Glossary   3G   3G is a short term for third-generation wireless, and refers to near-future developments in Wireless technology, especially mobile communications. This phase is expected to reach maturity between the years 2003 and 2005.   AIRTIME The time spent talking on a cellular telephone, describes both incoming, and outgoing Cell phone and phone calls.   ANALOG   Way of transmitting or sending voice, video, and data signals that are continually changing, and are the network systems built in the 1980's. Analog is a method of modulating radio signals so that they can transmit voice or data information. The newer versions of cellular phones are digital.   ANTENNA   A device used for transmitting, sending and receiving radio signals. Typical cell phone varieties include 1", 3", 6" rubber flex, stubby.   BASE STATION   The transmission and reception station which handles the cellular and PCS calls. They are placed on tall buildings, towers, and other tall objects.   BLUETOOTH   A radio technology making transmission of signals over short distances between telephones, computers and other devices possiblewithout the use of wires. It is possible to link household appliances to a controlling device, like your 3g cell phone.   CELL   The basic geographic unit of a cellular system and the root term of cellular. An overlapping network of cells make up city coverage, and each of them are equipped with a radio transmitter and receiver or a base station.   DIGITAL   Information represented by non-continuous values or signals sent between cell phones. It is binary, or consists of 0 and 1.   DUAL BAND   A wireless phone which is capable of operating on two different frequencies.

EMS   Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) is an adaptation of the Short Message Service (SMS) that allows users to integrate text, melodies, pictures, sounds, and animations to enhance the expressive power of messages.   GPRS   General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) is a packet-based wireless communication service that promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users. As GPRS becomes available, mobile users of a virtual private network will be able to access the private network continuously rather than through a Dial-up connection.   GPS   The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 100 to 10 meters for most equipment.   GSM 900   GSM 900, called GSM, is the most widely used digital network and now operating in more than 100 countries around the world   GSM 1800   This is the digital GSM network used in Europe and Asia using the 1800 MHz frequency.   GSM 1900   Or PCS 1900 uses the 1900 MHz frequency mainly in North America.   INFRARED   Infrared refers to energy in the region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum at wavelengths longer than those of visible light, but shorter than those of radio waves. Infrared is used in a variety of wireless communications, monitoring, and control applications.   MOBILE PHONE   The term that can be inter-changed with cellular phone or wireless phone.   PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, or PIN   Used together with SIM card technology to place calls using prepaid cell phones.

PREPAID CELLULAR   A payment method often used by folks with a specified budget, allowing one to pay for cellular service minutes in advance. Cell phone calling minutes on prepaid are often much more expensive than those bought under contract.   ROAMING   The ability to use a cellular phone outside of your cellular or PCS company's service area.   SMS or SHORT MESSAGING SERVICE   A cell phone feature that allows PCS users to send and transceive short text messages. A service for sending messages of up to 160 characters to mobile phones that use Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication. SMS messages do not require the mobile phone to be active and within range. They can also be sent from a website.   SIM or SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE   A "SMART CARD" containing subscriber identification data unique to a user, and can be used to access cell phone service minutes on the network. Often used in prepaid or GSM phones.   SUBSCRIBER   A user of wireless service bought from a service provider.   TALK TIME   The length of time a person can talk on the cell phone without recharging the battery. Usually expressed in minutes. WAP Wireless Application Protocol. Wireless Application Protocol is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to easily access and interact with information and services instantly. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is a specification for a set of communication protocols to standardize the way that wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for Internet access, including email and the World Wide Web. WAP was conceived by four companies: Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Unwired Planet (now Phone.com).   WIRELESS Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves (rather than some form of wire) carry the signal over part or all of the communication path.