Editing 3G (section)

== Features ==

=== Data rates ===
ITU has not provided a clear<ref>{{cite web|title=3G Licensing Workshop (19–21 September 2001)|url=https://www.itu.int/osg/spu/ni/3G/workshop/|access-date=2021-06-17|website=www.itu.int}}</ref>{{vague|date=September 2013}} definition of the data rate that users can expect from 3G equipment or providers. Thus users sold 3G service may not be able to point to a standard and say that the rates it specifies are not being met. While stating in commentary that "it is expected that IMT-2000 will provide higher transmission rates: a minimum data rate of 2&nbsp;Mbit/s for stationary or walking users, and 348&nbsp;kbit/s in a moving vehicle,"<ref>{{cite web
 | title = Cellular Standards for the Third Generation
 | publisher = ITU
 | date=1 December 2005
 | url = http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/imt-2000/technology.html#Cellular%20Standards%20for%20the%20Third%20Generation
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080524050117/http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/imt-2000/technology.html#Cellular%20Standards%20for%20the%20Third%20Generation
 | archive-date = 24 May 2008
 }}</ref> the ITU does not actually clearly specify minimum required rates, nor required average rates, nor what modes{{clarify|date=September 2013}} of the interfaces qualify as 3G, so various{{vague|date=September 2013}} data rates are sold as '3G' in the market.

In a market implementation, 3G downlink data speeds defined by telecom service providers vary depending on the underlying technology deployed; up to 384&nbsp;kbit/s for UMTS (WCDMA), up to 7.2&nbsp;Mbit/sec for HSPA, and a theoretical maximum of 21.1&nbsp;Mbit/s for HSPA+ and 42.2&nbsp;Mbit/s for DC-HSPA+ (technically 3.5G, but usually clubbed under the tradename of 3G).{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

=== Security ===
{{see also|Mobile security#Attacks based on the GSM networks}}
3G networks offer greater security than their 2G predecessors. By allowing the UE (User Equipment) to authenticate the network it is attaching to, the user can be sure the network is the intended one and not an impersonator.<ref>{{cite web
 |title     = Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System
 |publisher = Network Systems & Security Technologies
 |url       = http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030912184912/http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf
|url-status  = dead
|archive-date = 2003-09-12
}}</ref>

3G networks use the [[KASUMI (block cipher)|KASUMI]] [[block cipher]] instead of the older [[A5/1]] [[stream cipher]]. However, a number of serious weaknesses in the KASUMI cipher have been identified.

In addition to the 3G network infrastructure security, end-to-end security is offered when application frameworks such as IMS are accessed, although this is not strictly a 3G property.

=== Applications of 3G ===
The bandwidth and location capabilities introduced by 3G networks enabled a wide range of applications that were previously impractical or unavailable on 2G networks. Among the most significant advancements was the ability to perform data-intensive tasks, such as browsing the internet seamlessly while on the move, as well as engaging in other activities that benefited from faster data speeds and enhanced reliability.

Beyond personal communication, 3G networks supported applications in various fields, including [[medical device]]s, [[fire alarms]], and ankle monitors. This versatility marked a significant milestone in cellular communications, as 3G became the first network to enable such a broad range of use cases.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/3g-service-sunset-what-it-means/ |title=3G Service Is Going Away Next Year. Here's What That Means |magazine=WIRED |date= |access-date=2022-02-26|last1=Ashworth |first1=Boone }}</ref> By expanding its functionality beyond traditional [[mobile phone]] usage, 3G set the stage for the integration of [[cellular network]]s into a wide array of technologies and services, paving the way for further advancements with subsequent generations of mobile networks.