What is 3G?

3G: 3G, short for third Generation, is the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology. 3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s. Later 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to smartphones and mobile modems in laptop computers.

3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
This is a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile telecommunication use services and networks that comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union.[2] 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
Several telecommunications companies market wireless mobile Internet services as 3G, indicating that the advertised service is provided over a 3G wireless network. Services advertised as 3G are required to meet IMT-2000 technical standards, including standards for reliability and speed (data transfer rates). To meet the IMT-2000 standards, a system is required to provide peak data rates of at least 200 kbit/s (about 0.2 Mbit/s). However, many services advertised as 3G provide higher speed than the minimum technical requirements for a 3G service. Recent 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to smartphones and mobile modems in laptop computers.
Relationship between 2G and 3G: 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 and mobile broadband: 3G enables devices such as mobile phones and mobile dongles to deliver broadband-speed internet. Even the lowest-end, cheapest mobile phones are now 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.
Difference Between 3G and WiFi: 3G and WiFi are communication technologies that provide wireless internet access and services to users. 3G and wireless are commonly used by devices such as laptop computers, smartphones and PDAs, and other entertainment gadgets.
The major difference between wifi and 3G is the way they connect to the internet.
Wifi connects to the internet through a wireless network and has a short range. You may have a private wireless network set up at home, its range depends on your vicinity to your computer router. Wifi is also commonly available in public places such as cafes, airports and shopping centres.
3G is a type of cellular network and connects to the internet where ever there is mobile phone service. This means its range is a lot wider than a wireless network. Accessing the internet through your mobile phone provider usually comes at a greater cost than wifi, especially if you are travelling overseas and using International Roaming.
When using a portable device that is capable of using both Wifi and 3G, such as an iPhone, unless you have turned wifi off your device should always connect to the internet using wifi unless it is not available. If it is not available or you are out of range, your device will then connect using 3G.