What is 3G?
Whats the point of 3G?
“In an effort to standardize future digital wireless communications and make global roaming with a single handset possible, the ITU established a single standard for wireless networks in 1999. Called IMT-2000, which is commonly referred to today as 3G, the initiative set forth the requirements (mentioned above) for the third generation of wireless networks” (3gtoday). 3G stands for the third generation of mobile phone standards and technology. The standards for 3G are “UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) is the 3G standard chosen by most GSM/GPRS wireless network operators wanting to evolve their systems to 3G network technology” (3gtoday). However, CDMA2000 and WCSMA are the most dominant standards for current commercial services. “Launched commercially by wireless operators in 2000, CDMA2000 1X was the world’s first operational 3G technology, capable of transmitting data faster than most dial-up services. Today, more than 285 million people enjoy the benefits of CDMA2000 1X, which provides enhanced data capacity compared to all 2G technologies” (3gtoday).
Wireless carriers are utilizing 3G networks to offer advanced applications such as high speed mobile data and streaming media. Also, 3G has enhanced multimedia capabilities tremendously. In urban areas where 3G has been implemented, there have been greater numbers of users in voice and data. This creates higher data rates at a lower cost than 2G. “The implementation of 3G networks led to the launch of new devices, such as smartphones and PC Cards that support a wide variety of access methods and applications. Operators have been quick to create applications based on multiple platforms, including the open Java standard and QUALCOMM's BREW platform” (Beamen).
In October 2001, 3G was implemented in Japan. It was a very difficult to launch this generation, but it has proven successful. In March 2003, 3G technologies were established in the UK and Italy. At this point in time, 3G phones are just starting to take off on their own. But it has been changing rapidly as the days go on. “While 3G is going to enable telephones to also become Internet computers, video phones and television receivers, its maturity phase will find it competing with wireless VoIP telephone services on Wi-Fi, WiMax, WiTV and the new wireless mobile standard 802.20, which doesn't seem to have a catchy name yet. The slug-fest between analog wireline phone service and wired VoIP seems likely to be continued on the wireless front” (Shepler).