Enhancements over 1G Systems

The introduction of 2G mobility systems, whereas focused on voice transport,
brought about numerous improvements or enhancements for the
mobile wireless operators and their customers. The major benefits associated
with the introduction of a 2G system are listed here:

■ Increased capacity over analog
■ Reduced capital infrastructure costs
■ Reduced the capital per subscriber cost
■ Reduced cellular fraud
■ Improved features
■ Encryption

The benefits, when looking at this list, were geared toward the operator
of the wireless system. The implementation of 2G was a reduction in operating
costs for the mobile operators either through improved capital equipment
and spectrum utilization to a reduction in cellular fraud. The
improved features were centered around SMS services, which the subscriber
benefited from. The onslaught of 2G systems, however, primarily
benefited the customer in that the overall cost to the subscriber was significantly
reduced.