1G is the first generation cellular network that existed in 1980s.

It transfer data (only voice) in

analogue wave, it has limitation because there are no encryption, the sound quality is poor and
the speed of transfer is only at 9.6kbps.

2G is the second one, improved by introducing the concept of digital modulation, which means
converting the voice(only) into digital code(in your phone) and then into analogue
signals(imagine that it flys in the air). Being digital, they overcame some of the limitations of
1G, such as it omits the radio power from handsets making life more healthier, and it has
enhanced privacy.

2.5G is a transition of 2G and 3G. In 2.5G, the most popular services like SMS (short messaging
service), GPRS, EDGE, High Speed Circuit switched data, and more had been introduced.

3G is the current generation of mobile telecommunication standards. It allows simultaneous use

of speech and data services and offers data rates of up to 2 Mbps, which provide services like
video calls, mobile TV, mobile Internet and downloading. There are a bunch of technologies that
fall under 3G, like WCDMA, EV-DO, and HSPA and others.

4G is the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is a successor to the 3G and 2G

families of standards. In 2008, the ITU-R organization specified the IMT-Advanced
(International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced) requirements for 4G standards, setting
peak speed requirements for 4G service at 100 Mb/s for high mobility communication (such as
from trains and cars) and 1 Gb/s for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and
stationary users)

A 4G system is expected to provide a comprehensive and secure all-IP based mobile broadband
solution to laptop computer wireless modems, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Facilities
such as ultra-broadband Internet access, IP telephony, gaming services, and streamed multimedia
may be provided to users.
PRE-4G technologies such as mobile WiMAX and Long term evolution (LTE) have been on the
market since 2006 and 2009 respectively, and are often branded as 4G. The current versions of
these technologies did not fulfil the original ITU-R requirements of data rates approximately up
to 1 Gb/s for 4G systems. Marketing materials use 4G as a description for LTE and Mobile-
WiMAX in their current forms.

The five charts below quickly compare the differences between the generations of wireless
telecommunications. Each chart covers a different aspect of the standards:

1. Dates & Cool New Features

2. Technology in Use

3. Speeds

4. Frequencies and Carriers

5. Primary Countries

Dates Cool New Features

1G 70's to 80's Wireless phones (cellular) are introduced, primarily for voice only.

Increased performance achieved by allowing multiple users on a

2G 90's to 2000 single channel. More and more cellular phones are used for data as
well as voice.

The Internet turns the focus towards data transmission. Enhanced

2.5G 2001-2004 multimedia and streaming video are now possible. Phones support
limited web browsing.

Enhanced multimedia and streaming video capabilities are increased.

3G 2004-2005 Standards are created to allow universal access and portability
across different device types (Telephones, PDA's, etc.)

Speeds reach up to 40 Mbps. Enhanced multimedia, streaming video,

4G 2006+ access and portability are increased still further. Devices are
equipped for world-wide roaming.

Technology

1G Analog CMRT AMPS

2G Digital Circuit Switched D-AMPS GSM CDMA

2.5G Digital Packet Switched GPRS EDGE

3G Digital Packet Switched UMTS W-CDMA CDMA2000

4G Digital Broadband 802.11

Data Rate

1G 9.6 Kbps to 14.4 Kbps

 D-AMPS 9.6 Kbps to 14.4 Kbps

GSM 9.6 Kbps to 14.4 Kbps

2G
IS95A 9.6 Kbps to 14.4 Kbps

IS95B 115 Kbps

2.5G 56 Kbps to 144 Kbps

UMTS 2+ Mbps, up to 384 Kbps

3G WCDMA 384 Kbps (wide area access), 2 Mbps (local area access)

CDMA2000 614 Kbps

4G 20-40 Mbps

Frequency Carrier

1G 800 MHz 30 kHz

D-AMPS 800 MHz or 1.9 GHz 30 kHz

2G GSM 800 MHz or 1.9 GHz 200 kHz

IS95A/B 800 MHz or 1.9 GHz 1.25 MHz

2.5G 800 MHz or 1.9 GHz 200 kHz

UMTS 2 GHz 5 MHz

3G WCDMA 2 GHz 5 MHz

CDMA2000 2 GHz 1.25 MHz / 3.75 MHz

4G In Development In Development

Primary Countries

1G Worldwide

2G D-AMPS USA

GSM Europe

IS95A/B USA
2.5G Europe, Asia, USA

3G Europe, Japan, USA

4G In Development