With this first generation (1G) technology most mobile phones were installed in cars, powered by the car battery and used roof-mounted antennas to improve reception of the analogue signal.
The analogue services set up in countries across Europe during the late 1980s were often not compatible, with subscribers unable to use the same mobile phone moving from one country to the next.
To solve this and other problems a new standard known as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) was developed. This standard used digital technology, converting speech into binary code. Since Vodafone launched the first digital network in 1991, GSM has become the main standard for mobile communications worldwide.
Second generation (2G) digital technology added the ability to transmit data along with voice over mobile networks and was the origin of internet access on the move. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), a standard for internet-based services accessible on small mobile phone screens, provided early information services like news, movie start times and even the live Vodafone share price.
Data transmission rates edged upwards with the introduction of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), which enabled internet and email access and had the additional benefit of an always-on internet connection on handsets.
GPRS was the stepping stone to today’s third generation (3G) technology. 3G data rates (at a peak rate of 384 Kbps) are about seven times faster than a fixed line dial-up connection. As well as offering high-speed internet and email access, 3G enables video calling, full track music downloads, mobile TV and more.
The latest leap in data transmission speeds comes via High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), offering similar speeds to current Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband.