STATES: 1, 2, 3G: A look at the development of mobile tech.

from BUSINESS LINE, February 17, 2009 Chennai, Feb. 16 - First generation - 1G - cellular technology that uses separate frequencies or channels for each conversation requires considerable bandwidth for a large number of users and uses FDMA (frequency division multiple access). Second generation wireless telephone technology -2G - was developed in an attempt to improve on inherent weakness in 1G, an analog standard susceptible to static noise and tapping of conversations, said Dr Padmanaban Ramasamy, who spearheads 3G-Research in Motorola Polar Lab, Bangalore.

2G, a GSM standard, had an edge over its predecessor in that phone conversations are digitally encrypted. …