Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Generation
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The question refers to MTNL launching its 3G mobile service and asks about the meaning of the letter G in the term 3G. This is a basic general knowledge and technology awareness question that appears often in exams related to Indian economy, banking and computer awareness. 3G is part of the global standard terminology used for mobile communication networks, and understanding what each generation represents helps in interpreting news about telecom upgrades such as 4G and 5G as well.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In mobile telecommunications, the letter G in terms like 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G stands for Generation. These labels describe successive generations of mobile network technology. First generation systems were analogue voice systems, second generation introduced digital voice, third generation introduced higher speed data and multimedia, fourth generation delivered even higher data rates suitable for mobile broadband, and fifth generation focuses on ultra high speed, low latency connectivity. Therefore, when we see 3G, it literally means third generation mobile technology. Words like Global, Growth or Gravity do not match the standard technical terminology used by telecom standards bodies such as the ITU.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that 3G, 4G and 5G are used in telecom news to describe different generations of mobile network technology.Step 2: Recall that the common explanation of these terms in textbooks and articles is second generation, third generation, fourth generation and so on.Step 3: Match this with the options and identify that only the word Generation fits this pattern.Step 4: Conclude that the letter G in 3G stands for Generation and select that option as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to think of how people explain upgrades in everyday language. When a country moves from 3G to 4G, newspapers say that it is moving from third generation services to fourth generation services. Official documents and telecom training material also expand 3G as third generation mobile communication system. You will never see a formal standard that expands 3G as third global or third growth. This consistent usage in multiple sources confirms that Generation is the only correct expansion of the letter G in this context.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Global, is wrong because although mobile networks are global in reach, the letter G does not stand for Global in the naming convention. Option C, Growth, is incorrect because it does not describe a technical standard, only a general idea. Option D, Gravity, clearly has no connection with mobile network generations. Only option B, Generation, reflects the accepted telecom terminology for 3G, 4G and 5G as successive generations of mobile technology.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners casually guess Global because mobile phones are used worldwide, or Growth because higher generations often bring higher speeds and economic growth. Another mistake is not connecting 3G with the phrase third generation that is often mentioned when new services are launched. To avoid such errors, remember that in telecom abbreviations, G means Generation, and the number before it indicates which generation of network technology is being discussed.
Final Answer:
In 3G mobile services, the letter G stands for Generation, so 3G means third generation mobile technology.
Discussion & Comments