3G stands for Third Generation. It is the third-generation of mobile phone technology standards. Japan was the first country to introduce 3G on a large commercial scale. India entered the 3G arena in 2008 with the launch of 3G enabled Mobile and Data services by BSNL. Later, MTNL launched 3G in metropolitan cities. On the basis of Technology and advancements, cellular networks are named by Generations.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) defined the third generation (3G) of mobile telephony standards IMT-2000 to facilitate growth, increase bandwidth, and support more diverse applications.It has capability of providing Voice & Text service along with high speed data transmission such as High Speed Internet, Online Gaming , Video Calling & mobile TV. 3G, as the name suggests, has mainly two predecessors. The first generation (1G) and the second generation (2G). 1G was introduced in the beginning of 1980’s signifiying first-generation wireless analog technology standards.

Later during 90’s it was replaced by 2G digital telecommunications. 3G uses digital encoding supporting high bit rate voice, limited data communications and different levels of encryption.This network comprises of GSM, TDMA and CDMA. The difference betwixt these two networks is that 1G used analog radio signals and 2G used digital signals.

Then 2G superseded by newer technologies like 2. 5G, 2. 75G, 3G, and 4G. 4G are still in testing phase. But no doubt, it will arrive soon in near future. Last year on April 9 2010, 3G spectrum (Spectrum is the specific frequency or bandwith to transmit data wirelessly.

auction was held in India.All the private players like Airtel Vodafone essar, Aircel, Reliance etc participated in auction process to rent the frequencies or bandwidth from the government in return for price, which we call spectrum licesing fees. MTNL and BSNL were already allotted spectrum. In fact they were the one who first launched the 3G networks in India. Among private operator, Tata Docomo was the first to launch 3G services in India.

The 3G auction generated revenue of approx. 67719 crores to the government after 34 days and 183 of intense bidding.Information technology is developing new methods and instruments every day changing every generation. 3G is one of it. It is the outcome of technology advancement made in the field of information technology.

3G services enable video broadcast and data-intensive services such as stock transactions, e-learning and telemedicine through wireless communications to the users. At present what more one could ask for, from 3G. No doubt, the days are not far when 3G will get replaced by 4G in India and this process will continue forever as technology has no boundary to extend its wing. Now you know the 3G which we use in daily life.