2G is short for second-generation cellular network. 2G cellular networks were commercially launched on the GSM standard in Fin- land by Radiolinja (now part of Elisa Oyj) in 1991. Three primary benefits of 2G networks over their predecessors were that: phone conversations were digitally encrypted; significantly more efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum enabling more users per frequency band; Data services for mobile, starting with SMS text messages.