Breaking down the 3G network

By Jessie Atkin

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Whether it's "America's most reliable 3G network" (Sprint) or "The nation's fastest 3G network" (AT&T) the fact is this network is everywhere, but it's meaning is not.  The technical aspects are confusing -- as most technical aspects tend to be -- but the purpose and application of this "3G" is pretty simple.

3G is a new standard for telecommunication hardware (or the physical technological items in telecommunication) as well as mobile networking technology.  It was set up to support expansion, increase bandwidth (available data communication resources) and carry additional applications.  It's a new way that wireless carriers have to set up their gadgets and the way their gadgets transmit information.  This means that new options are available to network users as well as better network efficiency and greater load capacity.  In particular this makes it possible for wireless carriers to offer the public more functions (ex: video and broadband wireless internet) but still through cellular telephone networks.  So, unlike WiFi you don't need a specific hot spot to access the web, but simply wireless cellular service.

The enhanced speed is convenient for users and the enhanced load capacity is what the carriers need to keep speed convenient.  The fact is, as greater speed and broader options become available more data and information is passing through the networks all the time.  Looking at the 2008 release of the Apple's 3G iPhone, the need for wireless networks to possess greater capacity is clear.  Being able to make calls, download games and music, access the internet, send email and photos, and access GPS directions all from the same system makes the necessity for this new standard of technology more than understandable.

With the release of the iPhone, the popularity of the smart phone in general sky-rocketed.  It's not just businessmen with BlackBerries anymore. It's students, and mothers, and grandparents.  The phone in and of itself is no longer the single and simplest way to stay in touch. It's email, texting, and instant messaging, and the portable phone remains relevant because it now has access to all of these options. 

Just like cellular service in the past, 3G speed and quality varies by location and carrier, but that should be no surprise.  Despite enhanced capacity compared with old network set ups there are more customers jumping on the smart phone bandwagon everyday and enhanced capacity does no mean unlimited capacity.  There are complaints everywhere, from Sprint in general to the iphone specifically, but again location, timing, it all still comes into play. 

The 3G network has come a long way since the first commercial set up appeared in Japan in 2001.  Now, in 2009, with the iPhone, smart phone, and every other enhanced phone, the 3G network is everywhere, in use, in culture, in conversation.  Today, people know this new network exists, whether they know what it does or not.  By the time it's completely understood in the public eye odds are a new network set up will be on its way for the masses.  But, it's always nice to know where we've been even while we look forward to where we are going.