Mobile connection methods explained
There are a number of methods which can be used to transfer data to and from a mobile device such as a smartphone. Please see below for the technologies currently available in the UK. The actual transfer methods available to you will depend on the device and data service you have.
3G
Third generation (3G) is the fastest of the three data technologies currently available in the UK. 3G is used in the context of mobile phone standards. The services associated with 3G provide the ability to simultaneously transfer both voice data (a telephone call) and non-voice data (such as downloading information, exchanging email, and instant messaging).
3G currently provides data transfer speeds of up to 384kbps.
UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the third-generation cell-phone technologies, which is also being developed into a 4G technology. To differentiate UMTS from competing network technologies, UMTS is sometimes marketed as 3GSM, emphasising the combination of the 3G nature of the technology and the GSM (mobile phone) standard which it was designed to succeed.
UMTS currently provides similar data transfer speeds as 3G (384kbps).
EDGE
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS), is a digital mobile phone technology that allows increased data transmission rates and improved data transmission reliability. Although technically a 3G network technology, it is generally classified as the unofficial
standard 2.75G, due to its slower network speed.
EDGE ccurrently provides data transfer speeds of up to 170kbps.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a data service that was first provided on the hand held cell phone data devices. GPRS is still widely used, but it is relatively slow.
GPRS currently provides data transfer speeds of up to 56kbps.
Dial-up
A dial-up service, such as the St Andrews Remate Access service (SARA) can be used on your mobile to make a (very slow) connection to the University's systems and the Internet,
Dial-up currently provides data transfer speeds of up to 9600bps.