Five Facts

3G and EDGE

• 3G wireless networks are capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 384 Kbps. They turn phones into multimedia players, making it possible to download music, watch video and TV clips.
• EDGE or the Enhanced Data Rate for Global Evolution provides data transmission at a rate of 384 Kbps when all eight time slots are used. The idea is to obtain higher data rates on the current 200 KHz GSM carrier by changing the type of modulation used.
• 3G allows existing GSM carriers to provide sophisticated 3G services. With EDGE, cellular service providers can offer wireless data applications, including wireless multimedia, e-mail (web-based), Web infotainment, video conferencing and TV clips.
• EDGE can be rolled-out at a low incremental cost for GSM operators because it requires just a simple upgrade of software and additional channel cards for the existing GSM/GPRS network infrastructure.
• AirTel, Hutch, Spice and IDEA are cellular service providers that are offering 3G-based network data services in India.