Cell Phone Glossary

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2G - Second Generation
Describes the Second Generation of cellular 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 - 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.

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Access Fee
A fee that local telephone companies charge all telephone customers for the right to connect with a local phone network. Cellular phone users pay this fee along with a 3% federal telephone excise tax.

Activation Fee
The initial set up fee or cost to turn on a cellphone so that it can operate within the selected carrier network. Many cell phone have activation or set up fees up front, which they could refund to the customer in a form of a rebate later.

Airtime
Actual time spent talking on the cellular telephone. The total airtime usage is both the outgoing and incoming calls you receive. Most carriers bill customers based on how many minutes of airtime they use each month.

Analog modulation
The traditional method of modulating radio signals so that they can carry information. AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) are the two most common methods of analog modulation. The newer versions of cellular phones are digital.

ANSI
American National Standards Institute.

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.

Automatic Call Delivery
A feature that permits a cellular phone to receive incoming calls, even when roaming.

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Band - Frequency band
In wireless communication, band refers to a frequency or contiguous range of frequencies. Currently, wireless communication service providers use the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1900 MHz bands for transmission in the United States.

Batteries
All cellular phones need a battery to operate. Most cellphone handset units will accept a "standard" or "extended" battery, with additional output of the extended adding to the length of time the battery will power the handset.

Belt Clip
An attachment for a cell phone to 'hook'. Many incorporate a cover for the protection of the cell phone, and some of these covers provide intended protection from Radio Frequency or RF type radiation.

Bluetooth
Blue Tooth is an exciting new technology that allows devices such as mobile phones, Lap Top computers, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other portable devices to communicate with each other without using cables to connect them. Blue Tooth is a technology that allows these devices to communicate with each other using short-range radio waves.

Broadband
Communications medium that uses a wide-bandwidth channels for sending and receiving large amounts of data, video or voice information.

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Call Forwarding
A feature allowing the subscriber to forward a call to another telephone number.

Caller ID
A feature that displays the name and/or number of the calling party either on a wireless phone screen or a separate device (as is often the case with a landline phone). Virtually all digital phones — as well as many analog phones — have this capability, which may be activated by a wireless service provider.

Calling Plan
A rate plan selected by subscribers when they start up cellular service, usually consisting of a base rate for system access and a per-minute rate for usage. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost-effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.

Car Kit
Accessories that allow you to use your phone hands-free in the car. A car kit may contain a few essential items such as a fast battery charger, a hands-free holder (hardware to hold the phone) or may be more robust and include connections to an external antenna, external speaker for better audio quality or a junction box with data port for optional fax/modem connections.

Carrier
A Company providing wireless telecommunications services, using equipment to transmit the frequencies upon which the cellphone calls, signals and data are carried.
Also the operating frequency of a wireless system. A fixed frequency radio signal which is shifted up and down (modulated) in either frequency (FM) or level (AM) by the audio signal.

Cases
Cases are available for all popular cell phones. Cases protect the cell phone, and make carrying your phone easier. Cell phone cases are usually either cowhide leather, vinyl, or R.F. reflective material to protect your melon.

CDMA
Code Division Multiple Access. CDMA technology was originally developed for military use in the late 1960's, and is a multiple access technique, using sequenced code to divide traffic channels within the same radio channels. CDMA offers improvements over analog transmission in the areas of reduced call dropping, battery power conservation, more secure transmission and increased service options.

Cell
The basic geographic unit of a cellular system and the basis for the generic industry term "cellular." A city or county is divided into small "cells," each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size depending on terrain and capacity demands. By controlling the transmission power and the radio frequencies assigned from one cell to another, a computer at the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) monitors the movement and transfers (or hands off) the phone call to another cell and another radio frequency as needed.

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. Within the wireless industry, cellular is also used to refer to non-PCS products and services.

Chargers
Please use the correct charger for your cellphone battery. All cellphones we give or sell come with a free desktop charger, unless otherwise stated. Chargers are often referred to as "overnight" or "rapid", with overnight chargers fully charging in eight to ten hours from beginning of cycle. They fill at a low charge rate, and sometimes lack the safety features of preventing overcharge because batteries can better withstand low charging current. Rapid chargers recharge the battery or batteries more quickly. The charge isn't continuous; rather, it's reduced as the battery reaches full charge. Sub types of battery chargers include vehicle cigarette lighter plug-ins, desktop chargers intended for indoor use on a flat surface, and small travel chargers that simply plug into an electrical outlet. There are also solar type cellphone battery chargers on the market.

Cover / Faceplate
Protective cellphone covers protect your phone and also gives your cell phone a unique appearance, or fashion statement. Face plates come in many different colors. Designs with your favorite music group, flags, even lights that flash when the mobile phone rings are available.

Coverage Area
The area which a wireless network company offers service for their cell phone subscribers.

CTIA
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.

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dB - Decibel
A unit stating the logarithmic ratio between two amounts of power. Typically used in receiver and transmitter measurements.

DCS
Digital Cellular System.
DCS-1800 - Low power variant of GSM, with 1.8 GHz carrier, used in Europe (e.g., Mercury One-2-One).
DCS-1900 - Proposed use of GSM with 1.9 GHz carrier for PCS applications.

DCTU
Digital Cordless Telephone U.S. - a version of DECT proposed for the U.S. PCS market.

DECT
Digital European Cordless Telephone. A digital cordless telephone standard that incorporates some of the features of the cellular telephone systems. DECT telephones use picocells, and calls can be handed off from one cell to the next.

Digital
Information represented by non-continuous values or signals sent between cell phones. It is binary, or consists of 0 and 1.

Digital modulation
A method of encoding information for transmission that will eventually replace all analog transmission. Digital modulation reduces voice to binary code -- the zeros and ones of computer language. At the receiving end, the information is reconverted. Digital transmission offers stronger reception, less static, greater call handling capacity, fewer dropped calls, improved call privacy, and the potential for additional voice and data service such as fax and computer data transmission.

DSP
Digital Signal Processing.

Dual Band
A wireless phone which is capable of operating on two different frequencies.

Dual Mode
A wireless device that can be operated on analog or digital transmission networks.

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Encryption
A method of encoding data for security.

ESN - Electronic Serial Number
The ESN is a unique, unchangeable 32-bit binary number embedded in a wireless communications device (except GSM devices that use an IMEI) by the manufacturer. The ESN number is automatically transmitted to the wireless network each time the phone is used to verify that it has not been reported lost or stolen and that all subscriber bills are current.

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FCC
Federal Communications Commission. The Government agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States, located in Washington, D.C. Their responsibilities for public radio communications, such as cellular, include allocation of frequencies, the development of regulations that govern their use and monitoring to ensure that regulations are followed.

FDMA - Frequency Division Multiple Access
FDMA systems transmit one voice circuit per channel. Each conversation gets its own, unique, radio channel.

Follow-Me-Roaming
Though not available in all cities, this system allows you to roam in other calling areas, cells, or area codes, and be found automatically. Your calls will automatically be forwarded to you when or IF you have follow-me-roaming.

Frequency
The number of times a wave-like radio signal changes from the very positive to the very negative charge per second. One signal change/second equals 1 Hertz.

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GHz - GigaHertz
One GigaHertz is equal to a billion Hertz.

GPRS - General Packet Radio Service
Allows continuous connection to data networks at a high rate.

GPS - Global Positioning Satellite
Satellite-based radio positioning systems that provide 24 hour three-dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on or near the surface of the Earth (and sometimes off the earth). GPS is a 24 satellite constellation, 20,000 km above the earth in six orbital planes. The NAVSTAR system, operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, was the first GPS system widely available to civilian users.

GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications
GSM is the digital transmission technique widely adopted in Europe and supported in North America for PCS.

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Handset
A wireless or cellular phone, cell phone, digital, PCS, or analog mobile phone.

Hands-Free Kit
With Hands-Free Kits, you can use your cell phone in your car without taking your hands from the wheel, or your eyes from the road. A mounted speaker and microphone provide you with a speakerphone in your vehicle, which can also be set to automatically pick up. The portable hands free uses a cigarette lighter male plug, while mounted handsfree cellphone kits connect permanently to the vehicle's power supply. Wireless hands-free kits allow the use of your cellular phone without interfering with driving.

Home Coverage Area
The area in which one may make cellular calls without incurring long distance or roaming charges. Some cellphones are activated with nationwide long distance coverage, but still have a local coverage area which is called home. We have calling plans which don't charge for roaming outside of your home coverage area.

Hz - Hertz
The unit of frequency measurement equal to one cycle per second. Abbreviated Hz and named after Heinrich R. Hertz.

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IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identifier
The 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.

Incoming Call
The call that someone else places into your cell phone. In virtually all current wireless phone service plans, the owner of the wireless phone pays for all calls, both incoming (calls from others) and outgoing (placed by you).

Infrared Data Port
A data port that uses infrared data association (irDA®) as the standard for wireless communications between computer and mobile phone devices. For example, to update the phone list on your irDA®-enabled PC, you would line up the infrared ports on each device and then transfer the phone information to your PC.


Interconnection Fee
A wireless call must sometimes be routed through a landline in which a connection fee is charged.

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.

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Keyguard
The keyguard feature provided on some mobile phones allows the user to disable the keys so that a number will not accidentally be dialed while the phone is in your pocket or purse.

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Land-Line
Non wireless telephone lines. These are the network of fiber optic and metallic or copper phone lines you see up on the poles crossing the road.

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. Some LCD screens have an electroluminescent panel behind them and are termed "backlit."

Li-Ion
Refers to a type of battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, used to power wireless communication devices. Li-Ion batteries are lighter weight than earlier battery types, have a relatively long cycle life and generally do not suffer from memory effect.

Local Service Area
The geographic area that telephones may call without incurring roaming or long distance charges.

Lock Code
A code that prevents a wireless phone from unauthorized use. It is programmed into the Numerical Assignment Module or NAM. A lock code is used in conjunction with the phone lock feature. When activated, the phone will lock after you switch your phone off and back on. Each time the phone is turned on, it will prompt you to enter a lock code before it will allow a call to be placed, or to access most of the phone's memory and menu features. Calls, such as emergency or other numbers programmed as unlocked phone numbers may be placed without entering a lock code.

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MHz - Megahertz
A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz or cycles per second. Wireless communications occur in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1900 MHz bands.

MIN - Mobile Identification Number The MIN is a unique 24-bit number assigned by the wireless service provider to each phone it sells or includes in service plans. Unlike an Electronic Serial Number (ESN), a MIN is changeable because wireless phones may change hands or phone owners may move to another coverage region, requiring a different service plan. The MIN and ESN are both automatically transmitted to the wireless network each time the phone is used to verify that the phone has not been reported lost or stolen and that all subscriber bills are current.

MMM - Mobile Media Mode
MMM products have the ability to provide information services such as stock quotes, flight information and reservations, news, sports, weather updates, and even access to e-mail wirelessly. Check with your local cellular service provider to find out when services will be available in your area.

Mobile Phone
The term that can be inter-changed with cellular phone or wireless phone.

MTSO - Mobile Telephone Switching Office
The switching office that all base station cell sites connect to. It is a sophisticated computer that monitors all cellular calls, keeps track of the location of all cellular-equipped vehicles traveling in the system, arranges hand-offs, keeps track of billing information, etc.

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NAM - Number Assignment Module
The NAM is a chip that stores a wireless device's phone number, lock code, timer reset code and other user information. The NAM is programmed by the service provider when a device is activated. The NAM also associates the Mobile Identification Number (MIN) with the Electronic Serial Number (ESN). Some wireless phones have dual or multi-NAM features which allows the user to have more than one phone number.

Network
In the wireless industry, a network refers to the infrastructure enabling the transmission of wireless signals. A network ties things together and enables resource sharing.

NiCd
A Nickel Cadmium or NiCd battery is durable, rechargeable and typically lasts for 700 charge and discharge cycles. If not completely discharged before recharging, the NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect that may reduce the life of the battery.

NiMH
A Nickel Metal Hydride Battery, also referred to as a Ni-MH or NiMH battery, is a rechargeable battery that is capable of holding more power that a NiCd battery and suffers much less from memory effect. It is also typically more expensive than a NiCd battery.

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Off-Peak Hours
The hours after the business day and during weekends when the wireless networks have less transmission. During these hours the rates are usually cheaper.

Operator
In cellular, this is the local service provider operating company that owns the cellular system in that particular area.

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PCMCIA / PC Card
PC Cards are removable, credit-card sized devices that may be plugged into slots in PCs and wireless communication devices to provide fax or modem functions or network cards. The acronym PCMCIA represents the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association which is a group of hardware manufacturers and vendors responsible for developing standards for PC Cards (also called PCMCIA cards.)

PCS - Personal Communications Service (or System)
Generally, a marketing term used to describe a wide variety of two-way digital wireless service offerings operating at 1900 MHz. PCS services include next generation wireless phone and communication services, wireless local loop, inexpensive walk-around communications service with lightweight, low-powered handsets, in-building cordless voice services for business, in-building wireless LAN service for business, enhanced paging service as well as wireless services integrated with wired networks. A Personal Communications System refers to the hardware and software that provide communications services.

PDC - Personal Digital Cellular
Japanese cellular standard.

Peak Hours
The hours during the business day when wireless networks have the most transmission. During these hours the rates are the most expensive.

PIN - Personal Identification Nummer
In the context of wireless devices, the PIN is a code used in conjunction with a SIM card to complete a call or data transmission.

Pigtail Antenna
The standard cellular antenna for a car. The term "pigtail" refers to the spring-like section in the lower third of the antenna known as the phasing coil.

Portable Phone
A one-piece, self-contained cellular telephone. The newest portable model phones are so small - weighing as little as 3.1 ounces - that they can be folded up and carried in a suit pocket or purse. Portables normally have built-in antennas and a rechargeable battery.

Prepaid Cellullar
A payment method often used by folks with a specified budget, allowing one to pay for cellular service minutes in advance. Cellphone calling minutes on prepaid are often much more expensive than those bought under contract.

Protokol
The special set of rules for communicating that the transmitting receivers use in a telecommunication connection when they send signals back and forth.

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RF - Radio Frequency
Also used generally to refer to the radio signal generated by the system transmitter, or to energy present from other sources that may be picked up by a wireless receiver.

Roaming
Using a wireless phone outside of your service provider's local coverage area or home calling area is referred to as roaming. Roaming arrangements between service providers expand the potential area for phone use. Service providers typically charge a higher per-minute fee for calls placed outside their home calling or coverage area.

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Satellite
These satellites orbit above the earth and send and receive signals sent by the antennas.

SID - System Identification
A unique digital code assigned to each cellular system. The home system of each mobile is stored in it's internal memory so that the mobile knows when it is a roamer (outside it's normal service area).

SIM Card - Subscriber Identification Module
A credit card size card which is owned by a subscriber, who slides it into any GSM handset to transform it into 'their' phone. The card holds a microchip that stores information and encrypts voice and data transmissions, making it close to impossible to listen in on calls. The SIM card also stores data that identifies the caller to the network service provider.

SMS - Short Message Service
SMS is a feature available with some wireless phones that allow users to send and/or receive short alphanumeric messages.

Standby Time
The length of time that a cell phone is completely ready to send or receive calls, but is not being used in a call. This is one way of evaluating the battery, as well as the efficiency of the cell phone.

Subscriber
A user of wireless service bought from a service provider.

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Talk Time
The length of time a person can talk on the cellphone without recharging the battery. Usually expressed in minutes.

TDMA - Time Division Multiple Access
TDMA is one of several technologies used in digital wireless transmissions that increases the efficiency of the network by allowing a greater number of simultaneous transmissions. Networks using TDMA assign 6 timeslots for each frequency channel. Devices using the wireless network send bursts of information that are reassembled at the receiving end.

Termination Charges
Charges incurred by the carrier for having a cellphone call completed by a different carrier network.

TETRA - Trans European Trunked Radio Access
European digital cellular land mobile radio system.

Transportable cell phone
The transportable cellular phone is a standard mobile phone that can be removed from the vehicle and used by itself with an attached battery pack. The entire unit is generally mounted or built into a custom carrying case to make it easy to carry. Although technically "portable," the transportable should not be confused with smaller, one-piece cellular phones.

Tri-Band
Mobile phones which are able to operate on three GSM frequency bands 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.

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UMPS
Universal Mobile Phone Service.

UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. Another name for 3G technologies/ standards.

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Vibrating Alert
A cellphone feature telling the user of an incoming call by means of a vibration mechanism.

Vocoder
Refers to a voice encoder which is a device that codes and decodes the human voice (sound waves) into digital transmission. Higher vocoder speeds offer enhanced sound quality.

Voice Activated Dialing
A feature that allows the user to dial a telephone number by speaking.

Voice Mail
(Also called voice messaging) A computerized answering service that automatically answers your call, plays a greeting in your own voice and records a message. After you retrieve your messages, you can delete, save, reply to or forward the messages to someone else on your voice mail system.

Voice Recognition
A feature allowing cellphones to be operated by spoken words.

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WAP
Wireless Application Protocol. Wireless Application Protocol is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to easily access and interact with information and services instantly.

Watt
Basic unit of power. The formula is voltage multiplied by the current (Volt X Amps = Watt).

WCDMA
Wideband CDMA: Technology for wideband wireless access supporting 3G cellphone services, and allows very high-speed multimedia services like internet access and videoconferencing.

Wireless
Without wires. Communication without any physical connections between the sender and the receiver. Using the radio frequency spectrum (airways) and hardware, software and technologies to transmit information.

Wireless Internet
A service granting access to the World Wide Web or internet e-mail via wireless networks.

Wireless Provider
A company providing communication services to cellphones, PDA's or wireless web modems via a wireless network.

WMF
Wireless Message Format Sends data through wireless means to mobile computers.

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