Difference between 2G and 3G

Difference between 2G and 3G Technology

Second Generation (2G) technology was launched in the year 1991 in Finland. It is based on the technology known as global system for mobile communication or in short we can say GSM. This technology enabled various networks to provide services like text messages, picture messages and MMS. In this technology all text messages are digitally encrypted due to which only the intended receiver receives message. These digital signals consume less battery power, so it helps in saving the battery of mobiles.

The technologies used in 2G are either TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) which divides signal into different time slots or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) which allocates a special code to each user so as to communicate over a multiplex physical channel.

3G technology generally refers to the standard of accessibility and speed of mobile devices. It was first used in Japan in the year 2001. The standards of the technology were set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This technology enables use of various services like GPS (Global Positioning System), mobile television and video conferencing. It not only enables them to be used worldwide, but also provides with better bandwidth and increased speed.

This technology is much more flexible as it can support 5 major radio technologies that operate under CDMA, TDMA and FDMA. CDMA accounts for IMT-DS (direct speed), IMT-MC (multi carrier). TDMA holds for IMT-TC (time code), IMT-SC (single carrier). This technology is also comfortable to work with 2G technologies. The main aim of this technology is to allow much better coverage and growth with minimum investment.

Difference between 2G and 3G Technology
·         Cost:
 The license fee to be paid for 3G network is much higher as compared to 2G networks. The network construction and maintenance of 3G is much costlier than 2G networks. Also from the customers point of view the expenditure for 3G network will be excessively high if they make use of the various applications of 3G.

·         Data Transmission:
  The main difference between 2G and 3G networks is seen by the mobile users who download data and browse the Internet on the mobile phones. They find much faster download speeds, faster access to the data and applications in 3G networks as compared to 2G networks. 2G networks are less compatible with the functions of smart phone. The speed of data transmission in 2G network is less than 50,000 bits per sec while in 3G it can be more than 4 million bits per sec.

·         Function:
The main function of 2G technology is the transmission of information via voice signals while that of 3G technologies is data transfer via video conferencing, MMS etc.

·         Features:
The features like mobile TV, video transfers and GPS systems are the additional features of 3G technology that are not available with 2G technologies.

·         Frequencies:
 2G technology uses a broad range of frequencies in both upper and lower bands, under which the transmission depends on conditions such as weather. A drawback of 3G is that it is simply not available in certain regions.

·         Implication:
3G technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G technology because 3G networks permit validation measures when communicating with other devices.

·         Making Calls:
Calls can be made easily on both 2G and 3G networks with no real noticeable differences except that in 3G network video calls can also be made. The transmission of text messages and photos is available in both the networks but 2G networks have data limit and the speed of the data transmission is also very slow as compared to 3G.

·         Speed: 
The downloading and uploading speeds available in 2G technologies are up to 236 Kbps. While in 3G technology the downloading and uploading speeds are up to 21 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps respectively.

What is the difference between 2G, 3G, 4G, mobile networks?

G in 2G, 3G and 4G stands for the “Generation” of the mobile network. Today, mobile operators have started offering 4G services in the country. A higher number before the ‘G’ means more power to send out and receive more information and therefore the ability to achieve a higher efficiency through the wireless network.


Understanding the mobile networks:

As the name would suggest, 1G was the first generation of mobile networks. Here basically, radio signals were transmitted in ‘Analogue’ form and expectedly, one was not able to do much other than sending text messaging and making calls. But the biggest disadvantage, however came in the form of limited network availability, as in the network was available only within the country.


2G networks on the other hand, were based on narrow band digital networks. Signals were transmitted in the digital format and this dramatically improved the quality of calls and also reduced the complexity of data transmission. The other advantage of the 2G network came in the form of Semi Global Roaming System, which enabled the connectivity all over the world.


Between 2G and 3G there was a short phase in between where mobile phones became sleeker and more ‘pocketable’ if we can call it that.  This is popularly referred to as 2.5G where the quantity of radio waves to be transmitted was much lower. This in turn had an effect on the shape and structure of mobile phones. But most of all, 2.5G helped in the ushering of GPRS (General Pocket Radio Service).


The 3rd generation of mobile networks has become popular largely thanks to the ability of users to access the Internet over devices like mobiles and tablets. The speed of data transmission on a 3G network ranges between 384KBPS to 2MBPS. This means a 3G network actually allows for more data transmission and therefore the network enables voice and video calling, file transmission, internet surfing, online TV, view high definition videos, play games and much more.  3G is the best option for users who need to always stay connected to Internet.


4th Generation mobile networks are believed to provide many value added features. In addition to all the 3G facilities, data transmission is believed to go through the roof with speeds ranging between 100MBPs to 1GBPS. Phew! Happy talking, surfing, conferencing, chatting, networking, partying, or whatever you want to do on your mobile phone.

Comparing 2G And 3G Technology

    The prime focus of this page is comparing 2g and 3g technology and to understand the difference between the two. 2G and 3G is a system of standards for mobile telecommunications which are described by the International Telecommunication Union. These include GSM EDGE, UMTS, and CDMA2000 as well as DECT and WiMAX. Wireless voice telephone, video calls, and wireless data are the services provided in the mobile environment. Let us now try to find the main differences between 3g and 2g technologies.

    Term
    When we compare 3g and 2g technology, let us start with the term first. Referring to the two main forms of cellular technology used all across the world during the early 21st century, 2G is the second generation, while 3G is the third generation of mobile networks.

    History
    Looking in their history, 2G technology was first launched in the nation of Finland in 1991, while 3G was first used in Japan in 2001.

    Function
    Comparing 3g and 2g technology, while the function of 2G networks is primarily the transmission of voice information, the 3G technology offers the additional benefit of data transfer.

    Implication
    Among other differences between 3g and 2g technologies, a higher level of security is offered by the 3G technology over the 2G networks. According to a UK-based technology firm, 3G networks permit authentication measures when communicating with other devices.

    Features
    Due to the advanced 3G technology, many additional features are available here unlike 2G, when comparing 2g and 3g technology. These features include mobile TV, video transfers and GPS systems.

    Frequencies
    When we compare 3g and 2g technology, we find that 2G technology uses a wide array of frequencies in both higher and lower ranges, under which the transmission of the digital signals depends on conditions, such as weather. A drawback of 3G is that it simply is not available in certain regions.