I-Mode and 3G

3G refers to third generation cellular technology. 1G is the analogue networks which where developed independently by separate countries but were not compatible which each other networks, this was where GSM (2G) was developed by the Europeans. The aim of GSM was to make a standard mobile network of Europe. This quickly became a success and is used not only by Europe to this current day, but North America and Asia also uses GSM.

The next step in cellular technology is 3G. 3G will interface with developed wireless networks such as GSM, TDMA, and CDMA and promises high data rates for data (128 Kbps to 2 Mbps depending if you are stationary or not). This will emulate broadband connection speeds so video conferencing, streaming video and much more will become available on your handset. 3G promises to make a world wide mobile network (all countries in the world will have a compatible network with each other) but the release of 3G has been quite slow. Japan was the first, 3G was released in early 2001 but it was expected to become popular in Europe by 2003 but it has not to this current date, 2005.

I-Mode has been connecting to the Internet using GSM. The maximum data rate of the GSM specification is 9.6kbs and despite this relative low data rate i-Mode has become a success in Japan. With the release of 3G theoretically 3G will enhance i-Mode's capabilities enabling video conferencing etc. But as cellular handsets evolve so does their software, memory etc. The new smart phones operating on system software such as Symbian and Windows Mobile now use their own browsers such as Opera and Microsoft Internet Explorer. I-Mode was developed to meet the needs on traditional mobiles, as smart phones become more popular, there may be a decline in use of i-Mode in Japan and internationally.

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