2G

2^nd Generation system for mobile communications. The 2^nd generation is based on digital technology. 2G systems offer increased voice quality and capacity over 1G systems. Historically, 2G systems provided voice and a limited data capacity of 9.6 to 14.4 Kbps.

The 2G systems are regional standardized offering the possibility of regional (not worldwide) roaming. The terminals are smaller, have a longer standby time, and are cheaper. 2G systems have made mobile communications a commodity.

The most important 2G standards are:

• GSM (Global System for Mobile communications),
• D-AMPS (Digital AMPS)/IS-136,
• PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) and
• cdmaOne/IS-95.

2G systems are circuit switched. Later enhancements made higher speed packet switched data possible. These possibilities, like GPRS for GSM, are often referred to as 2.5G.