GPRS
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom
| Stands for | General Packet Radio Service |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service, a telecom abbreviation.
Packet-switched data service added to GSM networks around 2000, giving phones always-on mobile internet at speeds of tens of kilobits per second. It enabled early mobile email, WAP browsing and MMS.
Example: In 2003, browsing over GPRS was slow, and the bill was calculated per megabyte.
Usage notes
GPRS, often called 2.5G, shares GSM time slots between voice and data, so speeds depend on network load. Billing by data volume rather than connection time was new for mobile users. Phones show a "G" icon when connected to GPRS. It still supports some low-bandwidth devices such as payment terminals and trackers.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- FTTC – Fiber to the cabinet
- FTTH – Fiber to the home
- FTTP – Fiber to the premises
- FWA – Fixed wireless access
- gNB – Next-generation Node B
- GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System
- GPS – Global Positioning System
- GSM – Global System for Mobile Communications
- GSMA – GSM Association
- HFC – Hybrid fiber-coaxial
- HSPA – High Speed Packet Access
- ICCID – Integrated Circuit Card Identifier