Mobile Phone Glossary F to Q

Glossary of frequently used terms and acronyms

GPS

Global Positioning System. A worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of satellites which enables users with suitable equpment to identify their geographic location.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service. Allows continuous connection to data networks at a high rate.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communication. A communication standard in three frequency bands, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz. The term GSM is often used in the UK to refer to the 900MHz band while the 1800MHz band is referred to as PCN. The GSM Association is responsible for the development, deployment and evolution of the GSM standard.

GSM900

A network which operates in the 900MHz GSM band. Vodafone and O2 use this band in the UK.

GSM1800

A network which operates in the 1800MHz GSM band. Orange and T-Mobile use this band in the UK.

GSM1900

A network which operates in the 1800MHz GSM band. This band is used by some networks in the USA, South America and Africa.

HSCSD

High Speed Circuit Switched Data. A GSM enhancement which allows access to data services at up to 57.6kbps. Orange offer this service in the UK.

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity. A unique identity number given to GSM mobile phones. This number can be used to block mobile phones that have been stolen when reported to the network operator.

IMT-2000

International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000. The ITU's globally coordinated definition of 3G includes frequency use and technical standards aimed at enabling 3G compatibility. UMTS is a 3G development within this framework.

ITU

International Telecommunication Union. An international organisation within the United Nations System where governments and the private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services.

Java / J2ME

Java™ is universal software platform developed by Sun Microsystems. J2ME™ ( Java 2 Platform Micro Edition) is designed to run on small devices such as mobile phones and PDA's.

MMS

Multimedia Messaging Service. Allows image, graphic and audio files to be sent with text messages to other MMS enabled mobile phones or via e-mail.

OFTEL

The Office of Telecommunications is the regulator for the UK telecommunications industry.

Polyphonic ringtones

A mobile phone ringtone that uses multiple tones simultaneously rather than a series of single tones.

POP3

Post Office Protocol 3. A protocol used to retrieve e-mail from a mail server.

Pay as you go ( Pre-pay )

Pay as you go, or Prepay, involves paying for calls in advance either by voucher or using a credit/debit card. It does not require a contract or involve rental charges.

PC / PCMCIA card

A small accessory conforming to PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard that can be fitted to a laptop computer to allow fitting of memory and modems. Type II cards are frequently used for modems and fax-modems.

PCN

Personal Communications Network. Refers to GSM1800.

PCN

Personal Communications System. Refers to GSM1900.

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant. A digital personal organizer, or palmtop, can be used for storing information and, in some cases, for mobile voice and data communication.

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