High-Speed Data


High-Speed Data denotes the mobile phone standards and technology used. GSM and CDMA networks use different technologies.

GSM technologies are used by carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile:

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) - A 2G standard that provides data rates from 56 up to 114 kbps.

EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) - Frequently referred to as 2.75G, EDGE is an upgrade of GSM/GPRS networks providing speeds up to 236.8 kbps.

HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) - A 3G (third generation) technology which allows networks based on UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) to have higher data transfer speeds and capacity. Current HSDPA deployments support down-link speeds of 1.8, 3.6, 7.2 and 14.4Mpbs.

CDMA networks are used by carriers such as Sprint and Verizon:

CDMA2000 1xRTT - A 2.5G technology capable of peak rates of 144 kbps.

EV-DO Rev. 0 (Evolution-Data Optimized Revision 0) - Uses CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks to achieve speeds of up to 2.4Mbps.

EV-DO Rev. A (Evolution-Data Optimized Revision A) - Increases the data rates of EV-DO Rev. 0 to 3.1Mbps.