What is 3G broadband?

The term 3G internet refers to the third generation of mobile phone standards, as set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). 3G technologies allow mobile operators to offer more service options to their users, including mobile broadband.

3G broadband offers greater flexibility and services by making more efficient use of mobile bandwidth than its predecessor 2G. And although faster, newer 4G technology is now available in the UK, 3G remains the UK's dominant mobile broadband technology.

The relationship between 2G and 3G is similar to that of dial-up and broadband, or terrestrial TV and digital TV. In all of the latter examples, greater spectral efficiency has enabled more consumer choice and a more effective service. Simply put, more data can be transmitted faster.

3G broadband

3G enables devices such as mobile phones and mobile dongles to deliver broadband-speed internet. Even the lowest-end, cheapest mobile phones are 3G enabled, making it easy to check emails and browse the web on the go.

Mobile broadband via dongles and smartphones has taken off extremely fast. Mobile broadband allows customers to browse the internet, check email and download files, music and video clips from their laptops and PCs wherever there is coverage.

3G is made possible by two complementary technologies - HSDPA and HSUPA (high speed download and upload packet access, respectively). These technologies enable mobile broadband users to access download speeds of up to 21Mb and upload speeds of up to 1.76Mb via a mobile dongle, USB modem or MiFi.