What is GPRS on a mobile phone?

General packet radio service, or GPRS, is a wireless data service that enables you send information across a mobile phone network. It is used for second- and third-generation mobile phones for multi-media messaging, Internet access and various applications.

GPRS is often referred to as a between-generation data service, being most commonly used between 2G and 3G mobile phones. It is used frequently in the United States, Europe and Asia. It began with 2G phones and was updated for the newer 3G advanced networks. While 4G mobile phone networks are replacing the necessity for GPRS, it is still frequently used for the transfer of essential data.