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Mobile Phone Glossary - Decode The Jargon

1G – 1 st Generation of Mobile Phones

Thankfully the 1 st Generation of mobile phones is now obsolete. Gone are the days of poor voice links, non-existent security and low capacity!

2G – 2 nd Generation of Mobile Phones

2G phone networks (often referred to as GSM) are still in use worldwide. 2G offers high bit rate voice quality, differing levels of encryption and SMS text messaging but limited data communications.

2.5G

2.5G mobile phones are the stepping stone between 2G and 3G technology, offering higher capacity data transmission allowing enhanced data services e.g. GPRS. GPRS allows network providers to charge by the amount of data sent as opposed to connect time.

3G – 3rd Generation of Mobile Phones

3G phone networks were first implemented in Japan in 2001, and since then have

gradually been rolled out worldwide. Third generation phones are capable of

receiving data at much higher rates than older technologies. 3G supports the

use of bandwidth hungry applications such as video conferencing, full high speed

internet access, fast mp3 downloads, and quality streaming audio.

Airtime

The duration of a call timed from the moment that you successfully place the phone-call to the moment you terminate it.

Battery

A rechargeable device used to supply your phone with power. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (NiMH) are lightweight yet offer high capacity and can be recharged in a relatively short space of time.

Battery Status/Battery Charge Display

Display indicating the amount of battery charge left remaining on your mobile phone.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows for the wireless transmission of data between devices such as mobile phones, computers, and PDA’s. The Bluetooth protocol was named after an ancient Danish king, Harald Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows you to send and share data with other devices up to about a metre away.

Call Barring

The call barring feature found on phones allows you to block certain incoming and outgoing calls.

Call Divert

A very useful feature that allows you to re-direct calls from your mobile to another phone.

Call Hold

Allows you to place one call on hold, while you either make or receive another call.

Caller Identification

Features which displays the number of the person that is calling you – however certain numbers cannot be displayed.

Call Timer

The Call Timer feature found on many phones simply records the amount airtime used so that there are no nasty billing surprises at the end of the month!

Coverage

In order to make a call from your mobile phone you need to be able to receive a signal from your chosen network e.g. Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange etc. Mobile phone networks often don’t cover very remote areas such as parts of the Scottish Highlands. Network providers will normally provide a coverage map to show exactly where in the country you can use their services.

Data Cable

A capable that allows you to attach your mobile phone to another device such as a PC, and transfer files such as photos and audio.

Data Card

A data card slots in to your laptop and allows you to access the Internet via the mobile phone network – idea for business people who need Internet connectivity while on the road.

Data Connectivity

Refers to the ability of your mobile phone to connect to other devices such as PC’s or other phones. Data connectivity is normally achieved through wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, or via a Data Cable.

Digital

In days gone by all mobile phones used now outdated analogue technology – voice quality was often poor and security was even poorer. Nowadays all mobile phones use digital signals, meaning superior call quality and security. Additionally digital phones can be used for a much wider range of applications such as Internet access.

Digital Zoom

Digital zoom often found on camera phones works by magnifying part of the captured image using digital manipulation – this is similar to how a graphics software package resizes an image and makes it bigger. Photos can lose image quality through this process, particularly on large zooms. The second type of zoom found on cameras is optical zoom – with this feature, magnification is provided by the lens, and image quality is not compromised.

Document Viewers

A useful feature built into more advanced phones which allows the user to view documents from applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Adobe Acrobat. Particularly useful for the business user.

Dual Band

Refers to the capability of certain phones to operate on two different frequencies e.g. 900MHz and 1800 MHz.

Edge

Edge is a data transmission method which is 2-3 times faster than GPRS allowing 3G data transfers. Edge stands for Enhanced Data for Global Evolution. Like GPRS the cost of using Edge, is based on the number of megabytes downloaded rather than the total connection time. Ideal for bandwidth heavy applications such as video streaming and MP3 download.

Fascia

Certain phones can be customised by replacing an interchangeable fascia, which often come in varied colourful designs.

GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System – a satellite navigation system which allows users to pinpoint their precise location. Ideal for outdoor types, travellers, and those who spend a lot of time on the road.

GPRS

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service which allows data to be sent and received over the mobile phone network – the cost of using GPRS is based on the number of megabytes downloaded rather than total connection time. GPRS allows the mobile phone user to access the Internet, send email, use multimedia messaging and so on.

GSM

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication – a digital communication standard designed to replace older analogue systems. Now used by more than 70% of the world’s mobile phone networks.

GSM900

A mobile phone network that operates in the 900MHz GSM band – used in the UK by Vodafone and O2.

GSM1800

A mobile phone network that operates in the 1800MHz GSM band – used in the UK by Orange and T-Mobile.

IMEI

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. This is a unique identity number assigned to mobile phones, similar to the registration plate found on a car. Network operators can use this number to block a phone if it is stolen.

Infrared

Infrared enables wireless data connectivity between your mobile phone and other devices such as a laptop. The infrared ports on both devices must be directly aligned before transfer can take place.

Internet Browser

Increasingly more phones are Web enabled and come with an Internet browser installed.

Java

A programming language that allows small programs to be installed and run on your mobile phone – these small programs are often referred to as midlets and can be downloaded free or purchased from the Internet.

Media Players

Media players are software programs installed on certain mobile phones allowing the user to listen to audio or watch video e.g. Windows Media Player.

Megapixel Camera

Megapixel cameras found on many mobile phones are capable of taking high resolution images suitable for printer reproduction.

Memory Card

Memory is used to store data such as phone numbers, pictures, and audio on your phone. With some phone the memory can be upgraded so that you can hold more data.

MMS

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. Allows the user to send text, sound, images and even video in a message.

MP3 Player

A software application installed on certain phones allowing the user to listen to MP3 encoded audio tracks.

Network Provider

The company behind any particular mobile phone network. In the UK there are 5 major networks e.g. Three, Vodafone, O2, Orange and T-Mobile.

Pay as You Go

With Pay as You Go phones you simply pay for the phone calls made and texts sent. You are not tied to any monthly charge or contract. You can normally buy pay as you go credits from High Street stores, over the Internet or phone, and even from certain cash machines. The cost of calls on PAYG phones tends to be considerably more expensive than those made on ‘contract phones.’ This option is ideal for those who make only the occasional call on their mobile.

Pay Monthly

Often referred to as ‘contract phones’, the Pay Monthly option is ideal for those who make calls on a regular basis. Often with these deals you get the phone at a greatly reduced cost, or even free. The user is billed a pre-agreed monthly charge and is only charged more if they exceed the number of calls/texts detailed in the contract. Contracts normally come in the form of a 12 month or 18 month line agreement.

Phonebook

Most mobile phones come with a phonebook application which allows the user to store the names and numbers of friends and family.

A 4 digit security code assigned to your mobile phone. This pin code can be used to prevent unauthorised use of your phone. This pin can be changed at any time by the phone owner.

Polyphonic Ringtones

A ringtone comprising of multiples tones rather than just a single tone.

Predictive Text

Predictive text is a feature found on many phones which makes texting simpler and quicker - it does this by predicting what the user is going to type through word recognition.

PUK

PUK stands for personal unblocking code. If you enter your PIN code incorrectly several times on a protected phone, it will be blocked by the network provider. The phone can be unblocked by obtaining the 8 digit PUK code assigned to your phone.

Quad Band

A quad band phone can operate on 4 frequencies. Allows your phone to be used in more countries.

Roaming

The ability to make and receive calls when you venture out of the coverage area of your ‘home network.’ Often you can use your mobile overseas through ‘roaming agreements’ between your home network provider, and overseas network providers.

SAR

SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate and is a measurement unit designed to indicate the amount of radio frequency absorbed by the human body whilst using a mobile phone.

SIM Card

SIM stands for subscriber identity module. The SIM card is a small card which slots into your mobile phone, and is used to identify your handset to the phone network. The SIM card can also store data such as text messages and your phonebook.

Smartphone

A hybrid phone, which is combines the features of a mobile phone and personal digital assistant – ideal for business people.

SMS

SMS stands for Short Message Service and is more commonly referred to as ‘texting.’ This ability to send and receive short text messages is available on the majority of modern mobile phones.

Speaker Phone

A loudspeaker that allows the user to listen to a conversation without holding the receiver to their ear.

Standby Time

The length of time a fully charged battery will take to drain while the phone is in standby mode.

Streaming

The ability to enjoy audio or video content on your mobile phone ‘live’ without having to download it first.

Symbian

A group of companies comprising of Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Psion. Symbian specialise in developing operating systems for mobile phones and PDA’s (personal digital assistants.)

T9

Also referred to as predictive text input – this feature found on many phones makes makes texting simpler and quicker - it does this by predicting what the user is going to type through word recognition.

Talk Time

Talk time is the total amount of time you can talk on your phone before the battery needs recharged.

Tariff

Refers to the pricing structure offered by network providers. Networks normally offer a variety of tariffs designed to meet the differing needs of users. One tariff may be ideal for those who make the odd call, whereas other tariffs will be more suited to the heavy user. Tariffs normally include a fixed number of free calls and texts, and a rate for calls per minute all for a set monthly charge. Choosing the right tariff for your needs can help you obtain the lowest monthly call charges.

Text Messaging

The ability to send and receive short text messages also referred to as SMS. Available on the majority of modern mobile phones.

Top-Up Vouchers

Top-up vouchers can be bought from many High Street stores, and allow Pay as You Go users to easily add call credits to their phone whenever they choose.

Tri-Band

Tri-band phones can operate on three different GSM frequencies – GSM900, GSM1800, and GSM1900. Allows your phone to be used in more countries.

UMTS

UMTS stand for Universal Mobile Telephone System and is also referred to as 3G.

Vibrating Alert

Many phones have a vibrating alert feature which discretely alerts the user to an incoming call – ideal for situations where a ringing phone would be inappropriate e.g. at the cinema.

Video Calling

The ability to make 2 way video calls over your mobile phone – this requires a 3G handset.

Voice Dial

Voice dial is a feature available on some phones which allows the user to simply say the name of the person they want to call, and the phone will then automatically dial that individual.

Voicemail

The ability for callers to receive a recorded voice message on your phone when it’s turned off, or whenever you are unable to take a call.

Wallpaper

Many phones allow the background screen design to be customised. These screen designs are referred to as ‘wallpaper.’

WAP

WAP stands for Wireless Application Protocol and allows mobile phone users to access information services via their phone – similar to browsing a webpage.

Wi-Fi

The ability to connect to a high speed wireless network – found on more advanced phones.

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