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Bearer Communication method used for data transport over the mobile
network, eg. 3G Broadband, HSPA, 3G, etc.
EDGE An enhancement to the GPRS bearer offering higher speeds,
although not as fast as 3G Broadband.
GPRS The General Packet Radio Service is a bearer offering higher data
speeds than GSM, on which it is based.
Home network The network of the mobile operator who provided your SIM.
HSPA High-Speed Packet Access bearer, enhancing 3G, including both
HSUPA (Uplink) and HSDPA (Downlink).
HSPA+ Enhanced HSPA network offering faster speeds.
HSUPA High-Speed Uplink Packet Access bearer.
3G The third-generation mobile phone service, as UMTS (Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System) is also known, is a bearer
providing higher data speeds.
3G broadband The latest enhancement to the 3G bearer.
4G/LTE The fourth-generation mobile phone service providing faster
data speeds (where available).
Roaming You can use your mobile device on any other mobile network
that has a roaming agreement with your operator, whether in
your country or abroad.
SIM Your Subscriber Identity Module is the postage-stamp-sized chip
that you will have received together with your mobile contract.
Your SIM has gold contacts on one side.
WPA2 An alternative name for the Wi-Fi network key. For Mac users the
term ‘WPA2 personal’ is used.
Glossary
