GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service and is a mobile communications standard that operates on 2G and 3G cellular networks to enable moderately high-speed data transfers using packet-based technologies. It is essentially a packet-switching technology that allows information to be transmitted via mobile networks. GPRS is a wireless communication service that allows data to be transmitted over a cellular network. It is a packet-switched technology that allows information to be transmitted in small packets, allowing for a more environmentally friendly use of network resources.

GPRS is utilized for internet connectivity, multimedia messaging service, and other types of data transmission. It is supported by GPRS cellphones, as well as laptops and handheld devices equipped with GPRS modems. Subscribers have reported downstream bandwidths of up to 80 Kbps. GPRS provided data rates from 56 kilobits per second to 171.2 Kbps and uninterrupted connectivity to the internet for mobile phones and computers. However, GPRS by itself did not offer the mechanisms required to browse the internet. To enable seamless internet access, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) was needed.

GPRS used to be the fastest network-accessible option, but this has changed in terms of speed and dependability, as both 3G and 4G networks surpass it. However, it is still used in several areas, particularly rural regions and emerging nations that have not ventured into other more sophisticated technology. When a GPRS network is available, most smartphones might use it, albeit those used to better connections will notice the considerably slower bandwidth and long waits.

In GPS vehicle tracking systems, GPRS data services can be used to transmit telematics data back to centralized servers when more advanced mobile networks are not available. GPRS and EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Evolution) have been largely superseded by 3G and 4G LTE mobile data technologies.