Typically, WhatsApp users send their messages over their device’s data connection. This tends to occur over a 3G or 4G LTE network, and WiFi is always an option, too. Such networks are common throughout the United States and most of Europe. However, other areas in the world have to rely upon 2G or partial 3G networks.
GPRS and EDGE networks pale in comparison to 3G/4G networks, but some users have no other options at their disposal. Not all GPRS/EDGE networks play nicely with WhatsApp, which can cause various problems.
A Quick Description of GPRS and EDGE
In the infancy of data networks, wireless carriers deployed 2G networks that featured slow data speeds. GPRS and EDGE are both included in 2G and some 3G networks worldwide. Areas that have seen slow development of data networks utilize these protocols often, though. For that reason, some users throughout the world are stuck with slower connection speeds. Full-3G networks feature higher speeds than GPRS and EDGE. Virtually all users would notice the speed differences, and the functioning of apps is affected by such speeds.
WhatsApp and EDGE/GPRS
Unfortunately, WhatsApp sometimes has trouble functioning properly on an EDGE/GPRS network. Some users will see the app work on these slower networks, but others will see error message after error message. When WhatsApp does work with such speeds, users will notice that the app takes awhile to send and receive messages. On the other hand, calls and video messages are all but impossible due to slower speeds. Not all GPRS and EDGE networks can work with WhatsApp, although many of them will with the right criteria.
Sending Messages With EDGE and GPRS
With an EDGE/GPRS connection, users can run into problems with WhatsApp. If the app fails to work properly, then a user should reset their network settings. Most smartphones allow users to reset such settings at the touch of a button. In most cases, the device will default to the best operating conditions and settings for the available network. This is sometimes more than enough to make WhatsApp work on an EDGE/GPRS network. Slow message speeds are guaranteed because of the limitations of these networks, though.
Otherwise, WhatsApp users can try updating their device or connecting to WiFi. The app won’t always work with an EDGE or GPRS network, and users might find this frustrating. High-speed data is necessary to access picture and video messages along with calls. Still, basic text messages should send before too long. In any case, users will need to connect to a faster network in order to access WhatsApp if their device won’t function on EDGE/GPRS no matter what steps are taken to reverse the problem.
WhatsApp Continues To Make Improvements Nonetheless
In reality, WhatsApp’s problem with GPRS and EDGE networks has more to do with limitations on those networks than the app itself. Faster data speeds are necessary for WhatsApp to function without hiccups or error messages. Carriers continue to improve their networks worldwide, so 3G and 4G LTE will become more commonplace in parts of the world where they don’t exist now. Until that happens, WhatsApp will continue to remain the world’s most popular messaging app, even though some users will have issues with the app because of EDGE and GPRS.
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