In mobile communication, what are the major advantages and disadvantages of third generation 3G networks compared to earlier 2G systems?

Introduction / Context:
Third generation 3G mobile networks represented a major step forward from earlier 2G systems by enabling higher data speeds and richer services such as mobile internet and video calls. However, these benefits came with trade offs in terms of cost and power consumption. This question asks you to summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of 3G so that you can evaluate technology evolution in mobile communications.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- 2G networks such as GSM mainly focused on voice and low speed text services.
- 3G networks introduced higher bandwidth packet data for multimedia and internet access.
- Smartphones and data plans became common during the 3G era.
- Operators and users care about speed, coverage, battery life, and cost.

Concept / Approach:
From a user perspective, the main advantage of 3G is significantly higher data rate, which enables services that are difficult or impossible on 2G, such as real web browsing, video streaming, and video calling. For operators, 3G allows new data revenue streams. The disadvantages include more complex radio technology, higher infrastructure and spectrum costs, and higher power usage on devices, which can reduce battery life. The correct option must balance positive and negative aspects realistically.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the primary technical improvement of 3G, which is higher data throughput and better support for packet data. Step 2: List the services enabled by 3G, such as mobile internet browsing, email with large attachments, video calls, and multimedia streaming. Step 3: Consider the trade offs, including more complex devices, higher battery drain, and higher capital expenditure for operators to upgrade networks. Step 4: Select the option that correctly mentions both the benefits in data services and the disadvantages in power consumption and network cost.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you compare typical 2G data speeds with 3G, the difference is clear, with 3G enabling hundreds of kilobits per second or more, which is sufficient for rich media. At the same time, early 3G devices were known to drain batteries faster, and operators invested heavily in new base stations and spectrum licenses. These real world observations confirm the balance of advantages and disadvantages described in the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because 3G still supports voice calls and enhances data capability rather than removing voice. Option C is incorrect since 3G required new spectrum allocations and infrastructure investments, making it more expensive than 2G. Option D exaggerates by claiming that 3G always replaces wired broadband, which is not true because fixed line connections can offer higher and more stable speeds.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to focus only on speed and ignore cost and power trade offs. Another pitfall is assuming that all 3G networks perform identically, even though coverage and quality vary widely between regions and operators. Understanding both the technical and economic sides of 3G helps in analyzing later transitions to 4G and 5G.

Final Answer:
3G networks provide significantly higher data rates that enable web browsing, video calls, and multimedia services, but devices usually consume more battery power and operators face higher deployment and spectrum costs compared with 2G.