EDGE and GPRS are technologies for data transmission within the framework of 2nd generation mobile communications.
EDGE stands for Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution. It refers to a packet-switched type of data transmission (splitting longer messages into smaller packets, each containing different information) and is an extension of the GSM network that serves to increase the data transmission rate. EDGE is also used colloquially as a synonym for 2G, although they are technically two different things.
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service and is a connection technology of the second generation mobile network (2G). It is the basis for numerous cell phone functions that go beyond telephony, such as sending SMS, MMS or for mobile Internet. However, it has now been replaced in many areas by UMTS or HSDPA, as this enables higher speeds when surfing the Internet, for example.
GPRS is automatically used by cell phones when UMTS is not available. It is available almost everywhere and is particularly reliable, which is why it is still widely used for machine-to-machine communication. At wherever SIM , we offer our customers suitable SIM cards for M2M applications.
GPRS and EDGE are available almost everywhere, even in rural areas where newer technologies often still have gaps.
Compared to 3G, 4G and 5G, GPRS and EDGE require less energy, which extends the battery life of IoT devices.
The technology is mature and offers a stable connection, which is particularly important for critical M2M applications.
For many M2M applications that only transmit small amounts of data, GPRS and EDGE offer a good price-performance ratio.
Although GPRS and EDGE are still sufficient for many M2M applications, some network operators are planning to gradually switch off their 2G networks. In Germany, for example, Telekom has announced that it will switch off its 2G network from summer 2028. Alternative technologies such as LTE-M or NB-IoT should therefore be considered for long-term IoT projects.
Our M2M SIM cards support older technologies such as GPRS and EDGE as well as newer standards, so your devices will continue to work reliably even after the 2G switch-off.
