Definitions

3G

This is the next generation network standard, 3G is far more efficient than 2G networks. It allows for rapid transfer of data, allowing users to download video clips and music files at high speeds, and it enables users to make video calls to other 3G users.

2G

2G is short for second-generation wireless mobile technology. Early mobile systems used analogue radio signals to transmit information – 2G phones use digital signals which require less battery power, allowing for more talk time and smaller batteries. A clearer reception is also afforded thanks to the digital signal. Most of today\'s mobile phones, unless specified otherwise, are 2G.

2.5G

An unofficial \'upgrade\' to 2G, phones dubbed as being \'2.5G\' are phones that use the same 2G technology, but come equipped with features that can be found on 3G phones, such as data transfer, GPRS radio and EDGE capabilities.

Airtime

This is the amount of time you spend \'airing\' a call over a network, i.e. the amount of time spent between starting a call and finishing it.

Battery

Most phones uses Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. They charge very quickly and are lightweight.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology is high-speed wireless connection between mobiles, PDA’s, and computers. The name comes from King Harald Bluetooth, who united and ruled over Denmark and Norway in the late 10th Century; the Bluetooth of today similarly unifies different communications devices.

Call Barring

This function allows you to block certain numbers or every number on your Phone Book from calling your mobile phone.

Call Timer

This allows you to keep an eye on how many minutes you are accruing over a month.

Call Divert

This sends a caller to another phone number or voicemail. Useful if you’re in a meeting or in the cinema!

Call Hold

If you are really popular and want to keep everyone happy you can put your current caller on hold and take another then go back to your first friend when you have finished.

CSD

This stands for Circuit Switched Data. Used when you call a fax from your phone.

Caller Display

Caller Display allows you to see who is calling you, provided that you have their number listed in your Phone Book.

CLI

Calling Line Identification: This is the technology which displays the number of any incoming calls on your phone.

Coverage

This is where you can receive mobile reception, often talked about in terms of percentage of UK coverage. Most of the major networks will have maps on their website displaying the quality of coverage in your area.

Data Capability

This means you can send pictures or other data from your mobile to a fax machine or to a compatible computer.

Data/Fax Capability

This means you can browse the internet and send and receive data.

DCS1800

This is a digital mobile phone system.

DECT

DECT stands for Digital Enhance Cordless Telecommunication – a standard term applying to the cordless phones typically used in the home.

Digital

The sound of your voice when talking into your mobile is converted into digital binary code (information expressed as either a 0 or a 1), the converted back into sound by the receiving phone.

DTMF

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency refers to the different tones the numbers make on you mobile when you dial.

Dual Band

A phone that has Dual Band coverage means that it will be able to make and receive calls both in the UK and the rest of Europe. Tri Band is similar, in that it allows for calls to be made in the US as well as Europe. Quad Band phones have global coverage. Essential, if your job requires you to travel frequently or you are away on holiday. Dual Band technology also means that a phone will have greater signal capacity.

Dual Mode

Dual mode allows phones to work between GSM and DECT.

EFR

EFR or Enhanced Full Rate is a system which improves the quality of audio transmission on your phones, so that phone conversations are much clearer.

EMS

EMS is short for Enhanced Message Service, which allows enabled users to send each other picture messages and small sound clips.

ETSI

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (www.etsi.org), a non-profit organisation that sets the standard for quality control in mobile phone products throughout Europe.

GPS

Global Positioning System: Some phones now give you the ability to use GPS which tells you via satellites where you are anywhere on earth within a few meters.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service is a service available to users of GSM mobiles, and allows the transfer of data across the Internet.

GSM

This is an agreed standard global system for mobile communication. GSM phones all benefit from the clarity of digital call quality. GSM phones operate on a variety of different bandwidths, which chiefly are GSM900 (operating on 900MHz), GSM1800 and 1900 (which operate on frequencies of 1800MHz and 19000MHz respectively).

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity: many new mobiles are issued with an IMEI number to counter mobile phone theft. If your phone is stolen, with the IMEI number the phone can be remotely disabled.

Infrared Data Port

Some phones have infrared wireless capabilities, allowing the transfer of information between other handsets and computers. It is similar to Wi-Fi and BlueTooth in its functionality, although data is transferred via infra-red waves as opposed to micro radio waves.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

This is a type of rechargeable battery which is used in your mobile phone.

One-Touch Dialing

You can program your phone so that if you press a button it will automatically dial your friend\'s number quickly.

Phone Book

This is the list of all your telephone numbers which can be stored on either your mobile or SIM card.

Roaming

Roaming is a term referring to the way your mobile phone works when abroad so that you can make and receive calls, and send text messages (receiving them is free). Your home mobile phone network will not be able to provide you with a signal if you are in a foreign country and therefore they have agreements with other operators allowing you to \'roam\' on to their networks.

SAR

Specific Absorption Rate is a rate that measures the amount of radio signals that you absorb into you body from your phone or a radio transmitter.

SIM Card

Subscriber Identity Module. This is the small card that goes into the back of your phone. It stores so basic information on it including your PIN number for security.

SMS

Standing for Short Message Service, the text message that most people use.

Soft Key

A multifunctional button on your mobile, usually located in the top-centre of a keypad.

Standby time

This the amount of time your mobile battery will last if you don’t make or take any phone calls or use any of the mobile phone functions.

Talk Time

This is how long your phone battery will last if it was in constant use.

Tri Band

This relates to mobile phones that work on three bands, GSM900, GSM1800 and GSM1900. This allows for calls to be made in Europe and the US.

T9

Shorthand for predictive texting which with practice can speed up the texting process. T9 is a common feature on most modern handsets.

UMTS

Shorthand for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, it is another name used for 3G technology.

Voicemail

If your phone is off or you have set up diverts, you can retrieve any answerphone messages made by anyone who has called you by accessing voicemail.

Voice Recognition

You can program your phone to \'recognise\' your voice, potentially \'telling\' it who to call.

VPN

Virtual Private Network: A way of running a more secure private data network on a public network. A VPN is often used within corporate and official organisations, where any confidential information can be discreetly passed around within the network.

WAP

This stands for Wireless Application Protocol allowing handsets access to the Internet. WAP enabled devices have browsers which provide the basic services of an Internet browser, but simplified to function within a device which is much smaller both in practical size and power than a computer.

Megapixel

A pixel (an amalgamation of \'picture element\') is a single point in a graphic image; a megapixel is equivalent to 1 million pixels. The more megapixels a camera on a mobile can take, the greater the quality of the image.

Mobile TV

3G networks offer a range of different packages for sports, entertainment, and news broadcasts, allowing users to watch television on their mobiles.

Video Calling

If two users have handsets that support this, they can \'video call\' each other; they can see and talk to each other simultaneously.

HSDPA

Short for High Speed Downlink Access, an enhancement to 3G networks that allow users to download information much faster. Is also known as 3.5G.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi means you can connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN). Wi-Fi equipped devices can access the internet and send e-mail when near a base station (or hotspot). Public Wi-Fi networks are offered by T-mobile and BT

Network

The main mobile phone networks in the UK are T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, 3 Mobile and O2. These companies supply the service, but not the phone. The networks use transmitters to connect your calls both in the UK and around the world.

EDGE

An acronym for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution; essentially this is an advance version of 2.5G technology, often thought of as ‘2.75G’, allowing for faster connection to online services.

SD Card

SD is short for Secure Digital – a typical SD card is a portable memory card that can be used in a variety of devices, chiefly mobiles and PDAs. They offer extra memory for handsets, so for example, a phone with an MP3 player or camera built in can make use of an SD card to store more music files or pictures. SD cards come in various different sizes in terms of memory and physical size.

Quad Band

Quad Band phones operate on all four of the main GSM frequencies, allowing for calls to be made virtually anywhere in the world.

PC Sync

PC Sync allows for the phone to connect with computer through a cable in order to synchronise calendar and contact information and transfer files. A common use of PC Sync between mobiles and computers is the transfer of music files between the two platforms.

DPI

Dpi stands for dots per inch, and refers to the resolution of screens on electronic devices such as computer monitors and some mobile phones. Generally, the higher the dpi, the sharper and more detailed the images will be. Dpi is sometimes expressed as ppi, which is short for pixels per inch.