2.5G network

2.5G improves the available data rates supported by the air interface, thereby permitting the introduction of new, data-oriented services and applications. The increased data rates rise to a theoretical maximum of 384 Kbps , although in the field available data rates may often be as low as 20 Kbps.

As in the case of 2.5G (GPRS), data is transmitted via the 2.75G (EDGE) network in small packets. The difference is that 2.75G delivers much faster data connectivity as the result of greater spectral efficiency . 2.75G EDGE can achieve download rates of up to 220 Kbps.

2.5G describes the state of wireless technology and capability usually associated with General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) – that is, between the second and third generations of wireless technology.