Basic Knowledge

Q: What is GPRS ?

General Packet Radio Service is a radio technology for GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections, it also offers the possibility to charge by amount of data sent rather than connect time. It is a new nonvoice value added service that allows information to be sent and received across a mobile telephone network. GPRS is NOT related to GPS (Global Positioning System), a similar acronym that is often used in mobile contexts. Allowing information to be transmitted more quickly, immediately and efficiently across the mobile network, GPRS may well be a relatively less costly mobile data service. GPRS can provide instant connections subject to radio coverage. No dial-up modem connection is necessary.

GPRS uses the idle radio capacity in GSM telephone systems. All cell phone systems have capacity that isn't being used except when everybody is on the phone in a particular cell. Normally that idle capacity wouldn't be doing anything. It would simply be held in reserve for the next callers. What GPRS does is to use that extra capacity to create a data network. If the system gets really busy with telephone calls, then the data gets a lower priority and data rates slow down.

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