1G

The first generation of analog mobile phone technologies, including AMPS, TACS and NMT.

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2.5G

The enhancement of GSM that includes advanced packet-switched wireless communications such as GPRS that are an overlay over existing Second generation of wireless communication systems. The 2.5G mobile devices and services transform wireless communications into on-line, real-time transfer of information, regardless of time and place. 2.5G allow mobile operators to realize the full potential of mobile data services networks while requiring only minimal upgrade of the wireless network compared to 3G networks.

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2G

Second generation of wireless communication systems (including GSM, CDMA IS-95 and D-AMPS IS-136) using digital transmission and advanced control techniques to improve the performance of voice communications, provide special features and limited digital messaging capabilities, such as GSM.

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3G

Third generation of mobile phone technologies covered by the ITU IMT-2000 family. The newest generation of wireless communications systems that allows greater bandwidth and opens the way to increased data-over-wireless solutions. 3G network deployment has been significantly delayed over the last years due to the heavy investment required for implementation.

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3GPP

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, a grouping of international standards bodies, operators and vendors with the responsibility of standardizing the WCDMA based members of the IMT-2000 family. .

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3GPP2

The counterpart of 3GPP with responsibility for standardizing the CDMA2000-based members of the IMT-2000 family. 3GPP2 is spearheaded by ANSI.

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