It's no secret that mobile phone technology changed the world. And with the development of 2G technology like digital networks and short message service capabilities with GSM networks the world became more mobile and more connected.
The latest development to hit the mass mobile market (be it for mobile phones, unlocked cellular phones or computer modems) is the release of the GSM consortium's EDGE technology into the wholesale market.
But just what is EDGE, what is it capable of and how can it help you in your everyday life?
EDGE: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is EDGE?
EDGE is a mobile phone technology that allows fast and stable data transfer over a GSM network that lets mobile phone providers offer services like internet access, audio/video streaming
and video file downloads.
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What Does
EDGE Stand For?
EDGE stands for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution.
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Isn't EDGE USED On The 3G IPhone?
The 3G iPhone uses the 3G UMTS and HSDPA systems as well as EDGE networks.
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What's The Difference Between EDGE And 3G Networks?
You can call EDGE networks 2G or 3G technology depending on what class they are. If it's class three or below it will be a second generation phone, if it's class four or above it will be third generation. Most carriers consider EDGE networks to be 2.75G.
EDGE networks offer users:
- Internet access
- Audio/video streaming
- Video file downloads
3G users can expect the same functions plus:
- Wide-area wireless voice telephony capabilities
- Video calls
- Broadband wireless data
- Greater faster download and upload capabilities
Carriers normally consider EDGE to be an inexpensive way of transitioning from 2G to 3G as very little needs to be done to network infrastructure to transfer the signals.
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What Is The Difference Between EDGE And Normal GSM Signals?
EDGE, and the technology's update EDGE Evolution, are technologies within the GSM digital standard which allow carriers to offer 3G-like services without changing much of their infrastructure.
So while most GSM phones are considered 2G and will just send text messages and make phone calls EDGE phones have other capabilities including surfing the internet, watching streaming videos and uploading and downloading data.
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What Is The Difference Between EDGE And EDGE Evolution Technology?
EDGE Evolution is the next stage in development from EDGE and has advances including larger data uploads, better signal quality and faster signal processing times.
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What Type Of Phones Use EDGE Technology?
EDGE compatable phones are usually smart phones, or phones that offer WAP functions including web browsing, Video File Download and Multimedia Messaging capabilities.
Many of the of the unlocked smart phones or the unlocked multimedia cell phones on the market today use EDGE technology, although there is a gradual shift to more 3G technologies.
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Can I Surf The Internet Using A Wireless EDGE Network Server?
While it was impossible to use most GSM network SIM cards as modems you can use your EDGE and EDGE evolution SIM cards as a modem for your laptop when you're on the road and it is for this reason that some smart phones are popular.
At Chinavasion, we've identified this need and have made a number of Edge modems dedicated specially to the PC which will give you access to the internet without tethering your computer to the phone.
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What Phone Companies Will Give Me Coverage On An EDGE Network?
Phone companies in many parts of the world are more than willing to offer up EDGE network services as they see it as a nice transition stage between 2G and 3G services. There are several lists of EDGE networks online which are fairly comprehensive.
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Do I Need To Do Anything Special To Start Using EDGE On My Phone Or Computer?
If your phone is EDGE or GPRS capable and you are connected with a company that has an EDGE network then you don't have anything to worry about and your phone will connect to the EDGE-enabled signal automatically.
If you have an EDGE-capable phone and you want to tether it to your laptop top enable wireless roaming on the road then it requires a little work which differs depending on which phone you are using. If you use one of Chinavasion's EDGE compatable MODEMS then it's simply a case of signing up to a plan that uses EDGE technology, putting the SIM card into the modem, plugging it into your computer and setting it up just as you would any other modem.
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Is There Anywhere Where An EDGE Network Won't Work?
There are pockets in many countries where EDGE phones and modems don't work so well. The best way to find out if you will be able to get a connection is to compare lists of EDGE networks to GSM coverage maps or call around local mobile providers and check with them.
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Where can I find EDGE modems?
You can find EDGE modems at fantastic prices by following this link.
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