MOBILE PHONE BASICS

BASIC INFORMATION:

Confused about mobile related terms like CDMA,PTT,GSM,SI,EDGE etc.. if so read below

• Global System for Mobile Communications

This is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. GSM service is used by over 6 billion people across more than 200 countries. The GSM standard makes international roaming pretty common between mobile phone service providers, enabling all their subscribers to use their cell phones in different parts of the world.

• Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

CDMA is a form of multiplexing and a method of multiple access that does not divide up the channel by time, or frequency, but instead encodes data with a special code associated with each channel and uses the constructive interference properties of the special codes which can perform the multiplexing. CDMA also refers to digital cellular telephony systems that use this multiple access scheme. CDMA phones usually do not need a SIM card.

• General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

GPRS is a mobile data service available to subscribers of GSM mobile phones. GPRS data transfer is mostly charged per kilobyte (KB) of transferred data to and from the cell phone. GPRS is utilized for services such as Internet and MMS. In the future, it is still anticipated that low cost voice over IP will be made available in mobile phones.

• Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

SIM is a removable smart card that is used in the cell phone and was available in two standard sizes. Initially it was the size of a credit card, while its more popular and widely used mini version has a width of 25 mm.This has been adopted by most cell phone manufacturers. The SIM card securely stores a key code which identifies a mobile phone to its service provider.

• Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)

EDGE is an enhancement to the GSM networks which makes use of theTDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) frame structure, logic channel and 200 KHz carrier bandwidth. EDGE is not only capable of providing three times the data capacity of GPRS but also has improved data transmission reliability. EDGE is employed for advanced mobile services that require high data transmission rate such as downloading of audio and video clips, high speed and quality Internet access etc, EDGE is classified as a 2.75G network technology.

• Push-to-Talk (PTT)

PTT also known as Press-to-Transmit, is a method of conversing on half-duplex communication lines by making use of a momentary button to switch from voice reception mode to transmission mode. Some mobile operators offer the PPT service on mobile phones; it allows voice signals to be transmitted from one user to another on the system without the need of an established existing connection.

• 3G- 3^rd Generation Technology

3G (or 3-G) is short for third-generation technology. It is used in the context of mobile phone standards. The services associated with 3G provide the ability to transfer simultaneously both voice data (a telephone call) and non-voice data (such as downloading information, exchanging email, and instant messaging). In marketing 3G services, video telephony has often been used as the killer application for 3G.Worldwide roll-out of 3G networks was delayed in some countries by the enormous costs of additional spectrum licensing fees. In many parts of the world 3G networks do not use the same radio frequencies as 2G, requiring mobile operators to build entirely new networks and license entirely new frequencies; a notable exception is the United States where carriers operate 3G service in the same frequencies as other services. The license fees in some European countries were particularly high, bolstered by initial excitement over 3G’s potential. Other delays were as a result of the expenses related to upgrading equipment for the new systems. Japan and South Korea were relatively quick to adopt 3G, because their governments prioritize technological infrastructure development, and spectrum licensing fees are minimal. Currently 3G compatible phones in are sold in India by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung etc, but currently no operators are providing their services based on 3G.