The 2G reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

2G

2G (or 2-G) is short for second-generation wireless telephone technology. It cannot normally transfer data, such as email or software, other than the digital voice call itself, and other basic ancillary data such as time and date. Nevertheless, SMS messaging is also available as a form of data transmission for some standards.

2G technologies can be divided into TDMA and CDMA standards based on the type of multiplexing used. The main 2G standards are:

• GSM (TDMA), originally from Europe but used worldwide
• IS-136 aka D-AMPS (TDMA), used in the Americas
• IS-95 aka cdmaOne (CDMA), used in the Americas and parts of Asia
• PDC (TDMA), used exclusively in Japan

2.5G services are already available in many countries and 3G will be widely available in many countries during 2004. Work on 4G has already started although its scope is not clear yet.

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