3G is the third generation of mobile technology that provides faster data speeds and additional services like video calls compared to 2G. It was first launched commercially in Japan in 2001 and allows for services up to 14.4Mbps download speeds. While initial adoption was slow, by 2007 over 190 3G networks were active globally. India also launched 3G networks starting in 2008 to provide video and high-speed data to users as broadband penetration remained low. The technology has since evolved to 4G standards.