What Does a GPRS Connection Mean on Cell Phones?
A GPRS connection on cell phones stands for General Packet Radio Service. GPRS is a data communications standard for users of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular phones. GPRS allows phones to offer always-on Internet access and Web-based instant messaging.
Features
GPRS allows cell phones to send and receive data at near-broadband speeds. These fast speeds allow websites to load quickly and make sending picture and video messages possible.
Identification
A GSM phone that has GPRS data services can be identified by opening the phone's system settings menu. The menu will list all frequencies on which the phone can operate, and GPRS will be noted if available.
Considerations
Most GPRS devices can use data and voice services, but not simultaneously. In order to use data, a phone call must be ended, and to use the phone, all data transfers must be stopped.
Types
While GPRS download speeds are sometimes closer to dial-up than broadband Internet connections, services like EDGE, offered by AT&T in the United States, allow faster GPRS connections when possible.
Warning
If you use a GPRS connection for uploading and downloading large files, be sure to monitor your network usage. All carriers in the United States impose a 5 gigabyte per month bandwidth limit for GPRS mobile Internet users. Exceeding this threshold may result in overuse fees being billed to your account.
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