GPRS
General Packet Radio Service – this is the standard digital service used
throughout Europe.
GSM900
The network operating at 900MHZ that is used by O2 and Vodafone in the UK.
GSM1800
The network operating at 1800MHZ as used by Orange and One 2 One in the UK.
HANDS-FREE
A safety feature that allows you to talk without lifting the handset – this is
particularly useful when driving, as holding a handset while driving in the UK
is illegal.
INFRARED
This is a wave of light so red that humans cannot see it. However, it can be used
to enhance visibility, particularly on night vision devices.
MP3 PLAYER
Hardware, or a software device, that is used to play audio files of the MPEG1 (layer 3) format.
They are usually associated with downloading music from the internet.
MULTIMEDIA MESSAGING
This is the transfer of messages between mobile phones in different media formats - for example
images, video clips, etc.
OFF PEAK
The period of time after which business hours have ended and during which
mobile phone companies could offer reduced rates.
OFTEL
The office of telecommunications – the independent watchdog for the UK
telephone industry including mobile phones.
OGM
Outgoing message – such as the message you leave as a recorded greeting for
your voicemail.
ONE-TOUCH MEMORY
A fast key that allows you to contact someone by touching just one button.
PAY-AS-YOU-GO (PAYG)
A pre-pay service in which you buy credit in advance to give you time on your
phone.
PC CARD
A device that allows you to connect your mobile phone to your computer.
PEAK
The time of the day when the phone network is used the most – usually during
standard business hours. Calls will normally be more expensive during this
period.
POLYPHONIC RINGTONES
The latest innovation to improve the sound of ringtones – they now have up to
40 different notes playing at one time as opposed to the 16 notes of the
original monophonic tones.
