3G is a type of mobile phone network. 3G stands for Third Generation and, as you might have guessed, previous ‘generations’ of networks came before it.
The big advantage of being on a 3G network is being able to use the internet at high speed. The internet is at the heart of our 3G network and it has never been more relevant, with many people making the switch to a smartphone to enjoy the benefits of apps, email and internet on the go.
A smartphone can be compared to a hand-held computer. To make the most of your smartphone, a smooth and reliable internet connection is important.
A 3G network also opens up a new way of connecting to the internet for people with laptops and tablets. Instead of being limited to using a broadband connection at home or finding a Wi-Fi hotspot when you’re out and about, you can get online whenever you want using ‘mobile’ broadband on a 3G network.
On a 3G network, you can:
- Download music, pictures and games up to 10 times faster than on a 2G network
- Quickly access social networks, news, sport and weather
- Stream music and videos
- Use apps and maps that make life easier and more enjoyable
- Upload and share photos and videos quickly and easily
- Communicate in many ways – on email, messenger and social networks as well as by making calls and sending texts
As you can imagine, all this stuff takes up a lot more space or ‘data’. As more people get involved with these new services, a 3G network has to make sure it can give them what they need. That’s why mobile phone operators are always working to improve their 3G networks.
Three launched the UK's first 3G network in 2003. In 2008, we kicked off a massive plan to improve the network. Using Three's old network was like travelling on a single track road - but as more masts and base stations were built, coverage and signal strength started to get better.
To continue the road comparison, instead of one lane, the new road had many lanes, so that more and more people could use the network and travel faster. Now, using Three's improved network can be compared to travelling on a high-speed motorway, with much more traffic moving faster and reaching its destination quickly.
