Airtime
The time tracked by wireless service providers to determine billing charges.
Usage includes sending or receiving calls and other wireless transmission such
as faxes, e-mail or data files. Some service providers may charge for a whole
minute if only part of a minute is used.
AMPS
Advanced Mobile Phone System - an analog mobile phone network that is used
mainly in the US and also Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, parts of
Russia and Asia-Pacific
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.
Authentication
The process that enables mobile phones and service providers to confirm the
identity of any phone placing and receiving a call, allowing route of call,
accurate billing and inhibiting unauthorized usage of the system.
Bandwidth
The width or capacity of a communications channel. Analog bandwidth is measured
in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. Digital bandwidth is the amount or volume of
data that may be sent through a channel, measured in bits per second, without
distortion. Bandwidth should not be confused with the term "band",
such as a wireless phone that operates on the 800 MHz band. Bandwidth is the
space it occupies on that band. The relative importance of bandwidth in
wireless communications is that the size, or bandwidth, of a channel will
impact transmission speed. Lots of data flowing through a narrow channel takes
longer than the same amount of data flowing through a broader channel.
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.
Blocked SIM Card
A SIM card is a small printed circuit board that must be inserted in any
GSM-based mobile phone when signing on as a subscriber. Entering your PIN code
incorrectly three times will block your SIM card as a security measure,
preventing unauthorized use of your phone. To unlock your card, you will need
to enter a PUK code.
Broadband
A term used to compare frequency bandwidth relative to 3 MHz narrowband
frequencies. Broadband frequencies can transmit more data and at a higher speed
than narrowband frequencies. In general, typical paging services utilize
narrowband frequencies. Wireless phones and communication devices use
broadband.
Call Barring
Enables you to restrict or bar certain or all types of calls to and from your
mobile phone, i.e. outgoing calls, outgoing international calls, incoming
calls. Barring is activated with a personal code. To use this service, it must
be supported by your network and by your phone. You may also have to add this
service to your subscription.
Call Divert
Enables you to divert incoming calls to another phone or answering service. To
use this service, it must be supported by your network and by your phone. You
may also have to add this service to your subscription.
Call Hold
Enables you to put
a caller on hold while a second call is answered or made. To use this service,
it must be supported by your network and by your phone. You may also have to
add this service to your subscription.
Call Restriction
Enables you to restrict or bar certain or all types of calls to and from your
mobile phone, i.e. outgoing calls, outgoing international calls, incoming
calls. To use this service, it must be supported by your network and by your
phone. You may also have to add this service to your subscription.
Call Transfer
Enables you to transfer a caller to another number. To use this service, it
must be supported by your network and by your phone. You may also have to add
this service to your subscription.
Call Waiting
If your line is busy, callers are asked to wait while you are alerted to their
incoming call. This is extremely useful if you are waiting for an important
call, yet still wish to use your phone. To use this service, it must be
supported by your network and by your phone. You may also have to add this
service to your subscription.
Caller Identification (or
CLI)
Shows the number of the
person calling you in your mobile phone's display. You can then make an
informed choice as to whether or not to take the call. Bear in mind that not
all numbers can be displayed. To use this service, it must be supported by your
network and by your phone. You may also have to add this service to your
subscription.
CDMA
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is one of several digital wireless
transmission methods in which signals are encoded using a pseudo-random
sequence - which corresponds to a different communication channel - that the
receiver also knows and can use to decode the received signal. CDMA is one of
several "spread spectrum" techniques. CDMA offers improvements over
analogue transmission in the areas of reduced call dropping, battery power
conservation, more secure transmission and increased service options.
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."
Cellular
In wireless communications, cellular refers most basically 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 analogue radio equipment
to transmit within cells. The term "cellular phone" is used
interchangeably to refer to wireless phones. Within the wireless industry,
cellular is also used to refer to non-PCS products and services.
D-AMPS
Has been renamed TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). TDMA is a digital mobile
phone network that operates in the US, Latin America, New Zealand, parts of
Russia and Asia Pacific. Ericsson's TDMA mobile phones also work on AMPS
networks.
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. To use
this service, it must be supported by your network and by your phone. You may
also have to add this service to your subscription.
DCS 1800
Digital Communications System based on GSM, working on a radio frequency of
1800 MHz. Also known as GSM1800 or PCN, this digital network operates in Europe
and Asia Pacific.
Digital
Using a binary code - discrete, non-continuous values - to represent
information. Analogue information can be converted into a digital format.
Dual Band
Dual band technology enables a network operator with spectrum at both 900MHz and
1800MHz to support the seamless use of dual band handsets across both
frequencies. By supporting seamless handovers between 900MHz and 1800MHz, dual
band networks can provide major benefits in terms of capacity enhancement and
revenue optimisation through the introduction of new services.
Dual Mode
Dual mode mobile phones work on more than one network (for example, digital and
analog) - this is extremely useful if you want the advantages of a digital
phone, but regularly visit areas where analog is the only service available.
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.
GSM (Global System for
Mobile Communication)
GSM is the pan-European standard for digital cellular telephone service. GSM
networks will be built as an alternative to current AMPS systems and in the
future and will support enhanced data applications. GSM was designed for European
markets to provide the advantage of automatic, international roaming in
multiple countries. The SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card is a vital
component in GSM operation. The user can store all relevant data for the phone
on a removable plastic card. The card can be plugged into any GSM compatible
phone and the phone is instantly personalized to the user.
GSM 900
GSM 900, or just GSM, is the world's most widely used digital network and now
operating in over 100 countries around the world, particularly in Europe and
Asia Pacific.
GSM 1800
Also known as DCS 1800 or PCN , GSM 1800 is a digital network working on a
frequency of 1800 MHz. It is used in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia.
GSM 1900
Also known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency of
1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts of Latin
America anda Africa.
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.
Incoming
Call
A call placed by another party to your wireless 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).
Keypad
Lock
The keypad lock 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.
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.
Memory
Effect
The life of a battery may be gradually shortened if it is recharged before it
is completely discharged. Memory effect most commonly occurs with Nickel
Cadmium batteries, is less of a problem with Nickel Hydride batteries and even
less with Lithium Ion batteries.
Messaging
Using various products, services and technologies to transfer messages from one
person to another, or from one device to another such as traditional numeric or
alphanumeric paging, e-mail or short messages (SMS) delivered to wireless
devices.
Modulation
The process of coding and decoding information for transmission. For example, a
voice conversation is coded into binary bits (digital information), transmitted
and then decoded at the receiving end.
N-AMPS
(Narrowband AMPS)
Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service. Combines the AMPS transmission standard
with digital signalling information to effectively triple the capacity of AMPS
while adding basic messaging functionality.
Narrowband
PCS
Mobile and portable radio (including paging) services such as two-way paging,
acknowledgement paging, voice paging and data services. These services are
transmitted over a set of frequencies set aside by the FCC in 1994.
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.
Off-Peak Hours
Typically hours after the business day (usually after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. local
time) and on weekends when wireless networks have less demand for transmission.
Service providers often offer lower per-minute rates to calls placed and
received during off-peak hours.
PCN
Personal Communications Network - also known as the DCS 1800 standard or GSM
1800. It is used in Europe and Asia Pacific.
PCS 1900
Personal
Communications Service working on a radio frequency of 1900 MHz. PCS 1900, also
known as GSM 1900, is a digital system used in parts of the US and Canada and
is scheduled for parts of America and Africa.
Peak Hours
Typically during the business day when the demand for access to wireless
networks is high. Service providers typically charge full-service per-minute
rates during peak hours.
PUK
Personal Unblocking Code - used to unlock a blocked SIM card. This is delivered
together with your subscription.
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. Roaming within your home network, this means
that your mobile phone automatically sets up communication procedures with
different radio base stations when on the move. International roaming means
that you can use networks other than your own when traveling abroad.
SIM Card
Subscriber Identity Module card - a small printed circuit board that must be
inserted in any GSM-based mobile phone when signing on as a subscriber. It contains
subscriber details, security information and memory for a personal directory of
numbers. The card can be a small plug-in type or sized as a credit-card but has
the same functionality. The SIM card also stores data that identifies the
caller to the network service provider.
SMS
Short Message Service 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 a wireless phone or communicator is fully charged, turned on
and ready to send and receive calls or data transmissions. Standby time, once
stated in only hours and minutes, can now be extended to many days with current
phone models. Standby time is affected by the amount of time the phone is used
for talking because talking on a phone draws more energy from a battery than
standby time does. Wireless devices depend on batteries for power; batteries
slowly discharge their power and must be recharged and eventually replaced.
TDMA
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) is a digital mobile phone network that
operates in the US, Latin America, New Zealand, parts of Russia and Asia
Pacific. Ericsson's TDMA mobile phones also work on AMPS networks. 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.
Tri-band
A tri-band cellular
phone will operate on three different frequencies, depending on the available
network. In Europe the GSM frequencies used are 900MHz and 1800MHz. American
GSM, or PCS, operates at 1900MHz.