What technology introduced Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and improved data rates in the 1990s?

The technology that introduced Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is indeed 2G. 2G networks represented a significant upgrade from the earlier first-generation (1G) systems, which primarily supported voice calls without any data services.

With the implementation of 2G, digital transmission became possible, which allowed for not only improved voice quality but also the support of data services such as SMS text messaging and mobile internet access. EDGE, specifically, was an enhancement of the 2G GSM technology, allowing for higher data rates, which made mobile internet browsing and other data services more feasible for users. This capability was crucial for the evolution of mobile communications, laying the groundwork for subsequent technologies.

3G and 4G technologies come later and provide even faster data rates and additional improvements, but EDGE was the first to offer these enhanced capabilities within the framework of 2G.