3G and EDGE

3G is a specification for the third generation of mobile communication technology.

3G promises increased bandwidth which is up to the 384 Kbps when a device is stationary or moving at pedestrian speed, 128 Kbps in a car, and 2 Mbps in fixed applications.

3G also called UMTS stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) is a broadband, packet-based transmission of text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at data rates up to and possibly higher than 2 Mbps, offering a consistent set of services to mobile computer and phone users no matter where they are located in the world.

3G can work over wireless air interfaces such as GSM, TDMA, and CDMA.

The new EDGE air interface has been developed specifically to meet the bandwidth needs of 3G.

EDGE stands for Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution, is a radio based high-speed mobile data standard.

EDGE allows data transmission speeds of 384 kbps to be achieved when all the eight timeslots are used.

In fact, EDGE was formerly called GSM384, means a maximum bit rate of 48 kbps per timeslot. Even higher speeds may be available in good radio conditions.

EDGE is considered an intermediate step in the evolution to 3G WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), although some carriers are expected to stop short of that final step.

EDGE was initially developed for mobile network operators who fail to win UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) spectrum.

EDGE gives incumbent GSM operators the opportunity to offer data services at speeds that are near to those available on UMTS networks.