t evolve their networks to take advantage of mobile multimedia applications and the eventual shift to an all-Internet Protocol (IP) architecture. One way to do that is through the evolution of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS). However, soon after we see the installation of GPRS, some operators will begin the next step in the evolution process to Enhanced Data rates for Global Envolution (EDGE). With EDGE, existing TDMA networks can host a variety of new applications, including Online e-mail Access to the World Wide Web Enhanced Short Message Services (SMSs) Wireless imaging with instant photos or graphics Video services Document/information sharing Surveillance Voice messaging via Internet Broadcasting Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com) Copyright © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website. Future Enhancements and Services Future Enhancements and Services At the same time, some operators will skip the step to EDGE and go directly to Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTSs), or what we consider to be a 3G technology. Figure 11-1 shows the steps, as the carriers choose which way to proceed. Using a timeline, the evolution of wireless to 3G systems is shown in Fig- ure 11-2, showing the evolution of the various techniques that emerged over the years. Figure 11-1 The evolution to UMTS choices. 3G/UMTS Figure 11-2 Timeline for 3G/UMTS. HSCSD Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com) Copyright © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website. Future Enhancements and Services Chapter 11 Why is packet data technology important? Packet networks provide a seamless and immediate connection to the Internet or corporate intranet, enabling access to existing Internet applications, such as e-mail and Web browsing, without dialing into an I