Glossary
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Additional features to enhance the appearance or performance of mobile phones, including replacement covers, batteries, hands-free kits, car kits, cases, cameras, keyboards, desktop holders and belt ...
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Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. A way of increasing transmission speed in a standard copper phone cable - generally used for high-speed, 'always on', internet access. Data flows faster in one d...
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The method used for calls with 1G phones, which works by translating voice calls into electronic signals of different frequency and/or amplitude. In some countries, analogue services may offer better...
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The part of your phone that sends and receives radio signals. They can be external or internal, though reception capabilities can be superior with an external antenna.
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A type of transmission in which each character is transmitted independently. It can also indicate different capacities for data transfer in each direction such as the high-speed copper wire net acces...
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Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Broadband transmission technology used for high-capacity telecommunications signals.
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B
The amount of information that a communications channel can carry. Analogue band width is measured in hertz (Hz, cycles per second). Digital bandwidth is measured in Bits Per Second (bps or b/sec).
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The central radio transmitter/receiver for a network within a given area, known as a cell.
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Power source for a mobile phone (usually rechargeable).
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Bits per second. Measurement of how fast digital data can travel. Also b/sec and kbps (kilobits per second).
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High-speed data channel such as those offered by 3G.
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A single character which is made up of eight bits.
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C
Feature which permits users to block incoming or outgoing calls.
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Feature which permits users to redirect calls to another number or message service
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Feature which permits users to put a call on hold while answering another call.
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Display showing the name and/or number of the caller
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Accessory for use in cars which allows your phone to be used hands-free. Different versions may include a charger and cradle, earphones, speaker and microphone and external aerial
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Generic name for smartphones – essentially a combined PDA and phone. The Nokia 9210 Communicator is one product which has incorporated the term into its name.
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D
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. A common standard for mobile phones originally established in Europe
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The use of Binary data to represent information. In digital wireless phone systems, voice sounds are converted (encoded) to a binary stream of data that "describes" the sound. On the other ...
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A method of decoding information for transmission. Information, or in this case, a voice conversation is turned into a series of digital bits -- the 0s and 1s of computer binary language. At the rece...
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Copying of a file or program from the internet or a computer.
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A phone that can use both the 900mHz and 1800mHz frequency bands used by networks in the UK and Europe.
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Phones that can use either digital (2G and beyond) or analogue (1G) networks.
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H
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.
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Allows an external speaker and microphone to be used with the phone. Can be used with such accessories as a simple plug-in earbud, or a hands-free car kit with speakerphone.
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K
The number and direction buttons on a mobile phone.
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Many phones have the ability to freeze the keypad by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. Very useful for avoiding making calls by mistake.
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L
Local Area Network. Link between several computers, typically within a building or group of buildings.
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Most mobile phone batteries are made from li-ion, which can store more energy than other batteries of the same size and weight.
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M
The part of the phone or PDA used to store information, which is measured in bytes.
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Also referred to as "call-in-absence" indicator. A light or other indicator announcing that a phone call came in; an especially important feature if the cellular subscriber has voice mail.&...
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Also called a car phone. The type of cellular phone that's installed in a car, truck or van. There are three main types of cellular phones being sold today: mobile, transportable and portable. A mobi...
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N
A type of battery that 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...
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P
Single direction radio service for transferring messages.
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Personal Digital Assistant. A small handheld device used as a mobile computer or personal organiser. They can store contacts and appointments as well as being used for email or accessing the internet...
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Memory in the phone or SIM card which allows the user to store names and numbers which can then be dialled automatically by looking up the name.
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Personal Identification Number. Security code used to restrict access to certain functions or information.
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R
Sometimes known as "memory dialing" or "speed-calling." A feature that allows you to recall from 1-to-99 (or more) phone numbers from a phone's memory with the touch of just one, ...
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S
Short Message Service. A paid-for facility that allows users to send short text messages of up to 160 characters between digital mobile phones. Messages travel via the network operator’s messag...
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The length of time a phone is charged, switched on and ready to make and receive calls. Usually measured in hours.
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T
The length of time a phone can be used for continuous voice calls. Usually stated in minutes.
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V
Function which allows a phone to call a number when the user says a person’s name.
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Function featuring a voice recorder in a mobile phone which can record short voice messages.
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A feature available only on selected phones that permits you to dial numbers by calling them out to your cellular phone, instead of dialing them manually. This function is especially convenient for m...
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Service offered by networks which works like an answerphone, recording voice messages while the user is unable to answer the phone and replaying them when accessed.
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W
A type of personal 2-way radio, usually hand-held, that unlike a cell phone, operates independently of any land-based network. One user can speak instantly to all other users within range by simply p...
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