EDGE Evolution (EDGE II or Evolved EDGE)

EDGE Evolution, also called Evolved EDGE or EDGE II, is an upgraded version of EDGE technology that is currently in development at 3GPP, an international standards body. Compared to existing versions of EDGE, EDGE Evolution is expected to provide:

• A dramatic increase in data rates. The actual amount depends on the version used, but peak download speeds and upload speeds are expected to increase 200-300% over EDGE.


• A 50% increase in spectral efficiency and capacity.


• Reduced latency for initial access and round-trip time, enabling better quality of service (QoS) for PTT and voice over IP (VoIP).


• Compatibility with existing frequency plans, thus facilitating rapid deployment in existing networks.


• A simple upgrade to existing GSM equipment allowing a more efficient used of existing scarce radio spectrum.


• A better seamless experience for subscribers as they roam from HSPA networks to EDGE networks.

Additional Information

Q&A

Presentation: Evolved EDGE (EDGE II) Update. 3G Americas, April 2007

Press Release: Ericsson EDGE to triple data speeds by 2009. Ericsson, March 14, 2007

White Paper: EDGE, HSPA and LTE: The Mobile Broadband Advantage, p. 58. Rysavy Research for 3G Americas, September 2007