It is true that the "G" terms are commonly used in advertisements. The “G” is often used in commercials as a way to entice the audience. The “G” actually stands for generation. Therefore, “4G” stands for fourth generation. This means that there are different generations of phones.

First Generation (1G) Phones

The preliminary first generations phones were released during the 1980s. These phones were much larger than the ones that are in the market today, and they had a broad rigid structure. The Motorola DynaTAC was one of the prominent models of first generation phones. These phones primarily used radio transmissions (AM and FM), unlike the phones that use digital technology today. For more examples, watch any old movie from the 1980's with a wealthy business man in it. He or she will probably have one.

Second Generation (2G) Phones

The first second generation phones were released in Finland in 1991. Unlike first generation phones, which mainly used radio transmissions, second generation phones used digital technology. Eventually, second generation phones came with text messaging and Internet access. However, the Internet connection was very slow. They were similar to dial-up connections because the users could not receive or make calls when surfing the Internet. These were really the first mainstream mobile phones. They marked the point where they started to become affordable for the general public to buy.

Third Generation (3G) Phones

Japan released the first 3G networks in 2001. 3G network mobile phones were able to browse the Web at higher speeds. In addition, users could also receive and make phone calls while browsing the Internet. When the iPhone 3G was released, the browsing experience improved substantially. This paved the way for 4G networks.

Fourth Generation (4G) Phones

As the demand for faster speeds and better browsing experienced increased, 4G were introduced into the market. 4G networks allow mobile phones to connect even faster to the Internet—reaching speeds 6 megabits per second—faster than some broadband connections. Phones in this category are quite powerful, and are more of a handheld computer that makes phone calls, than a phone.

Once we reached the Third Generation of phones, the line started to get blurred, especially here in Australia. Telstra keeps going on about its 3G network and the phones that use it. Even so the 4G phones are out there, mostly running on the 3G network. But with phones having reached this level, its less important than it used to be. The only exception is in remote areas where choosing between the "3G" and "NextG" networks can make the difference between good reception and no recption at all but these places are slowly getting fewer and further between.


source :Mobile