2G stands for "second generation" and refers to the second major phase of mobile telecommunications technology. Introduced in the early 1990s, it replaced the first generation (1G) analog systems with digital communication, allowing for improved voice quality and capacity. This technology enabled services like SMS (text messaging) and basic data transmission, paving the way for more advanced mobile services. 2G networks primarily use technologies such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), which helped standardize mobile communication across different regions.