The World's Most Ubiquitous Wireless Data Service

One online source described GPRS or General Packet Radio Service as the most ubiquitous wireless data service in the world. To those who have a limited English vocabulary like myself, ubiquitous is an adjective that describes something existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time. I think that description is accurate because GPRS is presently available with almost every GSM network.

This type of wireless network is actually a method devised to enhance 2G phones. It was designed to make these phones send and receive data faster. A General Packet Radio Service connection enables a phone to be "always on" and gives it the ability to transfer data immediately. It also provides the additional benefit of allowing data to be transferred while the phone is making a voice call. This technology allows the mobile phone to deliver much than just voice calls. It transforms a cell phone into a multi-media communications device that is capable of sending and receiving graphic images and video.

The GPRS Classes

There are several different classes of GPRS phone which determines the speed of the data transfer rates. In general, the higher the GPRS class, the faster the data can be transferred.The class refers to the number of timeslots available for upload or download. Also, the time slots used for data are in addition to the slot that is reserved for voice calls. These means that the greater the number of slots, the faster the data transfer speed because these time slots are available simultaneously.

These are some of the GRPS classes being used today:

Class 2: -3 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 16 - 24 kbps download


Class 4: -4 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 24 - 32 kbps download


Class 6: -4 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 24 - 26 kbps upload / 24 - 36 kbps download


Class 8: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 32 - 40 kbps download


Class 10: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 16 - 24 kbps upload / 32 - 48 kbps download


Class 8: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 32 - 48 kbps upload / 32 - 48 kbps download