MOBILE PHONE GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1G
Describes first-generation mobile phone network. It was analog, circuit-switched. Voice links were poor, handoff unreliable, capacity low, and security non-existent. 1G systems are not now under active development - indeed, in some areas 1G spectrum is being auctioned for 2G and 3G use.
2G
Describes the Second Generation of mobile phone networks (analogue was the first generation) A generic term that includes GSM, CMDA & TDMA standards.
2.5G
Enhancement to a 2G network to allow packet data services in addition to voice - eg GPRS
3G
A set of standards developed globally for new mobile phone networks offering much greater data throughput and efficiencies than standard 2G networks. Comes in several flavours - eg WCDMA and cdma2000
Analog
A transmission method or way of sending voice, video and data-using signals (such as electricity or sound waves) that are continuously variable rather than discreet units as in digital transmissions. In the context of wireless communications, analog refers to transmission networks built in the 1980s and that use analog technology rather than digital.
Airtime
The amount of time you spend using a mobile phone between the time you successfully place a call and the termination of that call.
Antenna
A physical device for sending or receiving radio signals. Antennas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some wireless phones contain built-in antennas. Many phone owners also use car antennas to boost reception and transmission.
Battery
The power source for a wireless phone. Rechargeable batteries such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion are used in wireless phones and communication devices.
Bluetooth
An open specification for seamless wireless short-range communications of data and voice between both mobile and stationary devices. For instance, it specifies how mobile phones, computers and PDAs interconnect with each other, with computers, and with office or home phones. The first generation of Bluetooth permits exchange of data up to a rate of 1 Mbps per second, even in areas with much electromagnetic disturbance. It transmits and receives via a short-range radio link using a globally available frequency band
Call Barring
Allows you to set your phone to prohibit certain incoming or outgoing phone calls.
Call timer
Keep track of the time you accrue each month toward an allotment of airtime minutes.
Call divert
Enables you to divert incoming calls to another phone or answering service.
Call hold
Enables you to put a caller on hold while a second call is answered or made.
Caller Display
Display of incoming callers number on a mobile phone screen.
Cell
The geographic area encompassing the signal range from one base station (a site containing a radio transmitter/receiver and network communication equipment). Wireless transmission networks are comprised of many hexagonal, overlapping cell sites to efficiently use radio spectrum for wireless transmissions. Also, the basis for the term "cellular phone."
Content Provider
A company that provides services to mobile phone users or network operators. These services could be shopping, web surfing, chat rooms, playing games, accessing data such as music and books through a server.
Coverage
Denotes the area in which a mobile phone can make and receive calls. It is often described by networks in terms of the percentage of population that can use the service rather than actual geographic coverage.
Cellular
In wireless communications, cellular basically refers to the structure of the wireless transmission networks which are comprised of cells or transmission sites. Cellular is also the name of the wireless telephone system originally developed by Bell Laboratories that used low-powered analog radio equipment to transmit within cells. The terms "cellular phone" or "cell phone" are used interchangeably to refer to wireless phones.
Data capability
Data-capable phones enable transmission of data from a laptop, portable fax machine or personal digital assistant equipped with a modem and an auxiliary jack.
Data/Fax capability
Your mobile phone can be used to send and receive fax and data files, access the Internet and send e-mail when connected to mobile office equipment
Data Services
The ability to access services such as e-mail, faxes and SMS messages using a wireless phone or communicator
Dual band
Dual band mobile phones can work on networks that operate on different frequency bands. This is useful if you move between areas covered by different networks. Some networks operate on two bands, for instance GSM-1800 in town centers and GSM-900 in the rest of the country.
Dual mode
Dual mode mobile phones have more than one air interface and hence can work on more than one network. One example is phones that operate on both digital and analog networks. They are quite useful if you want the advantages of a digital phone, but regularly visit areas where analog is the only service available.
Duplex/Full Duplex
Simultaneous two-way transmission, such as experienced in a phone conversation. In contrast, many speakerphones are half-duplex and will transmit in only one direction - from the loudest noise - at a time.
Digital
A way of encoding information. On digital networks, data doesn't need to go though the extra step of being converted to an analog signal, voice is sampled and coded in a way similar to how it is recorded on a CD. Digital networks are fast replacing analog ones as they offer improved sound quality, secure transmission and can handle data directly as well as voice
EMS
Enhanced Messaging Service. Allows simple graphics and tunes to be exchanged in addition to SMS text messages. Requires that both phones are capable of EMS.
Frequency
The rate at which an electrical current alternates, usually measured in Hertz (Hz). Also the way to note a general location on the radio frequency spectrum such as 800 MHz, 900 MHz or 1900 MHz
GPS
Global Positioning System. A worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of satellites, which enables users with suitable equipment to identify their geographic location
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service: a radio technology for GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections, and offer the possibility to charge by amount of data sent rather than connect time. GPRS promises to support flexible data transmission rates typically up to 20 or 30 Kbps (with a theoretical maximum of 171.2 Kbps), as well as continuous connection to the network. A 2.5G enhancement to GSM, GPRS is the most significant step towards 3G, needing similar business model, and service and network architectures. GPRS started to appear in some networks during 2000.
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communication. A communication standard in three frequency bands, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz. The term GSM is often used in AUSTRALIA to refer to the 900MHz band while the 1800MHz band is referred to as PCN. The GSM Association is responsible for the development, deployment and evolution of the GSM standard.
Hands-Free Operation
Using a wireless phone without having to lift or hold the phone to your ear.
IMEI
The International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) is a 15-digit number (composed of four parts) that uniquely identifies an individual wireless phone or communicator. The IMEI appears on the label located on the back of the phone. The IMEI is automatically transmitted by the phone when the network asks for it. A network operator might request the IMEI to determine if a device is in disrepair, stolen or to gather statistics on fraud or faults.
Internet Capability
Refers to a wireless communication device that is capable of Internet functions such as e-mail (send, receive, forward or reply) and browsing the World Wide Web.
Java
Industry standard object-oriented language and virtual machine, invented by Sun Microsystems and formally released in 1996. Java is an ideal language for network applications and applets. Sun's Java specifications include many Java APIs and platforms, including the JavaPhone API and PersonalJava platform, which are included in Symbian OS
LCD Screen
Liquid Crystal Display screens have low energy requirements and are generally easy to read. LCD screens are made by sealing a liquid compound between two pieces of glass and/or a filter. The screen has hundreds or thousands of dots that are charged or not charged which make them reflect or not reflect light to form letters, characters and numbers.
Mobile Phone
A term often used interchangeably with cellular phone or wireless phone. Initially, a mobile phone referred to a phone attached to a vehicle, the vehicle's battery and had an external antenna. Mobile phones were distinguished from transportable, portable, cordless and personal phones.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
A rechargeable battery technology used in personal cellular telephones. Less prone to memory effect than NiCd.
One-touch dialling
Dial frequently called numbers by hitting just one key that you've programmed for that number.
Phone Book
The list of names and telephone numbers you've stored in your phone internal memory or on its SIM card. The maximum number of entries you can store in the phone is fixed; the number of entries you can store on your SIM depends on your network provider. In either case, you can dial stored numbers by accessing the list you want, highlighting the number and pressing the connect button.
Polyphonic Ringtones
Todays poly ringtones are almost as good as the original records, the quality gets better all the time due to continuous improvement in mobile phone audio technology. Most modern mobile phones with play 16 track tunes. Whilst the early mobile phones that would only play monophonic sounds are still around it is only a matter of time before all mobile phone manufacturers produce handsets that play polyphonic tones. Polytones sound good and most hits are available to be transmitted in stereo to give up to 40 different notes playing at a time
SIM CARD
Subscriber Identity Module. A small card fitted inside a mobile phone. It has a processor and memory for storage of users identity (PIN), user added information and text messages.
SMS
Short Message Service: available on digital GSM networks allowing text messages of up to 160 characters to be sent and received via the network operator's message center to your mobile phone, or from the Internet, using a so-called "SMS gateway" website. If the phone is powered off or out of range, messages are stored in the network and are delivered at the next opportunity
Third Generation
The 3rd Generation (3G) mobile devices and services will transform wireless communications into on-line, real-time transfer of information, regardless of time and place. You will be able to send electronic postcards with images, and you can even have a live videoconference using your 3G mobile communication device.
Tri band
Mobile phones which are able to operate on three GSM frequency bands GSM900, GSM1800 and GSM1900.
Voicemail
Voicemail gives you the ability to take messages from callers e.g. if you are unavailable or the phone is switched off. Voicemail is free to activate and free to leave messages on.
Voice recognition
Enables some mobile phone functions to be controlled with voice commands.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol. An application communication protocol that compatible mobile phones can use to access services and information. The Open Mobile Alliance now oversees standardisation of this protocol. The current version is WAP 2.0