The Evolution of Mobile Technology: From 1G to 5G
                     The Evolution of Mobile Technology: From 1G to 5G
Introduction
Mobile wireless communication 
system has gone through several 
evolution stages in the past few 
decades after the introduction of 
the first-generation mobile 
network in the early 1980s.
Source: www.rfpage.com
History of 
wireless 
technology
Marconi, an Italian inventor, 
transmitted Morse code signals 
using radio waves wirelessly to a 
distance of 3.2 KMs in 1895. It 
was the first wireless transmission 
in the history of science. Since 
then, engineers and scientists 
have been working on efficiently 
communicating using RF waves.
Source: www.rfpage.com
1G – First-
generation mobile 
communication 
system
The first generation of mobile 
networks was deployed in Japan 
by Nippon Telephone and 
Telegraph Company (NTT) in Tokyo 
in 1979. At the beginning of the 
1980s, it gained popularity in the 
US, Finland, the UK, and Europe.
Source: www.rfpage.com
Most popular 
1G system 
during the 
1980s
• Advanced Mobile Phone 
System (AMPS)
• Nordic Mobile Phone System 
(NMTS)
• Total Access Communication 
System (TACS)
• European Total Access 
Communication System 
(ETACS)
Source: www.rfpage.com
2G – Second 
generation 
communication 
system GSM
The second generation of mobile 
communication systems 
introduced a new digital 
technology for wireless 
transmission, also known as 
Global System for Mobile 
Communication (GSM). GSM 
technology became the base 
standard for further development 
in wireless standards later. 
Source: www.rfpage.com
Key features 
of the 2G 
system
1. The digital system (switching)
2. SMS services are possible
3. Roaming is possible
4. Enhanced security
5. Encrypted voice transmission
6. First internet at a lower data rate
7. Disadvantages of the 2G system
8. Low data rate
9. Limited mobility
10. Less features on mobile devices
Source: www.rfpage.com
3G – Third-
generation 
communication 
system
Third-generation mobile 
communication started with the 
introduction of UMTS – Universal 
Mobile Terrestrial / 
Telecommunication Systems. 
UMTS has a data rate of 384kbps, 
and it supports video calling for 
the first time on mobile devices.
Source: www.rfpage.com
Key features 
of the 3G 
system
1. Higher data rate
2. Video calling
3. Enhanced security, more 
users, and coverage
4. Mobile app support
5. Multimedia message support
6. Location tracking and maps
7. Better web browsing
8. TV streaming
9. High-quality 3D games
Source: www.rfpage.com
4G – Fourth-
generation 
communication 
system
4G systems are enhanced version 
of 3G networks developed by 
IEEE, offers higher data rate, and 
are capable of handling more 
advanced multimedia services. 
LTE and LTE advanced wireless 
technology used in 4th generation 
systems.
Source: www.rfpage.com
5G – Fifth-
generation 
communication 
system
5G network is using advanced 
technologies to deliver ultra-fast 
internet and multimedia 
experience for customers. Existing 
LTE advanced networks will 
transform into supercharged 5G 
networks in the future.
Source: www.rfpage.com