Mobile Phone Glossary
by :
Paul Smith
3GThe third generation of mobile networks, with video calling, web browsing and multimedia downloads of up to seven times faster than standard 2G networks.BluetoothA specification for short-range wireless connectivity that allows users to make wire-free connections (via radio link) between a wide range of communications devices.Dual-bandPhones that can switch between two different bands of frequencies. Most phones in the UK are now dual-band, capable of switching between GSM1800 and GSM900 frequencies. Useful for travellers allowing roaming on a greater number of networks across the world. GPRSGeneral Packet Radio Service. Data communications upgrade for GSM networks, enabling a maximum data rate of up to 115kbps. GSMGlobal System for Mobile Communications. A digital cellular communications standard used throughout Europe, and elsewhere around the world. Pre-pay/Pay-as-you-goService plans with no-contract and no line rental where you buy credit ‘vouchers’ in advance for calls. Each network has its own pre-pay service.PUKYour Personal Unblocking Key is an eight-digit number used to unblock your phone if you enter your PIN number incorrectly three times.RoamingThe ability to use your phone abroad, this varies according to your service provider and their agreements with overseas networks.Service PlanA contract selected by subscribers when they purchase a pay monthly mobile phone, it usually consists of a base rate for network access and a per-minute rate for any calls made. SIMThe Subscriber Identity Module is the smart card used in digital phones containing the user’s identity for accessing the network and receiving calls. It can also store personal information, such as a phone directory and received SMS messages. SMSShort Message Service allowing messages of up to 160 characters to be sent between phones on any network.WAPWireless Application Protocol. An agreed standard which enables compatible mobile phones to access Internet-type services such as news, travel, entertainment, finance and sport.www.mad4mobilephones.com – a UK mobile phone shop selling the latest handsets at the lowest prices.
3GThe third generation of mobile networks, with video calling, web browsing and multimedia downloads of up to seven times faster than standard 2G networks.BluetoothA specification for short-range wireless connectivity that allows users to make wire-free connections (via radio link) between a wide range of communications devices.Dual-bandPhones that can switch between two different bands of frequencies. Most phones in the UK are now dual-band, capable of switching between GSM1800 and GSM900 frequencies. Useful for travellers allowing roaming on a greater number of networks across the world. GPRSGeneral Packet Radio Service. Data communications upgrade for GSM networks, enabling a maximum data rate of up to 115kbps. GSMGlobal System for Mobile Communications. A digital cellular communications standard used throughout Europe, and elsewhere around the world. Pre-pay/Pay-as-you-goService plans with no-contract and no line rental where you buy credit ‘vouchers’ in advance for calls. Each network has its own pre-pay service.PUKYour Personal Unblocking Key is an eight-digit number used to unblock your phone if you enter your PIN number incorrectly three times.RoamingThe ability to use your phone abroad, this varies according to your service provider and their agreements with overseas networks.Service PlanA contract selected by subscribers when they purchase a pay monthly mobile phone, it usually consists of a base rate for network access and a per-minute rate for any calls made. SIMThe Subscriber Identity Module is the smart card used in digital phones containing the user’s identity for accessing the network and receiving calls. It can also store personal information, such as a phone directory and received SMS messages. SMSShort Message Service allowing messages of up to 160 characters to be sent between phones on any network.WAPWireless Application Protocol. An agreed standard which enables compatible mobile phones to access Internet-type services such as news, travel, entertainment, finance and sport.www.mad4mobilephones.com – a UK mobile phone shop selling the latest handsets at the lowest prices.