Which generation of wireless networks enabled text messaging?

The correct response highlights that the second generation of wireless networks, known as 2G, was the turning point that introduced text messaging to mobile communication. Prior to 2G, the first generation, or 1G, primarily focused on voice calls and lacked the digital capabilities necessary for transmitting text data.

With 2G, which was launched in the early 1990s, mobile networks transitioned from analog to digital, enabling the use of Short Message Service (SMS). This development allowed users to send and receive text messages, a feature that rapidly gained popularity and transformed communication. The digital architecture of 2G networks facilitated more efficient data transfer, making SMS practical and widespread.

The subsequent generations, such as 3G and 4G, expanded on these capabilities with higher data speeds and more complex data services, but the foundational introduction of text messaging originated with 2G technology.