Just a different technology. The Second generation used GSM for voice and

GPRS for data. GPRS, even when sped up to the max (called Edge) was still only capable of giving you the bandwidth you used to get on an old dial-in modem years ago. And it works similarly in that you have to explicitly establish a data session (internet connection) first.

UMTS is all data (even voice calls), so you are constantly online. It's considerably faster. With an extra layer on top of UMTS called HSDPA your phone is actually capable of achieving broadband speeds you would be happy with from your computer at home so you can use the full web, not just the mobile web.

A next generation is on the way, although still based on UMTS. 4G is called LTE and can operate at high bandwidth rates, including streaming live HD quality images - this has been piloted on buses in Germany with monitors showing live streamed HD TV using mobile technology.

Yawn. Snooze. Sorry but you did ask.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Nov 18, 11:09:42