General Packet Radio Service

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet-data technology that allows GSM operators to launch wireless data services, such as e-mail and Internet access. As a result, GPRS provides operators with the ability to use data to drive additional revenue. GPRS is often called a 2.5G technology because it is a GSM operator's first step toward third generation (3G) and a first step in wireless data services. Similar to GSM, GPRS supports international roaming so customers can access data services whether they are at home or abroad. Likewise, GPRS is the most widely supported packet-data wireless technology in the world. When users travel to areas that have not yet been upgraded to GPRS, they still can access many data services via circuit-switched GSM. The user adoption of GPRS has created a customer base that has appealed dozens of device manufacturers. As a result, thousands of models of GPRS phones and PC card modems are currently available. In fact, virtually all GSM model devices have GPRS.