EDGE: Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution

Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is a third-generation (3G) technology that enables high-speed packet-data services such as Internet access and streaming multimedia. EDGE supports theoretical peak network data rates of 473 kbps, with average throughput of 100-130 kbps. (Forthcoming versions, known as EDGE Evolution, are expected to support peak download speeds of up to 1305 kbps.) The current average rates are fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including streaming audio and video, fast Internet access and large file downloads. EDGE also can support push-to-talk (PTT) services.

The ITU, which sets telecom standards for worldwide use, approved EDGE as a 3G standard in July 2000. In July 2003, the world’s first commercial EDGE network launched. There are now nearly 300 commercial EDGE networks worldwide. (2Q 2008). There are several reasons for this worldwide expansion, including:

• EDGE is a relatively straightforward, cost-effective network upgrade for most GSM operators. EDGE deployments usually require only software and additional channel cards for the existing GSM/GPRS network infrastructure. This design reduces the cost of deploying EDGE, so operators are better able to price their EDGE services competitively yet profitably.

• EDGE doesn’t require operators to acquire additional spectrum. Instead, it can be deployed in today’s most widely used bands, including 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz. The ability to deploy EDGE in its existing spectrum means that an operator can launch 3G services quickly, in more markets and at a lower cost than technologies that require new spectrum.

Many UMTS operators also offer EDGE, particularly in rural areas. That’s because EDGE is a cost-effective way to provide broadband data services in areas that haven’t yet been upgraded to UMTS or that are too sparsely populated to justify UMTS. As a result, when UMTS customers travel to areas with EDGE, they still enjoy broadband data access.

As a member of the GSM family of technologies, EDGE enjoys international roaming. As a result, users enjoy the convenience of being reachable with their EDGE device when traveling in more than 220 countries, as of 3Q 2006, as well as the ability to access messaging and other advanced services that they use in their home market. EDGE is backward-compatible with GSM and GPRS, so when a user travels to an area where EDGE isn’t yet available or is not supported by roaming agreements, they still can access many voice and data services.

Like GPRS, EDGE provides an "always-on" data connection, so users don't have to log on each time they want data access. The packet architecture also means that users only pay for the data itself rather than for the airtime used to establish a connection and download data.

Although EDGE is a data technology, it also helps boost the number of voice calls that a network can handle simultaneously by sending data up to 150% more efficiently than GPRS. With EDGE transmitting more data into the same amount of bandwidth, the voice-coding or “vocoder” technology in the GSM voice network can be upgraded to a version that increases voice capacity between 15% and 20%.

Additional Information

Questions and Answers

Nokia Siemens Networks doubles EDGE data speed (Nokia Siemens Networks Press Release - Mar 27, 2008)

EDGE Evolution