The mobile communications industry is consistently changing. In this article, you will learn what the most common terms are and what exactly they mean.
3G
The third generation of mobile networks, with video calling, web browsing and multimedia downloads of up to seven times faster than standard 2G networks.
Bandwidth
A term meaning both the width of a transmission channel in terms of Hertz and the maximum transmission speed in bits per second that it will support
Bluetooth
A low power, short range wireless technology designed to provide a replacement for the serial cable. Operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band, Bluetooth can connect a wide range of personal, professional and domestic devices such a laptop computers and mobile phones together wirelessly.
Dual-band
Phones that can switch between two different bands of frequencies. Useful for travellers allowing roaming on a greater number of networks across the world.
GPS
Global Positioning System. A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications. A digital cellular communications standard used throughout Europe, and elsewhere around the world.
Hands-free
The operation of a cellular phone without using the handset; usually installed in vehicles.
Keywords
A mobile keyword is a one word phrase that identifies a product, service, action or business. It also can differentiate mobile campaigns from others on the same short code.
MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service. A further extension of SMS and EMS. MMS is designed to make use of newer and quicker mobile transmission methods such as GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE and UMTS, involving the attachment of multimedia extensions to messages, such as video and sound.
Roaming
The ability to use your phone abroad, this varies according to your service provider and their agreements with overseas networks.
Short codes
Short codes are special telephone numbers that are shorter than full telephone numbers and are used to address SMS and MMS (multimedia messaging service) messages from mobile phones or land lines.
SIM
The Subscriber Identity Module is the smart card used in digital phones containing the users identity for accessing the network and receiving calls. It can also store personal information, such as a phone directory and received SMS messages.
SMS
SMS stands for short message service commonly known as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol. An agreed standard which enables compatible mobile phones to access Internet-type services such as news, travel, entertainment, finance and sport.
