Acronym

Description

Explanation

1G

First generation of wireless communications systems

Wireless communications systems using analog transmission.

2G

Second generation of wireless communication systems.

Wireless communications systems using digital transmission and advanced control techniques to improve the performance of voice communications, provide special features and limited digital messaging capabilities.

2.5G

Enhanced second generation of wireless communicaton systems.

Second generation wireless communication systems that have been upgraded to allow packet switching and higher data rates. Examples are GPRS and EDGE.

3G

Third generation of wireless communication systems.

3G is the newest generation of wireless communications systems, allowing greater bandwidth and opening the way to increased data-over-wireless solutions such as described by the ITU's IMT-2000 project. It is not expected to be fully operational until 2002. The 3rd Generation (3G) mobile devices and services will transform wireless communications into on-line, real-time transfer of information, regardless of time and place. You will be able to send electronic postcards with images, and you can even have a live videoconference using your 3G mobile communication device. See also IMT-2000.

3GPP

Third-Generation Partnership Project (W-CDMA)

A global cooperative project in which standardization bodies in Europe, Japan, South Korea and the United States, as founders, are coordinating W-CDMA issues. See also W-CDMA.

3GPP2

Third-Generation Partnership Project 2 (cdma2000)

An organization dedicated to developing international version of the cdma2000 specification.

4G

Fourth generation of wireless communications systems.

Name for the next generation of technology for high-speed wireless communications that is currently in research and development stage. As of yet, there are no formally recognized 4G specifications.