The Evolution of Cellular Networks from 1G to 5G

When discussing mobile networks, it’s essential to look back at the first technology used: radio network technology, also known as 0G. This early mobile radio technology laid the foundation for the cellular networks we use today.

0G encompassed various technologies such as Push to Talk (PTT), Mobile Telephone System (MTS), Improved Mobile Telephone Service (IMTS), and Advanced Mobile Telephone System (AMTS). Notably, in 1946, companies like Motorola and Bell System in the United States introduced mobile telephone services, marking the inception of mobile communication.

As technology progressed, these networks evolved into what we now refer to as the era of fast networks, mirroring the ubiquitous nature of mobile phones today. Currently, the industry has advanced to 5G technology, with explorations underway for post-5G innovations.

So, how did mobile technology evolve from its inception to where it stands now? Why do some phones support the latest network technologies while others lag behind? This exploration into the progression of cellular networks from their genesis to the present generation will shed light on these queries.

1. 1G

Mobile radio technology eventually gave rise to 1G network technology, or the First Generation of cellular networks. This was the first technology used for mobile communication, specifically designed for cell phones.

1G operated using analog technology, commonly referred to as AMPS, or the Advanced Mobile Phone System. It was first introduced in the 1970s, following the invention of the microprocessor, which was crucial for wireless communication.

However, 1G could only transmit voice signals, meaning it was limited to voice communication only.

2. 2G

As analog networks were phased out, cellular technology entered the second generation, known as 2G. This technology was first commercially introduced by Radiolinja in 1991. Radiolinja, a Finnish GSM operator, was founded on September 19, 1988.

With 2G, mobile phones underwent significant evolution. In addition to voice transmission, 2G introduced support for text messaging, leading to the birth of SMS (Short Message Service).

Several network technologies emerged during this era, with GSM and CDMA being the most well-known. In some country, these two technologies became familiar to consumers as mobile operators adopted either GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).

Besides GSM and CDMA, other technologies such as TDMA, PDC, iDEN, DECT, and PHPS were introduced, though they did not gain widespread popularity.

Radiolinja, at that time, used GSM technology, which became a widely adopted 2G network standard. Initially, it operated at a frequency of 900 MHz, but over time, GSM expanded to include 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequencies.

On the other hand, CDMAone was another 2G technology that utilized CDMA-based networks. It initially operated on the 800 MHz band but eventually expanded to include the 1900 MHz frequency as well.

3. 2,5G

As 2G networks evolved, 2.5G technology emerged. This generation allowed not only voice and text communication but also supported data transfer at speeds of up to 153 kbps.

One of the key innovations of 2.5G was the introduction of MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), enabling users to send multimedia content.

• GPRS

GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service, was a breakthrough for mobile internet data transmission. It allowed users to send and receive data such as emails and images at speeds ranging from 56 kbps to 115 kbps. GPRS became popular in Indonesia during the early 2000s.

• EDGE

EDGE, or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, built upon GPRS technology, earning the nickname "2.75G." With data transmission speeds of up to 236 kbps, it provided a faster experience. EDGE was first introduced in the United States in 2003 by AT&T.

4. 3G

3G network technology marked a significant leap in cellular network evolution, progressing much faster than the previous generations. With 3G, mobile phones became capable of offering a seamless internet experience, including the ability to stream videos.

This network allowed mobile phones to send emails, instant messages, watch videos, and even make video calls at higher speeds. Because of these capabilities, 3G became known as mobile broadband.

3G was first commercially introduced in 2001 by NTT DoCoMo in Japan. South Korea followed suit in 2002. The 3G network technology was able to transfer data at speeds up to 2 Mbps, making internet use on mobile devices more practical.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) later established 3G as a global standard, based on the IMT-2000 specification. This transition from 2G to 3G affected both GSM and CDMA operators: GSM networks evolved through IMT-SC EDGE, while CDMA networks transitioned from cdmaOne to IMT-SC.

5. 3,5G and 3,75G (HSPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, EVDO)

As demand for faster data speeds grew, 3G technology evolved into 3.5G, 3G+, and eventually 3.75G networks. One of the key technologies in this evolution was HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access).

HSDPA, considered a 3.5G technology, enabled data transfer speeds of up to 14 Mbps, leading to the creation of 3.5G modem devices for computers and laptops. The first HSDPA modem was introduced in 2007, and by 2009, over 250 HSDPA networks were available in 109 countries.

Alongside HSDPA was HSUPA (High-Speed Uplink Packet Access), a network designed to improve upload speeds, offering rates up to 5.76 Mbps. This development marked the beginning of large-scale data uploads via mobile broadband.

HSDPA and HSUPA are part of the same family, called HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access), operating on frequencies of 1,900 MHz, 2,100 MHz, and sometimes 850 MHz.

Another advancement within the HSPA family is HSPA+, or HSPA Evolution. Telstra was the pioneer of HSPA+, conducting trials in Australia in 2008.

Often referred to as 3.75G, HSPA+ includes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas, which boost data rates and network speed. HSPA+ can reach speeds of 21 Mbps, and in Italy, some operators using HSPA+ reported speeds up to 28 Mbps.

In addition to the HSPA family, the 3G evolution also introduced EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized). EVDO is a high-speed broadband network developed for CDMA2000 operators.

Simply put, while GSM operators provided fast internet through HSPA, CDMA operators introduced the EVDO network. Verizon and Sprint were among the key providers of EVDO in the U.S., and in Indonesia, Smartfren offered EVDO as part of their third-generation services.

6. 4G (LTE)

The fourth generation of cellular network technology, known as 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution), represents a significant upgrade from GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA networks. With data speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps or more, 4G LTE operates on a different spectrum than its 2G and 3G predecessors.

In Indonesia, the adoption of 4G LTE was somewhat slower due to the unique challenges of transitioning from 2G and 3G. However, over time, 4G LTE has expanded across the country, reaching even remote areas.

The world’s first 4G LTE network was launched on December 14, 2009, by TeliaSonera in Stockholm and Oslo. In Indonesia, 4G LTE became available in 2015. A few years later, it has become the go-to network for fast and easy internet access.

Most modern smartphones now support 4G LTE, and many operators, such as Smartfren, have shifted entirely to 4G LTE, phasing out older technologies like CDMA. Smartfren, for instance, now supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which uses LTE for voice calls, replacing 2G voice services.

7. 5G

The fifth generation of cellular network technology, 5G, is set to replace 4G, delivering speeds measured in Gbps instead of Mbps. If 4G LTE is already fast, 5G promises to be even faster.

5G is built on a technology called Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which modulates digital signals across different channels, minimizing signal interference.

Instead of LTE Evolution, 5G networks use a new interface called NRAir. This interface enables the use of OFDM to achieve greater flexibility and scalability.

Thanks to this scalability, 5G supports a broader spectrum. While 4G operates between 1 GHz and 6 GHz, 5G can operate in this range as well as in higher frequencies. Low-band 5G, called Sub-6 GHz, is more widely used, especially in many Asian countries, including Indonesia.

Higher frequency 5G, known as mmWave (millimeter wave), operates between 24 GHz and 100 GHz (extremely high frequency). In countries like the U.S., mm \Wave technology provides more stable connections and low latency but requires extensive infrastructure due to its shorter range.

Indonesia began rolling out 5G in 2021, triggered by the increasing availability of affordable 5G-ready smartphones. Telkomsel led the way, conducting a 5G service feasibility test in May 2021, focusing on major cities.

So, how fast is 5G? According to IMT-2020 standards, 5G networks must achieve peak data rates of 20 Gbps. This means that in the near future, downloading a high-quality movie could take mere seconds.