The mobile network has had to evolve quickly to meet the growing needs of consumers as cellphones have developed over the years. There has been:
First generation (1G) – this was the start of mobile technology with the network first deployed in Japan back in 1979. The system uses analogue signals with many technological limitations.
Second generation (2G) – the introduction of cellphone texting prompted the need for a more advanced wireless technology, known as the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication.
Third generation (3G) – the internet became mobile and the network had to allow for data browsing through the Universal Mobile Terrestrial/Telecommunication Systems (UMTS).
Fourth generation (4G) – increased demand for faster data speeds to allow for video streaming prompted the rollout of 4G. This was then upgraded to 4G LTE which allowed for simultaneous transmission of voice and data.
