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About GPRS

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is the new technology for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GPRS enabled networks offer 'always-on', higher capacity, Internet-based content and packet-based data services. This enables services such as colour Internet browsing, e-mail on the move, powerful visual communications, multimedia messages and location-based services.

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a new non-voice service that allows information to be sent and received across a mobile telephone network. It supplements today's Circuit Switched Data and Short Message Service (SMS). GPRS is NOT related to GPS (the Global Positioning System), a similar acronym that is often used in mobile contexts. GPRS has several unique features which can be summarized as;

• SPEED - Three times as fast as fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current Circuit Switched Data services on GSM networks.
  
• IMMEDIACY - Instant connections subject to radio coverage. No dial-up connection is necessary.
  
• APPLICATIONS - GPRS facilitates mobile web applications that have not previously been available over GSM networks due to the limitations in speed.
  
• ACCESS - To use GPRS, users specifically need:
  • A mobile phone or terminal that supports GPRS.
  • A subscription to a mobile telephone network that supports GPRS.
  • Knowledge of how to send and/ or receive GPRS information.
  • A destination to send or receive information through GPRS.

A full explaination of the GPRS environment can be found at GSM world.