3G literally stands for the 3rd generation of mobile networking technology as standardised by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and for the common consumer it represents the current pinnacle of communications technology available on the mass market today.

3G networks first were used simply on a mobile phone platform as a way of facilitating video calling thanks to the improved upload and download speeds on offer. Today 3G networks are at the forefront of the mobile broadband resolution and have finally provided a truly wireless broadband internet solution for personal and business users around the world.

The 3G Coverage and Technical Specs

Every mobile network in the UK now operates a 3G network, though not every phone or every service will require or use a 3G network in order to function. For this reason there are also varying levels of network coverage, also dependent on which network your mobile service operates on.

At the time of writing it is 3 Mobile, a network formed around the ideologies of 3G networking, who have the largest ranging 3G networks, currently giving services to around 90% of the population. However, as 2009 progresses you should expect other networks to be playing catch up and widening their own 3G networks to include more people.

The speed at which 3G is able to download and upload data will also depend on the network you choose. 3 Mobile, whilst they offer the largest 3G coverage, also only offer a moderate 3.6Mbps maximum download speed. On the other hand, Vodafone offer up to 7.6Mbps download speed on their networks.

It's important to remember that when talking about download speeds most networks advertise the maximum theoretical speed of their network. In reality you may not expect to achieve that speed as factors like device capabilities and the network coverage level will affect performance.

3G Devices and Functions

In the modern world 3G networks are largely used to access internet services on mobile phones. 3G has allowed previously sluggish mobile internet connections to reach broadband levels, with pages loading in seconds rather than minutes, and phones like Apple's iPhone have implemented that power to great effect with iTunes and the App store relying on 3G and downloading to become popular.

Another area in which 3G has played a massive part is of course in the mobile broadband market. To connect to mobile broadband all you need is a laptop, a mobile broadband USB dongle and a contract with a mobile broadband Internet Service Provider. Packages cost from as little as £10 a month, and because there's no need for a land line connection you can take your broadband with you wherever you go.

This is particularly useful for business people who work out in the field more than at their desks but still want broadband with them. It's also great if you're renting a house and don't want commitment to a landline broadband contract, or if you're a light internet user and don't want to pay large monthly amounts for a service you only use for a few hours.

3G is top dog at the moment, but ongoing development and advancing technology will see download speeds over wide area mobile networks increase and more and more devices will support this kind of connection.