Mobile Phone Definitions

Mobile Phones provides a glossary on all the latest lingo used to describe some of the more sophisticated mobile phone features.

This section provides a comprehensive glossary on all the latest technical acronyms and lingo used to describe some of the more sophisticated features of current mobile phones. We constantly revise and update this section as new technologies and terms are introduced to the market. If you have any comments or suggestions about this page, please contact us.

2.5G

An unofficial 'upgrade' to 2G, phones dubbed as being '2.5G' are phones that use the same 2G technology, but come equipped with features that can be found on 3G phones, such as data transfer, GPRS radio and EDGE capabilities.

2G

2G is short for second-generation wireless mobile technology. Early mobile systems used analogue radio signals to transmit information – 2G phones use digital signals which require less battery power, allowing for more talk time and smaller batteries. A clearer reception is also afforded thanks to the digital signal. Most of today's mobile phones, unless specified otherwise, are 2G.

3G

Short for third generation wireless mobile technology. 3G phones are more powerful than 2G and 2.5G phones, and are capable of high speed mobile internet access, allowing users to download audio files and video clips at near broadband speeds. 3G phones with a front-facing camera can also be used to make video calls to other 3G phones.

Anytime

In telephony terms, Anytime refers to a number of minutes a mobile contract will allow you to make at any time of day, before the traditional peak time of say 6pm on a weekday. For example, a Pay Monthly contract may give you 1000 Anytime minutes to use each month; another might offer you a mixture of Anytime and Off-Peak minutes.

A-GPS

Short for Assisted GPS. Any phone with A-GPS will come loaded with navigational software optimised to acquire a satellite connection as quickly as possible. Most mobile phones that come with a GPS receiver will come with A-GPS capabilities.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology allows for high-speed wireless connection between mobiles, PDA's, and computers, allowing you to send and receive pictures, documents, and audio files between a number of platforms.

Brick

A cumbersome and heavy phone that leaves an unsightly oblong bulge in your jeans pocket. See also Pocket Monster.

CLI / Calling Line Identification

This is the technology which displays the number of any incoming calls on your phone.

Coverage

This is where you can receive mobile reception, often talked about in terms of percentage of UK coverage. Most of the major networks will have maps on their website displaying the quality of coverage in your area.

DECT

DECT stands for Digital Enhance Cordless Telecommunication – a standard term applying to the cordless phones typically used in the home.

Dual Band

A phone that has Dual Band coverage means that it will be able to make and receive calls both in the UK and the rest of Europe. Tri Band is similar, in that it allows for calls to be made in the US as well as Europe. Quad Band phones have global coverage. Dual Band technology also means that a phone will have greater signal capacity. The majority of phones sold in the UK today will be Dual Band phones.

Dual Mode

A dual mode phone works between GSM and DECT.

EDGE

An acronym for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution. Essentially this is an advance version of 2.5G technology, often thought of as '2.75G', allowing for faster connection to online services. An EDGE-compatible phone allows you to download files and surf the mobile web.

EMS

EMS is short for Enhanced Message Service, which allows enabled users to send each other text messages with coloured fonts and small sound clips. An improvement on the standard SMS (Short Message Service) text messages.

Fixed Line

A relatively new term used to describe traditional landline phones and voice call services, as opposed to mobile phone services.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service is a service available to users of GSM mobiles, and allows the transfer of data across the Internet. Used mainly for downloading audio and video files and sending/receiving email.

GPS

Global Positioning System: Some phones now give you the ability to use GPS which tells you via satellites where you are anywhere on earth within a few meters. Mainly used on smartphones supporting applications such as Google Maps, so that the phone can double as a sat nav.

GSM

This is an agreed standard global system for mobile communication. GSM phones all benefit from the clarity of digital call quality. GSM phones operate on a variety of different bandwidths, which chiefly are GSM900 (operating on 900MHz), GSM1800 and 1900 (which operate on frequencies of 1800MHz and 19000MHz respectively).

In layman's terms, this is just a term used to differentiate the mobile networks from other voice call services such as Fixed Line and VoIP.

HSDPA

Short for High Speed Downlink Packet Access, an enhancement to 3G networks that allow users to download information and browse the web faster than GPRS or EDGE.

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity: many new mobiles are issued with an IMEI number to counter mobile phone theft. If your phone is stolen, with the IMEI number the phone can be remotely disabled. Dialling *#06# on your phone will see you able to access your phone's IMEI serial number.

Mapplication

Any type of mobile phone application which allows you to plan journeys in advance or navigate your way to a venue or restaurant. See also A-GPS.

Megapixel

A pixel (an amalgamation of 'picture element') is a single point in a graphic image, and a Megapixel is equivalent to 1 million pixels. The more Megapixels a digital camera on a mobile phone can capture in an image, the greater the quality and detail will be.

MicroSD Card / SD card

SD is short for Secure Digital. A typical microSD card is a portable memory card that can be used in a variety of devices, chiefly mobiles and PDAs. They offer extra memory for handsets, so for example, a phone with an MP3 player or camera built in can make use of a microSD card to store more music files or pictures. SD cards come in various different sizes in terms of memory and physical size.

Network

The main mobile phone networks in the UK are O2, T-Mobile, 3 Mobile, Orange, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile. These companies supply the service, but not the phone. The networks use transmitters to connect your calls both in the UK and around the world.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

The most common type of rechargeable battery found in mobile phones.

One-Touch Dialing

You can programme your phone so that if you press a button it will automatically dial the number for your mum, best friend, significant other, Dominos Pizza, etc. More commonly known as speed dial in the US.

Quad Band

Quad Band phones operate on all four of the main GSM frequencies, allowing for calls to be made virtually anywhere in the world. Essential, if your job requires you to travel frequently or you are away on holiday further abroad than Europe or the USA.

Phone Book

This is the list of all your telephone numbers which can be stored on either your mobile or SIM card.

Playlist

A collection of audio files (usually MP3s, WMAs or AACs) arranged in a list for continuous play.

Pocket Monster

A large and unsightly phone which occupies more than its fair share of pocket space. Best consigned to an inner jacket pocket, or better still, the dustbin. See also Brick.

Roaming

Roaming is a term referring to the way your mobile phone works when abroad so that you can make and receive calls, and send text messages (receiving them is free). Your home mobile phone network will not be able to provide you with a signal if you are in a foreign country and therefore they have agreements with other operators allowing you to 'roam' on to their networks.

SAR

Specific Absorption Rate is a rate that measures the amount of radio signals that you absorb into you body from your phone or a radio transmitter.

SIM Card

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. This is the small card that goes into the back of your phone. It stores so basic information on it including your PIN number for security.

Slaylist

An MP3 (or equivalent) playlist, composed entirely of heavy metal songs.

SMS

Standing for Short Message Service, the term for the stndard text messages that most people use.

Soft Key

A multifunctional button on your mobile, usually located in the top-centre of a keypad.

Standby Time

This the amount of time your mobile battery will last if you don't make or take any phone calls or use any of the mobile phone functions.

Talk Time

This is how long your phone battery will last if it was in constant use.

Tri Band

This relates to mobile phones that work on three bands, GSM900, GSM1800 and GSM1900. Tri Band phones allows for calls to be made in Europe and the US, and are mostly used by business clients, although it is also useful for holidaymakers and other frequent flyers.

T9

Shorthand for predictive texting which with practice can speed up the texting process. T9 is a common feature on most modern handsets.

Voicemail

If your phone is off or you have set up diverts, you can retrieve any answerphone messages made by anyone who has called you by accessing voicemail.

Voice Recognition

You can program your phone to 'recognise' your voice, potentially 'telling' it who to call.

VPN

Virtual Private Network: A way of running a more secure private data network on a public network. A VPN is often used within corporate and official organisations, where any confidential information can be discreetly passed around within the network.

WAP

This stands for Wireless Application Protocol allowing handsets access to the Internet. WAP enabled devices have browsers which provide the basic services of an Internet browser, but simplified to function within a device which is much smaller both in practical size and power than a computer.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi means you can connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN). Wi-Fi equipped devices can access the internet and send e-mail when near a base station (or hotspot). Public Wi-Fi networks are offered by T-Mobile, BT Openzone and The Cloud.