General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or 2G
GPRS was the first high-speed data-service provided by mobile phone carriers that used GSM technology. GPRS added a packet-switched channel to GSM, thus giving subscribers a way to send and receive data, typically e-mail and web browsing. GPRS is usually used with a PC card modem and a laptop computer. Although data speeds are low by today's standards (usually 32kbps - 48 kbps), GPRS is still favoured by business people and travelers alike; high reliability and good signal strength are often cited as the main reasons for using GPRS in preference to Wi-Fi or other not-so-reliable local networks. GPRS users can also change SIM's when they move from country to country. Like GSM, GPRS has near global coverage.
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) or Enhanced GPRS (E-GPRS) or 2.5G
An upgrade to GPRS, EDGE gives data users a highly reliable and fast data-network. In Thailand users typically get downstream data rates of 150kbps to 200kbps. A dedicated PC Card or Expresscard, along with a well tuned notebook computer will give the user a reliable and fast connection to the internet. As with GPRS and GSM, EDGE users can change providers as and when they move between countries. In places where an EDGE network is not available, an EDGE PC Card will automatically use GPRS instead. The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) states that, as of May 2007, there were 223 commercial GSM/EDGE networks in 113 countries, from a total of 287 mobile-network-operator commitments in 142 countries (source: www.gsacom.com).
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or Third Generation (3G)
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is the third generation standard, following on from GSM, GPRS and EDGE. UMTS is still fundamentally based on the world's most frequently used mobile telephony standard, GSM. It gives a UMTS user with a PC Card or Expresscard in North America compatibility with a GPRS or EDGE network, in Asia, Europe or Australia. UMTS offers downstream data rates of up to 2Mbit/s. Thailand's, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to issue licenses for 3G cellular technology during 2008.
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)
HSDPA is a technology upgrade to UMTS, and is a continuation of the GSM family of data technologies. The benefits of HSDPA are high data transfer rates, coupled with the added value of global roaming in the 65 countries where HSDPA is, or, will soon be deployed. A user with an HSDPA capable PC Card will find that he can use all the GSM technologies from HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS through to GSM. No matter where he goes in the world at least one of the GSM technologies will be available for his use.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
Wi-Fi is a term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use specifications conforming to IEEE 802.11b. Many airports, hotels, and other businesses offer access to Wi-Fi networks. Similar in operation to a cordless telephone, wi-fi can give access to the internet for a laptop user who is in very close proximity to the network. Drawbacks to Wi-Fi include poor security and the uncertainty of knowing if the network will work or not.
Summary
Currently, over 2.7 billion subscribers are connected worldwide with the GSM family of technologies: GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA (source: www.3gamericas.org).
Anyone with a Sierra Wireless 875 or Novatel Merlin XU870 can join 2.6 billion other users, using GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS, in over 200 countries world wide. Having a Sierra Wireless or Merlin gives the owner near global coverage as well as the freedom to select a network provider of his choice, wherever he happens to be.
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