What is the difference between E and 3G?

[iphone2010]

Sometimes on my phone at the top where the signal bars are, next to AT&T it says 3G, but other times it just says E. When it goes to E it slows down a lot. Gets to the point where the internet will barely load. What does E stand for and is it different than 3G?

iPhone 3G, iOS 4.2.1

 

[taz323]

Hi, welcome to iMore. If I'm not mistaken the E stands for Edge.... low signal.

 

[iphone2010]

Oh alright, thank you! That explains why it slows done when it says E

 

[warcraftWidow]

E is basically 2G.

 

[Jyscal]

Hi, welcome to iMore. If I'm not mistaken the E stands for Edge.... low signal.

Not quite. E is in fact EDGE, but it is their 2g network. It's fine for voice, but terrible these days for data. Its basically the equivalent to Verizon's 1x. Not sure what the sprint equivalent is.

 

[justinkk2005]

Makes me feel old that someone doesn't know what EDGE is. Lol

 

[Miska Hietala]

I suggest that u get opera mini, as it can browse through the web with no problems even with "e"