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What is EDGE?

Katharine Swan
Katharine Swan

EDGE is a wireless network technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network. The name is an acronym that stands for Enhanced Data GSM Environment, although Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution is is also used. As both names suggest, it is an improvement on the GSM wireless technology, which is second generation, or 2G, cell phone technology. Since it is an improvement on existing technology and not necessarily a third generation, it is often referred to as 2.75G.

Generally, EDGE is used for the purpose of wireless data transfer, such as sharing pictures and videos or browsing the Internet via a mobile phone connection. This is because the technology offers data transfer rates up to four times faster than ordinary GSM networks. As phones with Internet browser capabilities, such as the Blackberry® and the iPhone®, have become more popular, faster data transfer has become ever more important.

EDGE stands for Enhanced Data GSM Environment and is a wireless technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network.
EDGE stands for Enhanced Data GSM Environment and is a wireless technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network.

Because this technology is an upgrade of GSM, it is easy for wireless carriers to improve their networks to offer it. The increase in data speed is achieved via more sophisticated coding, not by equipment, so new hardware is not usually necessary. Instead, a software upgrade enables the wireless carrier’s base stations to support data transfer speeds up to 384 kilobits per second (kbps).

EDGE first became available in the early 2000s. In 2003, Cingular began offering it as an upgrade to their GSM network. The wireless company also offered a mobile wireless Internet service for laptop users, which used a PCMCIA card to tap into the network. WiFi® was therefore available to laptop users from almost anywhere that offered a strong cell phone signal.

Eventually, EDGE became the standard, replacing less efficient wireless technology such as GPRS, and virtually every cell phone company offers this technology. It will eventually be replaced by 3G and 4G technologies, however, with even faster data transfer speeds.

Although wireless companies make an effort to make advanced technologies available to most people, the coverage is typically limited to areas with dense populations or major highways. For this reason, people who live in more rural areas tend not to have access to as fast data transfer rates as people in major cities.

Discussion Comments

GrapeStomper

I appreciate that, for the average user, having a phone on an EDGE network rather than a 3G one is not a significant handicap; however, for someone who frequently travels around the country, the extra time required to look up directions, flight times, or other logistical information can be more than a simple inconvenience.

CoolWish

I have the first generation iPhone and find the EDGE network to be more than satisfactory. I've tried devices with 3G technology, and it simply doesn't seem worth the money when I only have to wait an additional few seconds to get directions or check my email on my EDGE-equipped phone.

SSM

3G technology is already rapidly replacing EDGE networks. While not technically 2G, EDGE's kbps data transfer rate is no match for the megabits per second of 3G networks.

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    • EDGE stands for Enhanced Data GSM Environment and is a wireless technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network.
      By: japolia
      EDGE stands for Enhanced Data GSM Environment and is a wireless technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network.