Dictionary

Do you want to know what a mobile phone term means? or are you interested in finding out more about mobiles?, if so then our mobile phone dictionary contain both information plus a glossary of terms used in the mobile world.

1G - This refers to the first generation of cellular networks which were analogue networks. The information that they could transmit was restricted by low bandwidth and they suffered from voice quality and security problems (eavesdropping).

2G - This refers to the second generation of cellular networks which were digital networks and thus more secure and of higher voice quality.

2.5G - This is the name given to an enhancement to a 2G network to allow packet data services in addition to voice calls.

3G - This refers to the third generation of mobile phone communications developed globally for new cellular networks offering much greater data throughput and efficiencies than standard 2G networks. Third generation or 3G mobile licenses were awarded to Network Operators in April 2000 although we have still to see them widely used. 3G phones feature new services such as high speed Internet access, video / audio streaming and downloads and video calling. Only certain phones are currently available with 3G services.

3 Way Calling - This allows you to have a conversation between 3 parties at the same time but is network and subscription dependent.

Accessories - a wide variety of additional pieces of equipment to enhance the productivity of your mobile phone. They include batteries, rapid, travel or desktop battery chargers, headset kits, hands free kits, car kits, cases and belt clips

Airtime - The amount of time you spend using a mobile phone between the time you successfully make a call and the time that you terminate that call. This time is tracked by your phone service provider to determine your billing costs and it may also include SMS, MMS, email and WAP browsing.

Airtime provider - The company that sells you services provided by a Wireless operator such as O2, Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.

All inclusive - You pay for a fixed period of monthly service charges up front which gets you a discount on your handset and call charges. There are generally a certain number of minutes on the phone per month are included in the price

AMPS - The Advanced Mobile Phone Service is the analog wireless transmission standard deployed in the 1980s in the United States and Canada which operated at 800 MHz.

Analogue - Analogue is the old technology that was used for mobile phones prior to 2G digital phones. These networks are no longer in use for mobile phones. In the context of wireless communications, analog refers to transmission networks built in the 1980s and that use analog technology rather than digital.

Antenna - A device for sending and receiving radio signals. Most of the latest phones now have built-in antennas to send and receive signals. Phones that also have FM radios use the headset as an antenna to improve reception.

Attachable Camera - Older camera phones have a camera that is a separate piece of equipment that can be clipped onto your phone. Once it is attached to your phone you can take photos although all new camera phones have built in cameras for convenience.

Authentication - A fraud prevention technology used that takes a number of values to create a shared, secret value used to validate a user's authenticity to prevent unauthorized use.

Back up - To create a copy of something that is stored in a safe place.

Band - Frequency or contiguous range of frequencies

Bandwidth - The width or capacity of a communications channel. Analogue bandwidth is measured in Hertz (Hz). 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 mobile phone. Rechargeable batteries such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion are used in mobile phones.

BlackBerry – Push based technology that automatically delivers email and other data to your BlackBerry device. And with the integrated phone, SMS, browser and organiser applications, you can easily manage all your information and communications from a single, integrated device. Many other manufacturers are also including this technology in their handsets.

Bluetooth - A specification for high-speed wireless communication between devices such as mobile phones, PDA's and laptops. The specification is now maintained and developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and was named after a Danish King, Harald.

BPS - Bits per second, the speed at which data can be transferred

Built-in Camera – Camera phones now have a camera as an integral part of the phone as opposed to the ealier attachable cameras.

Byte - a byte is a single character that is made up of 8 bits

Call Barring - Allows you to set your phone to prohibit certain incoming or outgoing phone calls.

Caller Display - System found on digital mobile phones whereby the number of an incoming caller is displayed on-screen before the phone is answered. The service is also available on fixed phones, but requires a special phone or add-on display unit.

Call Divert - Enables you to divert incoming calls to another phone or answering service.

Call Holding - Enables you to put a caller on hold while a second call is answered or made.

Calling Line 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.

Call Timer - Keep track of the time you accrue each month toward an allotment of airtime minutes.

Calling Plan - A package of services offered by wireless service providers that outlines the activation charge, monthly charges, per-minute air time charges, roaming charges, local service and area as well as additional service charges (such as caller ID, call waiting or voicemail). See also Coverage Area , Local Service Area , Roaming.

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.

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."

Cell Phone – A portable phone that is also referred to as a mobile phone or cellular phone.

Cellular - 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.

Cellular Phone – A portable phone that is also referred to as a cell phone or mobile phone.

Colour Screen - The number of colours your phone has in it will be reflected in the quality of the image that you can see when using O2 Active or Media Messaging. More colours give you a better experience. Typically phones have either 4,000 or 65,000 colours. Some of the original colour screen phones have only 256 colours.

Compatible Phone - Any GSM phone that is not locked to another mobile phone network will work with any Network SIM Card.

Connection fee - A one-off connection fee is charged when you sign up to one of the mobile phone networks

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.

Data capability / Services - Ability of certain phones to access services such as e-mail, fax & SMS.

Dead Spot - An area within the coverage area of a wireless network in which there is no coverage or transmission falls off. Dead spots are often caused by electronic interference or physical barriers such as hills, tunnels and indoor parking garages.

DECT - Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication. Digital standard for cordless phones. Using 120 channels over 10 frequencies, these cordless phones offer speech quality which is vastly superior to that offered by traditional (CT0) analogue cordless phones.

Desktop charger - Cradle for holding a phone upright while it is charging.

Digital - The technology that all networks use. The digital network offers better coverage, more services and it is more secure than the old analogue network

Direct Debit - Regular payments that you authorise to be debited (withdrawn) directly from your bank account.

DTMF - Dual Tone Multi-Frequency. A method of sending multi-frequency tones across a telephone network. These tones are used for tone dialling and accessing various services.

Dual band - Phones that can switch between two different bands of frequencies. All new phones in the UK are now dual-band, capable of switching between GSM1800 and GSM900 frequencies. Useful for travellers (particularly those on One 2 One and Orange), allowing roaming on a greater number of networks across the world. Vodafone and BT Cellnet also utilise dual-band capabilities in the UK by using 1800MHz bandwidth to solve capacity problems on their 900MHz networks. Phones that can switch between GSM900 and GSM1900 operation, for use by travellers to America (the Bosch World 718, Ericsson I888 and Ericsson T28 World), are also now 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.

EDGE - (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) or EGRPS is an advanced method of transmitting data over a mobile phone network. This is basically an up-rated version of GPRS capable of both voice and 3G data rates up to 384 Kbps. Although a number of handsets will support this option, at the moment UK networks are concentrating on 3G technology and do not support Edge.

EFR - (Enhanced Full Rate). A system that, when implemented by both the phone and network operator, is designed to improve voice quality. An enhanced version of 'Standard full rate codec' currently supported by all phones. It is a new dictionary of sounds that produces a better speech quality without transmitting more data over the mobile phone network Fax Fax-enabled phones can receive, store and download fax messages.

Email - The electronic transfer and storage of written messages.

Face Plate - A cover that fits around the pushbuttons of a phone. Many mobile phone models offer changeable faceplates to allow users to customise their phone more fully.

Fast Charging - Refers to a method of fully charging batteries in only a few hours.

Freeware - Software that is free to download and use. This can vary in quality from basic programs & games to much more complex ones.

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.

GPRS - (General Packet Radio Service). Data communications upgrade for GSM networks that enables a maximum data rate of up to 115kbps on a continuous data connection. When using GPRS, charges are based on the volume of data that you send and receive. You can access around 1000 WAP pages for each megabyte (MB).

GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications. A digital cellular communications standard used throughout Europe, and elsewhere around the world. The standard is used in three frequency bands - 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz. In the UK, the term GSM is commonly used to mean GSM900 - while GSM1800 networks are often referred to as PCNs.

GSM900 - GSM network operating in the 900MHz band as used by BT Cellnet and Vodafone in the UK, and by more than 100 countries around the world.

GSM1800 - GSM network operating in the 1800MHz band as used by Orange and One 2 One in the UK, and by a small but growing number of countries around the world.

GSM1900 - GSM network operating in the 1900 MHz band as used in several states in the USA plus parts of Canada and South America.

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.

Hand-over or Hand off - The automatic transfer of a call from one cell site to another as the user moves through the service area

Hands-free - An important safety feature that's included with most of today's mobile phones. It permits drivers to use their cellular phone without lifting or holding the hand-set to their ear. Available as an accessory for most mobile phones.

Handset - A mobile phone is often referred to as a handset. Handsets are heavily subsidised when purchased with an airtime agreement.

Handset Memory - The memory built in to the mobile phone which you can use to store information. Many handsets now use dynamic memory which you can use for what you want rather than having preset allocations for different types of files or information. Some handsets will have the option to add a removable memory card for additional storage.

HSCSD - High Speed Circuit Switched Data. An enhancement to GSM networks that enables data speeds to be boosted from 9.6kbps in multiples up to 57.6kbps, by combining timeslots. Orange has begun to use HSCSD for certain services.

HTML - (Hypertext Mark-up language). The language in which WWW pages are written

HTML Browser - A program which allows the user to view HTML pages

HZ - (Hertz). The unit of frequency measurement equal to one cycle per second. Abbreviated Hz and named after Heinrich R. Hertz. See also MHz (Megahertz).

Icons - Simple pictures that represent a menu option on some mobile phones.

In Car Charger - This enables you to charge your phone while driving by plugging it into your cars cigerette / power point.

In Car Kit - A full hands free car kit provides radio mute and voice dialling features. An alternative to a full hands free car kit is an easy-to-use mobile holder, which can be used with a mobile charger and a Plug-in Hands Free Car Kit.

Infrared Data Port - A data port that uses infrared data association irDA(r) as the standard for wireless communications between computer and mobile phone devices. For example, to update the phone list on your irDA(r)-enabled PC, you would line up the infrared ports on each device and then transfer the phone information to your PC. Many of the latest mobile devices incorporate IrDA ports for cable free data transmission, via infrared light. Unlike Bluetooth, data transmission is point-to-point, requiring the ports to be lined up. Phones with infrared cannot connect handheld PC's or laptops to the Internet unless it also has a built-in modem

IMEI - (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) 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.

IMSI - (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). Unique number for every SIM, used with a key for authentication.

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).

Insurance - Most mobile phones are worth considerably more than you pay for them due to the subsidy of the handset when purchased with an airtime agreement. If you mobile is damaged or stolen it can be very costly to get a replacement. Insurance covers you against such an occurrence.

Internet - The channel through which email and the web flows

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.

Internet Service Provider - (ISP) A company providing Internet access to users.

Java - With Java technology, phones can be enhanced by downloading life management tools, travel-related applications, information tools, and interactive games. When they are no longer needed, removing them is as simple as saving them. Enabled by Java technology, phone users can now not only decide what applications they want on their phones, but also the look and feel of them.

Jog Dial - A single multi-function dial which allows single thumb scrolling up and down through menus and selection of items (by pressing the dial inwards).

KBS - Kilobytes per second (1kbs = 1000 bps)

Keyguard - The keyguard feature provided on some mobile phones allows the user to disable the keys so that a number will not accidentally be dialled while the phone is in your pocket or purse. It is essential to use this as it is very easy to dial emergency numbers by mistake, and the police are having serious problems with wasted time tracing accidental calls

Keypad - The push buttons on a mobile phone

LCD Screen - Liquid Crystal Display screens are the screens used by the majority of mobile phones and have low energy requirements that 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.

Lock Code - A code that prevents a mobile 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.

Media Player - This is a small application installed on a mobile phone used for playing audio and video files.

Media Messaging - Media Messaging is also known as Picture Messaging and Multi Media Messaging (MMS). It is the ability to send and receive messages including photos, text, sounds, and images from Media Messaging capable mobile phones and the Internet to other Media Messaging capable mobile phones and e-mail accounts. Messages sent to recipients using mobiles that are not Media Messaging enabled will result in a text message being sent inviting them to access the message via a website.

Megabytes - (MB) A megabyte (1048576 bytes = 1MB), GPRS data usage is measured in megabytes (MB). One megabyte is a million bytes, or a thousand Kilobytes.

Megapixel - A measurement that is often used to describe the quality (or resolution) of the image captured by a digital camera. A megapixel (MP) represents one million individual picture elements - the dots that make up an image.

Memory - An area within a mobile phone used to store information, measured in bytes

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.

Menu - Used to describe the list of software options on your mobile phone. On most phones you will press a button with the legen "Menu" above it when you want to change something on your phone

Message Centre - The mobile networks will supply you with their message centre number. Once programmed into your phone it will allow you to send text messages.

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. See also SMS.

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. See also Band , HZ (Hertz).

Mobile Internet - Access to specially designed internet sites offering services such as news, travel, weather and entertainment using a WAP phone.

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. Now the term is used more for the phone that we carry about during the day.

Modem - (modulator/demodulator) Converts data from digital to analogue and vice versa so data can be transferred.

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.

MP3 - These are music files which are much smaller than other formats such as .wav files, yet can deliver CD quality sound. MP3 is currently the most popular file format for music on computers and music downloads.

Mobile Web - Mobile Web is a service that allows you to surf the net and stay in touch with emails while you're on the move. As long as you have compatible equipment and the right data-calling plan, you?ll be able to stay in touch wherever you go subject to network coverage. Whether you?re a busy executive who spends a lot of time away from the office and need to check your email or you're on of the many people who love to surf the net for entertainment - Mobile Web could be for you.

Network - The infrastructure enabling the transmission of wireless signals. A network ties things together and enables resource sharing.

NiCd - (Nickel Cadmium) 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 - (Nickel Metal Hydride) 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.

Nokia - Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on four major exchanges. Off Peak - Usually 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.

OFTEL – (Office of Telecommunications) Independent watchdog for the UK telephone and mobile industry.

OGM – (Outgoing message) What the caller hears when they dial your answer machine or voice-mail box.

One-touch dialling - Dial frequently called numbers by hitting just one key that you've programmed for that number. Also known as a fastkey.

Pay As You Go - (PAYG) A payment scheme whereby credit vouchers are purchased in order to make telephone calls.

Pay monthly - A payment scheme whereby a 12 month contract is agreed between the customer and a network. A monthly line rental is paid for a tariff which usually includes free talk time minutes.

Personal Hands-free Kit - This device allows you to use your phone hands-free by wearing a headset and microphone, rather than holding the phone to your ear.

Pixel - An abbreviation of the term 'picture element.' A pixel is the smallest picture element of a digital image. Display resolution described as being 640x480 has 640 pixels across the screen and 480 down the screen, for a total of 307,200 pixels. The higher the number or pixels, the higher the screen resolution.

Portal - Usually used as a marketing term to described a Web site that is or intended to be the first place people see when using the Web. Typically a "Portal site" has a catalogue of web sites, a search engine, or both. A Portal site may also offer email and other services to entice people to use that site as their main "point of entry" (hence "portal") to the Web.

PUK – (Personal Unblocking Key) If the PIN number has been entered incorrectly 3 times the phone will become blocked. To unblock the phone you need to obtain your 8 digit PUK number from your service provider

Polyphonic ringtones - Higher quality than the standard ringtones (known as monophonic ringtones) available because they have several tone series, which allows you to give your phone a ringtone that sounds something close to 'CD quality'. While older phones usually do not support Polyphonic ringtones.

Predictive Text Input - For typing messages, Predictive Text Input, also known as T9 Text Input, is twice as fast as multi-tapping, and it is the easiest way to type text using the limited keypad on a mobile phone. By using the letters grouped on each phone key and a 'fast access' database, T9 software requires just one key press per letter to quickly recognize the most commonly used word for a specific key sequence. For example, you can enter the word 'how' with only three keys: 4-6-9. You'd have to use twice as many keys using multi-tap. T9 knows that the most commonly used word with that key sequence in 'how'. If more than one word has the same sequence, T9 displays the most commonly used word first. If that's not the word you want, you can view the next word matching that key sequence by pressing the NEXT key (usually the down arrow or 0 key, but check your manufacturers user guide for your phone).

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.

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.)

PIN - Personal Identification Number. 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.

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.

Q - Described as razor-thin at 11.5mm (a direct reference to Motorola's popular Razr V3), the Motorola Q will be one of the first smartphones to ship with Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Since Windows Mobile 5 comes with support for Exchange 2003, Outlook information can be pushed to mobile products, which means the device is poised to take the smartphone world by storm. In addition, the Motorola Q promises to ship with a host of high-end features: a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, compatibility with Razrwire Bluetooth eyewear, a large, 320-by-240-pixel screen and a TFT display that supports 65,536 colours (16-bit colour).

Quiet Mode - A mobile phone setting that turns of all sounds that is useful in meetings and any other place where a ringing phone is no longer acceptable. Users usually set the phone to vibrate when in quiet mode to alert them of calls. Also known as silent mode.

Remote interrogation - Answering machine facility that allows messages to be retrieved from another phone.

Ring tone - A ring tone is a sequence of sounds and tones alerting you of an incoming call. They can be in the form of simple beeps (monophonic), or polyphonic tones. Also known as ringtones.

Roaming - The ability for a mobile phone network customer to make voice calls, send and receive data or access other services when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the home network, using a visited network. Usage abroad depends upon the number of roaming agreements held by the network and the specification of the phone.

RS232 - Connection socket commonly found on computers. Some cellphones have the ability to be connected to a PC through this socket to facilitate the updating of personal directories, or for writing SMS text messages.

SIM Card - A Subscriber Identity Module is a card commonly used in a GSM 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.

SIM lock - Software protection that sometimes stops you swapping your SIM card into a different handset

SMS - Short Message Service is a two-way text messaging service is offered on all four digital networks. Messages of up to 160 characters can be sent at low cost. Some older handsets only allow incoming messages (mobile-terminated SMS - or SMS-MT); all new phones also allow you to write and send text from your handset (mobile-originated SMS, or SMS-MO). Can be sent between phones on any network.

Softkey - A button on a mobile which changes function depending on what you are doing with the phone. Its current function highlighted using a keyword immediately above the button on the phone's LCD screen, helps greatly in simplifying the use of cellphones.

Smartphone - A combination of a mobile phone and a pocket computer such as the Sony Ericsson P910i.

Speakerphone - Sometimes referred to as built in hands-free, allows the phone to be used at a short distance, without the phone being held next to the face.

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. See also Talk Time.

Subsidy - When you purchase a mobile phone, it will be subsidised by whichever network you connect to. You may only pay £30 for a phone worth £200. This is why insurance is important, because if the phone is stolen the replacement cost will be a higher, unsubsidised price.

Symbian - Formed by Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, and Psion to create easy to use operating systems for wireless devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The first operating system was called EPOC.

T9 - Predictive text inputting system designed (by Tegic) to make text message writing easier. Instead of having to select letters individually by pressing each key numerous times, mobiles with T9 software 'guess' what you're writing as you go along, reducing the number of key presses required. Text on 9 Keys. Also known as Predictive Text Input, this software allows users to easily enter text on a mobile phone by predicting what is being written.

TACS - Total Access Communications System. Original analogue standard used in the UK.

Talk time - The total time a battery can power a phone for mobile calls. As the phone drains the battery during a call, the talk time left in the battery is diminished until the phone is turned off or the battery recharged. The longer the talk time the less frequently you will need to recharge. The length of time a wireless device may be engaged in transmission (phone conversations, sending or receiving data) before it runs out of battery power. Talk time, expressed in hours and minutes, is much shorter than standby time because transmission requires more power. Therefore, standby time is effected by the amount of time the phone is used for talking. Wireless devices depend on batteries for power; batteries slowly discharge their power and must be recharged and eventually replaced. See also Standby Time.

Tariff - Is the set of charges that apply depending to on what call plan you have chosen.

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.

Travel charger - Small charger that connects direct to a socket in the phone. Unlike with a desktop charger, there is no cradle to support the handset.

Tri band - Triple-band phones are capable of operating on three GSM frequency bands - the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies used in over 100 countries worldwide plus the GSM 1900 frequency band that's increasingly being adopted in America. A phone that is capable of operating on three frequency bands, 900mhz, 1800mhz and 1900mhz. A triband phone is needed to if you wish to use your phone in the USA

Trickle charger - A charger which takes eight or more hours to replenish the battery. Better for longevity of battery, but less convenient than fast chargers.

Top Up Voucher - Top-up vouchers are available for pre-pay/pay as you go phones.

UMTS - Universal Mobile Telephone System is another name for 3G technologies/ standards. This is the European standard for third generation mobile telephony, to replace GSM. Enables the transmission of text, digitalised voice, video and multimedia as well constant connection to the Internet.

Upgrade - The process that allows a user to change their mobile phone once they have completed their initial 12 month contract. An upgrade charge usually applies plus the cost of the handset

Vibrating Alert - A feature that allows the phone to vibrate instead of ring, alerting the phone owner discretely of an incoming call.

Video - With a compatible handset you can now send a video, a sound clip and a text wherever you want - from the UK or abroad. Video Messaging is simple & fun to use just like Text Messaging and Media Messaging. Just create your video using the camera on your mobile and include it into a message. Alternatively, choose to download entertainment, sport, and news & weather video clips from WAP sites. Mobile phone videos and also known as vidlets.

Video Calling - The ability of some 3G phones to make calls whilst showing a live video stream of the person you are speaking to so that you can see as well as hear them.

Voice Activated Dialling - Facility offered by a few handsets enabling calls to be made by using voice commands rather than punching in numbers. The memory can be programmed to store and identify names spoken into the handset and call numbers associated with them.

Voicemail - An automated recording facility that takes 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 memo - A voice recorder built into your phone to tape notes to yourself.

Wallpaper - A Cell Phone Wallpaper is similar to a Wallpaper on your PC in that it displays a Picture on the background of your screen. A lot of Mobile phones are able to download Wallpapers to display onto the background of their screen in either colour or black and white (monochrome). The colour Mobile Phone Wallpaper has taken over from the Operator Logo as the best way to customise your Mobile Phone with a background picture of your choice. Colour Wallpapers or Backgrounds for Mobiles come in a variety of sizes (in pixels) and formats (usually jpg, jpeg or gif).

WAP - (Wireless Application Protocol) This is a technical standard designed to allow the content of the Internet to be viewed on the screen of a mobile device such as mobile phones, personal organisers and pagers. The information and services available are stripped down to their basic text format to ensure rapid loading to the phone.

WAP Browser - A programme which allows viewing of WML pages.

Wap Portal - Provider of connection to the mobile Internet.

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. Also an old name phrase for Radios.

WML - (Wireless Mark-up language) A mark-up language based on XML intended for use in specifying content and user interfaces. Originally designed for narrowband mobile devices, it has now evolved to become part of WAP 2.0.

X-Rated - As with any medium, x-rated and adult content is widely available for mobile phones. The type of content includes adult videos, games such as strip poker, wallpapers, screensavers and message alert tones.

Yell - The compulsion to talk loudly into ones mobile phone and irritating surrounding people. Also a well know online uk telephone directory.

Zoom - Some camera phones have either a digital or optical zoom facility which you can use to bring an object closer rather than you moving closer to it. A digital zoom will take each pixel that the camera sees and enlarge it, but doing this will reduce the overall picture quality the more you do this, the more blocky the picture will appear. An optical zoom uses lenses to enlarge the image which allows you to get closer to take a picture of the subject without reducing the quality.

We really hope that our Mobile Phone dictionary of terms proved helpful to you. We are always looking to update the glossary with further information so feel free to check back regularly to see what is new.

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Mobile Phone
The mobile phone is also referred to as a wireless phone, a cell phone, a cellular phone and a cellphone in English speaking countries.