Technology is constantly evolving, and phones are no longer just for making calls. Mobile phone technology has evolved from the time of analog signals (1G) to the more recent 4G LTE with professionals working to come up with even faster ways to communicate. 3G stands for 3rd Generation, which started in 2001.
2G and 3G networks worked parallel with each other, with 3G providing key additions such as the ability to access the internet and make video calls. It also provided the ability to view television on mobile devices. The main difference between 2G and 3G is that 2G mainly deals with audio signals while 3G transfers image and video signals as well.
Whereas many 2G users can make calls without interruptions almost anywhere in the country, 3G users can experience weak signals in some places. This is attributed to the high 3G signals that require more infrastructure to get better signals. This doesn’t mean that if a user has 3G connectivity, they can’t access 2G networks. It is possible to connect to a 2G network only that the speeds will be disappointing.
Users on 3G technology enjoy faster speeds in all data transmissions. There is no call dropping as long as there are steady signals. The speed of accessing the internet and downloading data is better than 2G as well. The connectivity for 3G resembles a data pipe – the fewer the number of users accessing the data pipe, the faster the transfer of data. However, as traffic in the data pipe increases over time, the speeds at which signals flow reduce and the speed drops for all the users in the data pipe.
To solve this issue, the mobile service provider needs to consider increasing the network capacity according to the number of users they have. This can get quite expensive especially at the rate at which people are embracing 3G technology. The invention of radio spectrum has also reduced this issue considerably over the past few years.
The only way to migrate from a 2G network is by getting a 3G-enabled phone. This has been made easy as there are affordable mobile phones out there that support this technology. As one decides whether they will get a 3G device, it is vital to note that 4G LTE is the latest technology that offers even better speeds. The only difference is that it may cost a little bit more than a 3G phone. It may be better, but it is not important as 3G signals are still good, and the technology to accommodate 3G users has improved over the years.
Compared to 2G devices, 3G devices require batteries that are more powerful. That translates to larger, more expensive phones. They may also require charging more times, unlike 2G phones. However, recent technology has seen battery companies come up with smaller batteries that have a high-power storage capability. 3G devices are always online, ready to detect the next available Wi-fi signal thanks to IP connectivity – a technology that uses packets to transmit data. This is great for data access but can be draining to the battery.
Even if 3G networks are better than 2G ones, users may experience weak signals, especially in places with less infrastructure to boost signals. A person who purchases and uses a 3G booster gets results that are better unlike one who doesn’t.
