UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service)

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) is a third-generation (3G) broadband, packet-based transmission of text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at data rates up to 2 megabits per second (Mbps). UMTS offers a consistent set of services to mobile computer and phone users, no matter where they are located in the world. UMTS is based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication standard. It is also endorsed by major standards bodies and manufacturers as the planned standard for mobile users around the world. Once UMTS is fully available, computer and phone users can be constantly attached to the Internet wherever they travel and, as they roam, will have the same set of capabilities. Users will have access through a combination of terrestrial wireless and satellite transmissions. Until UMTS is fully implemented, users can use multi-mode devices that switch to the currently available technology (such as GSM 900 and 1800) where UMTS is not yet available.

 

 

What is the difference between UMTS, 3G and EDGE networks?

 

These are different network standards that build on the success of GSM, and the difference mainly pertains to speed. The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the new ‘third generation’ 3G mobile cellular communication systems. EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is another option to upgrade GSM networks.

The EDGE network offers an average transfer rate of 200 kbit/s (kilobits per second, the unit of measure for the speed of electronic data transfers). This speed is perfect if you download videos or music occasionally, and surf the Web. The 3G network offers a faster electronic data transfer rate of over 384 kbit/s, which is better if you are downloading large files often.

 

 

What is the difference between UMTS SIM and GSM SIM?

There is not much difference when you look at the two:

SIM cards (Subscriber Identity Module) are used to communicate on GSM networks and USIMs were introduced together with UMTS or 3G network. Although it's possible to access 3G with a simple SIM card, the USIM have many advantages as compared to the SIM:
• A USIM is a tiny computer which is able to handle several mini internal applications, for instance a contactless e-purse for the subway, a local service portal giving you access to your phone bill, etc, while SIM's analog is simple SIM menu which can't compute something by own other than communicating with carrier's server;

• Bigger and Improved phonebook: USIM allows you to store thousands of contacts (limit on SIM is 255). Each contact can now contain email id and more than one phone number;

• A 3G (UMTS) handset equipped with a USIM card can be used to make video calls on 3g network;
• New and improved security algorithms are used to prevent unauthorized access to phone line, encrypt your calls and internet traffic and store contacts securely;