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What Is Triband Internet?

Jean Marie Asta
Jean Marie Asta

Triband Internet is wireless broadband networking that can be used in virtually any part of the world. It is a type of universal mobile telecommunications service, or UMTS, and it uses Triband, or 3G, technology. With this type of technology, an Internet connection is always available by using an Internet protocol. This means this type of Internet is "always on," and it can be used for telephone calls and data transmission. Triband Internet is typically accessed through a mobile phone or other cellular device.

The International Telecommunication Union developed Triband technology and produced a series of technical standards for the technology known as the International Mobile Telecommunications 2000 (IMT-2000). Providers that wish to offer this service need to follow these standards to operate on existing networks. The standards also indicate which frequencies can be used for 3G services.

Woman doing a handstand with a computer
Woman doing a handstand with a computer

The term "Triband Internet" is normally used to refer to Triband Internet-capable telephones that can access the Internet via one of four frequencies that are part of the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications network. Depending on where a person lives, the frequencies available for Triband Internet will vary. In Europe, the 900, 1800, and 1900 megahertz frequency bands are used to connect to the Internet. These frequencies cover Europe, Asia, and also Africa. Depending on the type of service a person has, he or she can usually also use one of the frequencies to connect in the Americas, ensuring worldwide communication even when traveling.

For North and South America, the frequency bands that can be used are 800, 950, 1800, and 1900 megahertz. They cover all of North and South America, and most providers use at least one of the same bands to provide a connection in Europe, Africa, or Asia. The only requirements for global access are to have a Triband network compatible device and to have a service plan that allows international roaming.

The 3G technology that is used in Triband Internet has evolved from the previous 2G technology used in older mobile phones. Standards of the mobile industry require that 3G mobile phones must be able to transmit data at a rate of at least 384 kilobits per second. Many 3G mobile phones, however, can function at a much faster rate, up to 21 megabits per second, especially on many smart phones. This makes it easier and faster to connect to the Triband Internet. Newer 4G phones will have an even faster rate of data transmission than 3G technology.

Discussion Comments

ceilingcat

@Monika - I use a portable 3G modem too and it really is great. 3G might not be as fast as some of the internet services for home but in my book portability counts for a lot. I also really love that 3G allows me to check my email and update my calendar on my cell phone.

Monika

I use 3G every day and I had no idea 3G was short for something! I swear there are so many types of internet available now I can barely keep track. I remember when dial-up was the only option. Thank goodness for new technologies!

3G has really been a great thing for me. I need the internet for my job and a portable 3G modem for internet allows me to work outside the office, anywhere I want.

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      Woman doing a handstand with a computer