If you have been shopping lately for a cell phone, eBook reader or the Apple iPad, you must have noticed a term called '3G' in the specifications of the device. It seems to be the most discussed specification, when buying cell phones and other wireless devices, offering Internet connectivity. So if you are curious about what does 3G mean, keep reading ahead to know all about it.

About Generations of Wireless Communication Technology

To know what does 3G mean on the iPad, you will need to be provided a bit of background of mobile phone communication technology, because the term 3G is related to it. With so many communication channels made available today, it is hard to believe that there was a time when the only mode of direct communication was a landline telephone.

Things rapidly changed in the latter part of the 20th century as computer technology and wireless radio found widespread applications. Bell's wired invention, was combined with Marconi's radio to create the world's first mobile phones, and the rest is history.

These first cell phones were based on what is known as the first generation analog communication technology. This technology could be known as 1G technology. Then came the second wave of change in electronics technology, which was the digital wave, which engulfed cell phones too. Signal quality improved as the calls were digitally modulated and transmitted, providing better voice clarity. This is what is known as the 2G technology of mobile phones. With that bit of history, you are all set to understand what does 3G mean on Kindle and other such electronic devices.