Take a closer look at how telecommunications industry & infrastructure have evolved over generations of mobile networks (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G).
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Mobile networks have evolved significantly, from the analog days of the first generation (1G) to the high-speed world of the fifth generation (5G).
Each generation redefines telecommunications with new standards and innovations that improve speed, connectivity and the overall mobile experience.
Let’s explore the key advancements of each generation of mobile networks and find out what the future generations can bring.
Read on!
Mobile Network Generations (Overview)
A mobile network generation refers to a specific stage of technological advancement in the telecom industry.
If we look at the history of mobile network generations, we can see new network generations introduced each decade.
Let’s look at a simple comparison of mobile network generations
| Generation | Network Speeds | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1G (1980’s) | 2.4 Kbit/s | Basic analogue voice calls |
| 2G (1990’s) | 14.4 to 217.6 Kbit/s | Digital voice calls & SMS |
| 3G (2000’s) | 384 Kbit/s to 336 Mbit/s | Mobile internet access & smartphones |
| 4G (2010’s) | 100 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s | Fast data speeds for streaming and browsing & VoLTE |
| 5G (2020’s) | 2 Gbit/s to 20 Gbit/s | Ultra-fast speeds and low latency, IoT support |
1st Generation of Mobile Networks (1G)
The first generation of mobile networks (1G) provided basic analogue voice calling services.
1G was introduced in the early 1980’s across different parts of the world.
Protocols used by 1G include AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) and NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone).
1G for Network Operators
During the 1G era, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) were the primary players in the telco landscape.
They owned and managed the entire network infrastructure and set the stage for future generations.
It was in this period that they established their presence and dominance in the market.
2nd Generation of Mobile Networks (2G)
The second generation of mobile networks (2G) launched in the 1990’s across different parts of the world.
This was the first generation that utilized digital technologies for improved voice calling quality, SMS and limited mobile internet.
These digital standards include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service).
Additional enhancements were made with the release of EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution).
EDGE launched just before 3G and improved network speeds to 384 Kbit/s – that’s why it’s commonly referred to as 2.75G.
2G for Network Operators
The second generation enabled the separation of network infrastructure ownership from the service provider role.
Monetizing 5G: Unlocking Its Full Potential
This allowed companies without their own physical networks to enter the market as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).
- Second generation mobile networks (2G) are suitable for basic voice calling and SMS.
- They can reach rural and remote areas.
- 2G operating frequency bands: 900 MHz to 1800 MHz.
3rd Generation of Mobile Networks (3G)
The third generation of mobile networks (3G) launched at the start of 2000s, and it revolutionized telecommunications with data services.
By using UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems) and similar standards, it managed to migrate existing 2G (GSM) networks to 3G.
HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) and HSPA+ (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access) networks have successfully built upon UMTS to deliver speeds up to 34 Mbps.
The rise of 3G and the release of the first smartphones marked the start of worldwide connectivity.
3G for Network Operators
With the rollout of 3G networks, the focus shifted to providing faster mobile internet.
The third generation saw a clearer difference between MNOs vs. MVNOs as they navigated the increased demand for data services.
MNOs expanded their infrastructure, and MVNOs began to tailor service packages to niche markets.
- Third generation mobile networks (3G) provide improved data speeds suitable for internet browsing and multimedia.
- Good coverage in urban and suburban areas but limited in remote or mountainous regions.
- 3G operating frequency bands: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, and 2100 MHz.
4th Generation of Mobile Networks (4G)
The fourth generation of mobile networks (4G) represents data-only telecom networks launched in the 2010’s.
Enabled by LTE (Long Term Evolution) and built upon using LTE-A (LTE Advanced), these networks use packet-switching techniques to provide VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls and text messages – also known as VoLTE (Voice over LTE).
Additionally, they provide high-speed mobile data of up to 500 Mbits.
High internet speeds in the fourth generation enhanced streaming services, entertainment, and global connectivity.
4G for Network Operators
Data from telecommunications industry statistics shows that mobile traffic has grown significantly over the years.
The growth is usually attributed to the increasing number of mobile devices and the growing popularity of data-driven online services that were introduced in the fourth generation.
- 4G offers high-speed internet suitable for streaming, online gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.
- Coverage in urban, suburban and some rural regions. Occasional connectivity gaps in highly crowded or indoor locations.
- 4G operating frequency bands: 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz.
5th Generation of Mobile Networks (5G)
The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) are data-only telecommunications networks launched in the 2020’s.
They offer gigabit internet speeds and latencies as low as one millisecond.
5G networks are powered by NR (New Radio) technology, which is based on the same technologies as LTE, but it’s much more flexible and can operate on low and high frequency bands.
For example, high-frequency bands have limited coverage but extremely low latency – sometimes even less than a millisecond.
Set to shape the future of global communications, 5G is making huge impacts in VR technology, self-driving cars, IoT, and manufacturing.
With new markets launching, there is a huge focus on 5G monetization and the industry’s shift towards sustainability.
5G for Network Operators
The 5G era is a huge step forward in global connectivity.
Initial deployments focused on metropolitan areas; however, 5G coverage might extend to rural and remote areas in the future.
Statistics from April 2023 show that 5G network access was available in 503 cities in the United States, the most of any country worldwide. China followed in second, with 5G availability in 356 cities.
- Fifth generation mobile networks (5G) provide significant speeds and lower latency compared to 4G.
- Deployments in urban areas, offering ultra-fast internet.
- 5G operating frequency bands: 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, 24 GHz and 28 GHz.
What is a Next Generation Mobile Network?
The next generation of mobile networks (6G or 5G+) is a bit of a gray area as it’s only in its early research stages.
However, the primary goal of the next generation of mobile networks is to integrate advanced AI technologies for real-time immersive communication, along with other telecom industry trends.
One of the goals is also to extend connectivity to even the most remote and challenging environments.
Currently, it’s already possible to surf the web with 5G speeds at the Mt. Everest base camp and tweet from the summit—maybe we’ll soon be able to FaceTime as well.
Tridens Monetization for Communications
At Tridens, we’re not just excited about the future of mobile networks – we’re ready for it!
Tridens Monetization for Communications is designed to help telecommunication companies enhance their business processes, billing and revenue management, ensuring the best BSS solution on the market.
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