Wireless Networks
G denotes the “Generation” of wireless networks.

0G Network denotes the early pre-cellular communication technology such as radio car phones on the Autoradiopuhelin (ARP) mobile network launched in Finland 1971. Telecom introduced the first 0G technology for cars in Australia during the early 1980s.

1G Network denotes the 1st Generation wireless telecommunications analogue networks launched in the early 80s such as Europe’s NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone) and Total Access Communication System (TACS) as well as the US equivalent: AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System). 1G networks offered voice only communication but with limited coverage. Once again, it was Telecom that launched Australia’s 1G mobile system in 1987 based on the US AMPS system.

2G Network refers to 2nd Generation wireless telecommunications networks called GSM (Global System for Mobility) with US equivalents: PCS (Personal Communications Service) and IS (Interim Standard). The 2G Network uses two forms of technology: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

Launched in the early 90s, 2G offered mobile data services such as text messages, commercial payments and access the internet. Telstra launched Australia’s 2G (GSM) digital mobile network in the early 90s just as Optus and Vodafone joined the market.

2.5 & 2.75G Network refers to Mid-generation technology providing faster and more efficient mobile data services including general packet radio service (GPRS) technology.

3G Network refers to 3rd Generation wireless telecommunications networks globally known as wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and in the US UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications service). This offered faster call connections and data transfer, global roaming and also introduced multiuser facilities for the same time slot.  In 2003, 3Mobile launched Australia’s 3G network and it was followed soon after by Telstra, Optus, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone.

3.5G or 3G+ Network refers to Mid-generation technology protocol: High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)

4G Network refers to 4th Generation of wireless telecommunications networks offering improved broadband access and is expected to be deployed in Australia within the next year.

5G Network refers to 5th Generation of wireless telecommunications networks called Real wireless world - WWWW: World Wide Wireless Web. It offers additional mobile services, more sophisticated programs and greater global connectivity