are much more than a device for phoning people:
The benefits of 3G phones
3G phones are effective and convenient for a wide range of users. Business people find them extremely useful, but they are equally used by everyday people who value their 'all-under-one-roof' appeal.
Having a 3G phone means that you can download music, call people, text, email, surf the net and send photo and video clips using just one device. 3G phones make remote working and business travel a lot easier. Whether on a train, in a hotel or in a meeting, the 3G phone prevents the need for lugging round a laptop, MP3 player, an address book, a camera and more.
3G phones can help users stay organised. With their PDA (Personal Digital Organiser) capabilities, users can set automatic reminders, store contacts and manage documents any time and anywhere. 3G phones are now more affordable than ever and contracts are becoming increasingly competitive.
Getting a 3G phone
As the popularity of 3G phones grows, there are more 3G phones to choose from. Here are a few tips on getting and using a 3G phone:
All the major phone manufacturers and networks now offer 3G phones and packages, including:
If you're looking to purchase a 3G phone then we can help you better understand the difference and make your decision easier. |