These are different network standards that build on the success of GSM, and the difference mainly pertains to speed. The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the new ‘third generation’ 3G mobile cellular communication systems. EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is another option to upgrade GSM networks.

The EDGE network offers an average transfer rate of 200 kbit/s (kilobits per second, the unit of measure for the speed of electronic data transfers). This speed is perfect if you download videos or music occasionally, and surf the Web. The 3G network offers a faster electronic data transfer rate of over 384 kbit/s, which is better if you are downloading large files often.