This stands for Second Generation Network. This type of network, sometimes also referred to as GSM (Global Systeme for Mobile Communications) network, is a digital network which allows mobile phones to communicate via voice and SMS. The GSM network can also offer digital data services. An enhancement of the data connection offered by the GSM network is offered by the GPRS technology (General Packet Radio Service Network), also known as 2.5G. GPRS offers data connections between 56kbps and 114 kbps.

This stands for Third Generation Network. In Malta, mobile telephony service providers have 3G networks with nationwide coverage. Like the 2G network, a 3G network is able to offer voice and messaging services. However, 3G network is also able to reach higher data download speeds of up to 385kbps. These speeds allow for an enhanced experience when connecting to the Internet. An enhancement of the data service offered by the 3G network is the HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) technology which is also referred to as 3.5G network. Such networks offer even higher speeds than 3G networks. 

Note that phones are designed to work on specific networks and generally, a phone which works on a specific network will not work on a more advanced network. In this regard, phones that work on 2G and 2.5G networks, will not work on a 3G or 3.5G network. However some 3G / 3.5G phones will also work on 2G and 2.5G networks. 

The term 4G stands for Fourth Generation Network. In most countries, including Malta, LTE (Long Term Evolution) has been the technology of choice to offer 4G capabilities.  LTE aims at being more resource efficient than its predecessors 3G and 2G.  It is therefore able to offer users with a mobile broadband internet connection which is faster and more reliable to those devices which support the technology.  

Like all mobile broadband connections, the speed that one can achieve will depend on your signal level and coverage. It is important to note that in order to benefit from 4G internet service one requires a 4G enabled device.