There was a time when cellphones were only called “cellphones” not “smartphones”. They could only make calls and that’s it. They didn’t support networking, browsing, messaging and instragramming. They didn’t upload 5 megapixels photos to social networks neither do they turn into wifi hotspots. But these days are behind us now. Now a days cellphones have become smartphones which not only provides messaging, networking and browsing but many more features. This advancement has been a result of mobile technologies such as 2G, 3G and 4G. What do these terminologies mean? And which one is better than other? Lets take a look.
The letter “G” stands for “Generation”. Higher the number with G means more power to send out and receive more information and therefore the ability to achieve a higher efficiency through the wireless network.
In Pakistan 3G auction was held on 23rd April 2014 and after that the four major operators offered trial basis 3G service for free to its customers. We have tested the speeds of 4 operators which are offering 3G services in Pakistan and present a comparison via screenshots.
2G Speed Tests:
2G network was introduced in early nineties which has some obvious benefits such as text messaging. It also supported circuit-switched data which allows you to transfer data faster up to 14.4 kbps, which was as fast as an early nineties landline modem.2G networks were based on narrow band digital networks. Signals were transmitted in the digital format and this dramatically improved the quality of calls and also reduced the complexity of data transmission. The other advantage of the 2G network came in the form of Semi Global Roaming System, which enabled the connectivity all over the world. The disadvantage of 2G is that by using circuit-switched data we had to place a call to connect, otherwise there are no services and placing a call was a bit time consuming. 2G network speed in different mobile networks of Pakistan are as follows:
These images shows highest download speed to be 0.16 Mbps and highest upload speed to be 0.11 Mbps provided by Warid Telecom lowest rates are provides by Mobilink.
3G Speed Tests:
The 3rd generation of mobile networks has become popular largely thanks to the ability of users to access the Internet over devices like mobiles and tablets. The speed of data transmission on a 3G network ranges between 384KBPS to 2MBPS. This means a 3G network actually allows for more data transmission and therefore the network enables voice and video calling, file transmission, internet surfing, online TV, view high definition videos, play games and much more. 3G is the best option for users who need to always stay connected to Internet. The biggest feature of 3G is higher speed. Ofcourse, it has drawbacks like it can drain power much faster and it is costly. 3G network speed in different mobile networks of Pakistan are as follows:
These images shows highest download speed to be 4.24 Mbps by Telenor and highest upload speed to be 1.90 Mbps provided byMobilink. The lowest rates are provided by Ufone.
Telenor won the speed test result of 3G internet at Mobile.
Usage of 3G Mobile Internet at PC via WiFi Hotspot:
Mobile hotspots can be either hardware devices or a feature on your mobile device, like the iPhone 4’s 3G mobile hotspot feature. You connect your laptop wirelessly to the 4G or 3G mobile hotspot, much like you would connect to a wifi network. As with the other options, you’ll need to subscribe to a mobile data plan for your mobile hotspot device–or if you may need to pay an extra “hotspot” fee to use the built-in hotspot feature on your smartphone. One major advantage of a mobile hotspot, however, is that you can typically connect more than one device to it for shared mobile Internet access.
- Pros: Usually can connect 5 or more mobile devices at once.
- Cons: Have to carry around a separate device (though mobile hotspots tend to be pretty thin and small, about the size and width of a credit card).
3G speed test at PC via WiFi Hotspot is examined as follows:
These images shows that highest download speed to be 3.86 Mbps provided by Telenor and highest upload speed to be 1.51 Mbps provided by Telenor too. Lowest rates were provided by Zong.
So here again Telenor wins the Speed Tests.
4th Generation mobile networks (4G) are believed to provide many value added features. In addition to all the 3G facilities, data transmission is believed to go through the roof with speeds ranging between 100MBPs to 1GBPS.
In Pakistan, Zong is the operator who has won 4G license but still in progress provide 4G services. But be updated that before Zong Warid has already obtained 4G LTE license at its launch in Pakistan. Warid is also in progress to start its 4G LTE service in Pakistan.
Happy talking, surfing, conferencing, chatting, networking, partying, or whatever you want to do on your mobile phone.
Read more about 3G/4G at our website at below link:
https://www.infozonepk.com/category/telecom/3g-4g
Important Note: These speed tests are not the final from operators. The speed may be increased or decreased depends upon the 3G signals in your area.
