Content: network speed evolution

bringing you the best possible network

We live our lives through our smartphones, on the go. That’s why we’re constantly improving our network – so that your mobile communications are faster and smarter.

4G, or LTE, is the technology behind a super-fast internet. You can upload a photo in 2 seconds, download a music track in less than 4 seconds, and enjoy HD TV without transmission problems. And 4G is now in 10 Swiss cities and more than 100 other locations.

Jargon explained

We don’t want you to be baffled by hard-to-understand techie stuff. Here’s our guide to all the network terms you need to know.

4G or LTE

4G stands for fourth generation digital mobile technology. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution – it’s just another way of saying 4G.

4G brings us a mobile internet that’s great for watching HD or 3D TV, video-conferencing, and playing multiplayer games in real time. Find out more about 4G with Orange.

3G UMTS

3G stands for third generation. It’s also called UMTS or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. 3G is not as fast as 4G but allows us to watch live video and audio, make video calls, and send chunky multimedia files.

3G HSPA/HSPA +

The High-Speed Packet Access technology makes for faster 3G. And HSPA+ is faster still.

2G GSM / GPRS

2G is the second generation of digital mobile technology. GSM is the Global System for Mobile Communications, a global standard. Having a GSM mobile means you can use it worldwide.
GPRS is short for General Packet Radio Service. Only very small files or simple emails can be sent over the internet.

EDGE

This stands for Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution. It’s a faster method of transmitting data than GPRS.

generation

Generation is the term commonly used to describe successive evolutions of radio network technology, users' expectations often being that each new generation performs better than the previous one. In reality, however, older generations continue to improve after new ones are introduced, and can even outperform the first version of the new generation. So, in fact, it's more accurate to refer to the technology alongside its version number, to ensure its performance level is clear. In many countries, GSM, UMTS and LTE networks continue to co-exist.