In mobile communication, how is a third generation (3G) network generally different from a second generation (2G) network in terms of services and data capabilities?

Introduction / Context:
Mobile communication standards have evolved through generations, from 1G analogue systems to 2G digital systems and then to 3G and beyond. Each new generation introduces improvements in capacity, data rates and supported services. A common interview question asks you to explain the key differences between 2G and 3G. This helps examiners check whether you understand how mobile networks transitioned from basic voice to rich data services.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 2G technologies include GSM and CDMA systems focused primarily on digital voice and SMS.
• 3G technologies such as UMTS and CDMA2000 were designed to support higher data speeds and multimedia.
• The comparison is high level and conceptual rather than tied to exact numerical speeds.

Concept / Approach:
Second generation, or 2G, networks introduced digital voice, basic encryption and limited data services such as SMS, MMS and low speed internet access using technologies like GPRS and EDGE. Third generation, or 3G, networks significantly increased peak and average data rates, enabling applications like mobile web browsing, video calls and streaming. 3G uses more advanced radio interfaces and core network upgrades to handle packet switched data efficiently, which is a major step beyond the mainly circuit switched design of early 2G systems.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the primary difference lies in data capability and multimedia support, not simply voice quality.Step 2: Option A states that 3G provides much higher data rates and better support for multimedia and internet services compared to 2G, which focused on voice and basic messaging.Step 3: Option B incorrectly claims that 3G offers lower data rates and only voice services, which contradicts real world usage.Step 4: Option C trivialises the difference as SIM card colour, which is clearly wrong.Step 5: Option D reverses the roles of 2G and 3G and is not consistent with any standard, so option A is the correct statement.

Verification / Alternative check:
Looking at typical speed ranges, early 2G data services often provided tens of kilobits per second, whereas 3G systems could offer hundreds of kilobits up to a few megabits per second. This increase enabled richer applications such as video telephony and mobile web services. Network operator marketing materials at the time emphasised that 3G was about fast internet on the phone, confirming the emphasis on data and multimedia that option A describes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is directly opposite to reality, as 3G was introduced primarily to enhance data speeds beyond what 2G and its extensions could provide. Option C introduces a purely cosmetic factor, SIM colour, which has nothing to do with network capabilities. Option D assigns video streaming to 2G and limits 3G to text, which is the reverse of how these technologies are actually used.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse 2.5G technologies like GPRS and EDGE with full 3G and may not clearly separate their capabilities. Another mistake is to focus only on marketing labels and ignore the underlying technical improvements. For exam answers, it is usually enough to say that 3G brings higher data rates, better internet access and support for multimedia services compared to the mainly voice oriented 2G networks.

Final Answer:
3G networks provide much higher data rates and better support for multimedia and internet services than 2G, which was designed mainly for voice and basic messaging.