e-wisdom.com glossary » Cell Phones

Bundling

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:50:21 +0000

Refers to a telecmmunication company practice of grouping various telecommunications services, such as wireless cell phone service, home Internet service and landline telephone service, and offering these services as a “bundle” at a discounted rate to a potential customer.

iDEN

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:59:13 +0000

Integrated Digital Enhanced Network. A mobile technology that combines two-way radio, telephone, and other data transmission into one integrated digital network. For more information see, What is iDEN technology?.

CDMA

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:55:20 +0000

Code Division Multiple Access. A mobile technology technology in which voice and data signals are separated and transmitted using a wide range of frequencies. For more information see, What is CDMA technology?.

GSM

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:52:43 +0000

Global System for Mobile communications. The most popular standard for mobile phones in the world, with currently over 3/4 of the global market using this technology. For more information see, What is GSM technology?.

Wireless Application Protocol

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:58:14 +0000

WAP. A global standard developed to make Internet services available for wireless users.

Prepaid Wireless

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:57:21 +0000

A type of plan offered by some wireless carriers that allows users to pay in advance for wireless service. This type of plan differs from traditional, monthly-billed plans and is not offered by all wireless carriers.

Peak

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:56:29 +0000

The time of day – usually a block of hours – when communications traffic is higher than normal. Rates can be higher during these hours, although rates and specified blocks of time vary widely depending on carrier and plan.

Off Peak

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:55:47 +0000

The time of day – usually a block of hours – when communications traffic is lower than normal. Rates are often lower during these hours, although rates and specified time periods vary widely depending on carrier and plan.

Number Portability

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:54:40 +0000

Switching your carrier while keeping your number. Refers to the ability to switch cell phones and/or wireless carries but keep your same phone number. For more information on this topic, see Number Portability FAQ.

Regional Roaming

e-wisdom.com editors — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:52:39 +0000

Refers to calls made outside of the local calling area but (usually) within the same state. Unless otherwise specified, roaming usually carries an additional charge.