3G to H what does the H mean?

[WhiteBears]

hello
i upgraded my phone to xperia x10 mini pro, i notice on the signal bar i keep seeing 3G switching to H, then to 3G. does anyone know what does the H stands for? i've had this phone for less than a week and only noticed this today.

thanks

[NazNomad]

I think it means you're receiving the 3.5G signal.

[WhiteBears]

thanks Naz. does that mean its better?

[NazNomad]

Recent 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to laptop computers and smartphones ... apparently.

I don't have a 3G phone, so I'm a bit confused by it all, lol.

[Mobius1]

H stands for HSPA or "High Speed Packet Access". As NazNomad correctly stated, it is in essence 3.5G or rather 3G+

Because you have upgraded, the phone you now have is capable of utilising newer technologies to achieve better upload and download rates of data. In terms of UK phones, the technology to access mobile data has evolved as follows:

WAP > GPRS > EDGE > 3G > HSPA (3G+)

The connection your phone uses will also depend on your signal strength and cell access. If your signal strength drops, you might find you phone reverts to 3G, Edge or GPRS. Also, having a HSPA signal doesn't guarantee fast data rates, particularly if the cell your phone is trying to access is working at or near capacity.

[WhiteBears]

thanks guys :)