what is the speed difference between the edge network and the 3g network?
Cingular’s 3G network uses HSDPA, which in most implementations can deliver speeds up to 3.6 megabits per second (and in others can go even faster), while EDGE tops out at a theoretical maximum of 473 kilobits per second. If you just use it for checking email, you probably won’t notice the difference, but you probably will notice it if you do any web surfing, especially if you’re used to cable or DSL at home – or if you plan to connect the phone to your laptop to get online while traveling.
