Glossary

1G
1G stands for first generation. Very early mobile phones used first generation signals.

2G
2G stands for second generation. The UK went digital with second generation signals in the 1990s, and we still use 2G for calls and texts.

3G
3G stands for third generation. It's much faster than 2G, so it's perfect for browsing, tweeting and checking Facebook.

4G
4G stands for fourth generation. It hasn't yet been rolled out in the UK yet, but it will mean super-fast, reliable internet connections.

Antenna
Mobile phone networks are made up of masts, and there's an antenna at the top of each mast. This is the part that sends and receives signals.

EDGE
This is 2.75G. It gave us download speeds up to three times faster than GPRS.

Exchange
An exchange is where the network's traffic is sent to be routed to the right device.

Gigahertz (GHz)
Measurement of frequency. One gigahertz is equal to one thousand megahertz.

GPRS
This is 2.5G. It brought the internet to our phones by chopping data into bite-sized pieces.

HD Voice
HD (High Definition) Voice boosts sound quality while reducing background noise to deliver uninterrupted, crystal clear calls. You can make HD Voice calls as long as you and the person you're calling are T-Mobile or Orange customers, with HD-ready phones and 3G signal.

Hertz
Measurement of frequency. One hertz is equal to one cycle per second.

HSPA
This is 3.5G. It sped things up and made it easy to use apps and download music and videos on your phone.

LTE
LTE stands for long term evolution, and is another name for 4G.

Macrocell
A macrocell is a powerful antenna that provides a large area of coverage as part of a mobile phone network. Macrocells are usually located on tall masts on top of buildings or in fields.

Megahertz (MHz)
Measurement of frequency. One megahertz is equal to one million hertz.

Microcell
A microcell is an antenna that provides an area of coverage as part of a mobile phone network. Microcells are usually located in busy areas, inside things like road signs, flagpoles and streetlights.

Nanocell
A nanocell is an antenna that provides a small area of coverage as part of a mobile phone network. Nanocells are usually located inside buildings like airports, offices and train stations.

Ofcom
The independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries.

Transmitter
A transmitter works with the antenna on a mast to produce radio waves.