GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet-based mobile data service available via GSM networks that allows for more efficient use of network resources and faster connection times compared to traditional circuit-switched data services, offering theoretical maximum speeds of up to 171.2 Kbps; it serves as an intermediate step toward 3G networks and uses an IP-based core network architecture. GPRS introduces new network components like the SGSN and GGSN to handle packet routing and interface with external networks.