Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

Recently, I've found myself having to explain to a lot of persons what 3G is. Let me set the record straight: 3G doesn't mean three grand! There is no mobile provider giving away three grand!

This week, we are going to mix things up and log on to the mobile Web!

What is 3G? It's the third generation of telecommunication standards and technology for mobile networking, which is dominating the cellphone industry. Networks with 3G capacity offer users a wider range of more advanced services while achieving greater capacity through improved spectral efficiency.

Services include wide-area wireless voice telephony, video calls and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. Additional features also include HSPA (high-speed packet access) data-transmission capabilities which deliver speeds up to 14.4 Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.8 Mbit/s on the uplink. Aaahh!

For persons who are not tech savvy, let me break it down: 3G is high-speed Internet for phones that can use the feature.

What are the benefits?

With the high-speed Internet connection that will be available to your mobile, you'll be able to surf the web with the same speed as your computer.

Second, video calls. Yep, calls that you make where you can actually see the person! Also, 3G technology fast-tracks the sending of email, completing the task in a jiffy.

You can also download music or video effortlessly in a matter of minutes. The list of features and benefits that comes with getting 3G connection is so great that I would need two articles to complete it.

Making it meaningful to me

Are you always on the go and need to be connected to Internet?

There are two ways to apply 3G to your life: Purchase a SIM-card modem (like a Huawei E226) and attach it to a really small laptop (like an Asus Eee PC); or purchase a 3G-compatible phone that can act as an external modem (like a Sony Ericsson K850) and connect it to your laptop.

Do you need the Internet, but it's not offered in your community?

You can also purchase a SIM-card modem and connect it to your desktop computer, or use a 3G-compatible phone that can act as an external modem.

Nowadays, if time is at a premium and you want to be on the cutting edge, 3G is the way to go for mobile Internet users.

Closing thoughts

With all the benefits you get with going 3G, there is only one drawback - cost. Can someone lobby these mobile-service providers to ease billing of Internet usage on phones? Whatever you do, don't ever (ever!) try to play a YouTube video on a 3G phone unless you have just inherited a fortune. It will burn a huge hole in your credit.

Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com. The product mentioned in this article was provided courtesy of Royale Computer and Accessories . Telephone#: 906-1067, 906-1068, and 754-5048.