3G stands for third generation, a set of cellular network standards that succeeded 2G. It introduced packet-switching and high-speed data transfer alongside traditional voice services, enabling mobile internet access, video calling, and mobile TV. Based largely on UMTS and CDMA2000 standards, it represented the shift from phones being just for talking and texting to becoming internet-connected devices. Carriers have largely sunset these networks to free up spectrum for newer standards.
We need to swap out those old telemetry units before Verizon shuts down the 3G network completely next month.
Because carriers are actively retiring 3G infrastructure worldwide, relying on 3G fallback for new IoT or hardware designs is considered a major design flaw.
Related terms
2G
The second generation of cellular network technology that introduced digital voice encryption.
UMTS
A third-generation cellular standard based on wideband code division multiple access.
CDMA
A channel access method where multiple transmitters send information simultaneously over a single communication channel.
IMSI
A unique 15-digit number embedded on a SIM card that identifies a specific cellular subscriber to the network.