Confused by the terms used in connection with mobile phones and their tariffs then read on..
1G - These were the first generation of analog system mobile phones introduced in the 1980’s.
2G - Second generation mobile phones used digital encoding. 2G networks are still in current use around the world.
2.5G - 2.5 generations mobile phones provide additional features to 2g phones such as packet-switched connection (GPRS) and enhanced data rates.
3G - This is the next generation of mobile phone technology, offering users a variety of high speed services like video calling and e-mail.
Bluetooth - Bluetooth is the name given to a wireless connection of data and voice between devices close by.
Browser - Mobile phones use browsers just the same as computers, to view web pages.
Carrier - Wireless carriers are the network operator who supply the mobile service e.g. Orange and Vodaphone.
Cradle - This accessory is for securing and charging the phone usually whilst in the car.
Data Enabled - In order for you to surf the internet from your mobile phone your sim card needs to be data enabled. Contact your network operator if there are any problems activating this.
Dual Band - Mobile phones that have dual band can work on networks which have different band frequencies. This is handy when you move between areas that are covered by different network providers.
Dual Mode - Dual mode mobile phones can work on more than one network e.g. both digital and analog networks.
Expansion Card - These are cards that can be used to add features or boost the memory of a mobile phone
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service is a digital mobile phone network like GSM. It is different to GSM mainly because the internet/WAP connection is always on, is a little bit faster and is billed differently ( the amount of data sent rather than the connection time)
GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications is the most commonly used digital mobile phone system.
Hands Free Kit - An accessory that you can use with your mobile phone in order for you not to use your hands
HDPSA - Newer High speed network
LCD - Liquid crystal display is the most widely used display technology on mobiles
Live Access - This is a way of accessing the internet using a real time connection enabling you to view the latest web pages on your PDA. A more costly way than a synchronised access but keeps you up to date with info and news
Local Service Area - This is the area that your mobile phone calls will not incur long distance or roaming charges
MMS - Multimedia Messaging Service enables you to send larger amounts of text and pictures from your mobile
MSL - The Master Subsidy Lock is a numbered password that stops the user from accessing some technical information of the phone. This is used to stop a phone from being reprogrammed to work with another provider.
Multimedia Texts - Add an image to your text message
Network Provider - Companies that provide wireless telephone services
PDA - Personal digital assistant is a hand-held device that combines computing, telephone, internet and networking features. Most PDA’s are pen based rather than keyboard for input and can incorporate handwriting recognition as a feature.
Polyphonic Ringtones - These mobile phone ringtones nearly sound as good as the original music. They are able to create many notes and tunes at the same time along with imitating instrumental sounds.
SIM card - This is a smart card inserted into the back of a mobile phone. The SIM card provides user data and network information.
Smartphone - This is a generic name for mobile phones which have their own operating systems, a bit like a cross between a standard mobile phone and a PDA.
The difference between this and a actual PDA is they don’t use a touch screen and pen for input but a standard mobile phone keyboard
Symbian - Mobile operating system used by Nokia and others
Video Calling - This enables 3G mobile phone users to see the person they are talking to.
Voice Dialling - This is facility where you can speak the name of somebody you have the phone number saved on your mobile and it will automatically call them
WAP - Wireless Application protocol which enables mobile phones to browse the internet
WiFi - Wifi is an acronym for wireless fidelity. It is a way of transmitting data over a wireless network enabling you to connect to the internet at broadband speeds without the use of cables.
Windows Mobile - Microsoft windows for your mobile - easy syncing
Wireless - A connection between two or more devices which do not need to be connected by a cable e.g. Wifi and Bluetooth