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Frequently Asked Questions
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) - Cell Phone Glossary | | GSM
is a digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the
predominant system Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and in parts
of America and Canada. First introduced in 1991, the GSM standard has
been deployed at three different frequency bands: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and
1900 MHz. GSM 1900 is primarily deployed in North America. Named after
its frequency band around 900 MHz, GSM-900 has provided the basis for
several other networks using GSM technology. GSM uses narrowband TDMA
which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency.
Along with CDMA and TDMA it represents the second generation of
wireless networks. GSM phones require a small electronic chip, called
a SIM card, to be inserted into a slot in the handset. This
international SIM card is the "heart" of your phone - it contains your
cell phone number, your phone book, and all of your registration
information. Most companies with GSM service provide you access to over
320 GSM networks in over 140 countries. |
| | GSM 900 - Cell Phone Glossary | | The
world's most widely used digital network and now operating in over 100
countries around the world, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific. | | | GSM 1800 - Cell Phone Glossary | | Also
known as DCS 1800 or PCN, GSM 1800 is a digital network working on a
frequency of 1800 MHz. It is used in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia. | FAQ ON GSM Cell Phones
| | GSM 1900 - Cell Phone Glossary | | Also
known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency
of 1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts
of Latin America and Africa. |
What
are Unlocked GSM Phones?
Unlocked GSM phones are either a) phones which are directly from the
manufacturer which were never locked, or b) phones from a carrier which
have been modified to openly work on any network. What are the
different frequencies of GSM that I need?
Most of the world's GSM networks operate at 900MHz and 1800MHz.
However, in order to use the networks in the USA and Canada you will
need a handset that is also capable of operating at the 1900MHz
frequency. Most phones are now either "dual" "tri" or "quad band"
(includes 850MHz) to serve most of the world. What are GSM and GPRS?
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) has become the most
successful global mobile technology for mobile phones and digital
cellular networks with more than one billion subscribers. GPRS (General
Packet Radio Service) brings the possibility of data services and
applications based on Internet Protocol (IP) to GSM mobile networks. In
current network implementations, GPRS data transfer speeds are between
30 to 40 Kbit/s. What do GSM and GPRS do? GSM is designed to deliver
high-quality and secure mobile voice and data services to mobile users.
Its success is based on its inherent support for roaming and
interoperability across a number of different networks and across a
number of different countries. GSM is available on multiple frequency
bands globally and offers the widest selection of mobile services and
mobile terminals currently available.
GPRS enables fast connections through which information can be sent and
received as the need arises, without having to wait for a dial-up modem
to establish a connection. This is why GPRS devices are sometimes
referred to be as being an 'always online' technology. And because
pricing is often based on the amount of data transferred rather than
the connection time, this has made GPRS applications such as email
popular with small and large businesses around the world.
Benefits of GSM & GPRS
International standard - one and the same mobile phone works across
continents International roaming capability for professionals
travelling overseas Well established interoperability of GSM/GPRS
devices and networks What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a specification for the use of low-power radio
communications to wirelessly link phones, computers and other network
devices over short distances. The name "Bluetooth" is borrowed from
Harald Bluetooth, who was a king in Denmark more than 1,000 years ago.
Bluetooth technology was designed primarily to support simple wireless
networking of personal consumer devices and peripherals, including cell
phones, PDAs, and wireless headsets. The wireless signals transmitted
in Bluetooth reach over short distances, typically up to 30 feet (10
meters). Bluetooth devices generally communicate at less than 1 Mbps.
Bluetooth networks feature a dynamic topology called a piconet or PAN.
Piconets contain a minimum of two and a maximum of eight Bluetooth peer
devices. Devices communicate using protocols that are part of the
Bluetooth Specification. Although the Bluetooth standard utilizes the
same 2.4 Ghz range as 802.11b and 802.11g, Bluetooth technology is not
a suitable Wi-Fi replacement. Compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth networking
is much slower, a bit more limited in range, and supports many fewer
devices. As is true for Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies today,
concerns with Bluetooth include security and interoperability with
other networking standards. What is Java?
Java is a software technology developed to provide a common base for
running applications across a wide variety of computing platforms. It
consists of a programming language and a run-time environment. Java
applications can run on servers, personal computers, mobile phones and
other devices. Because the capabilities of these computing platforms
vary, Java has evolved into 3 editions: 1.) Java 2 Enterprise Edition
(J2EE) - for high-end business machines 2.) Java 2 Standard Edition
(J2SE) - for personal computers 3.) Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) - for
smaller handheld devices such as mobile phones and PDAs The Mobile
Information Device Profile (MIDP) is a key element of the J2ME,
defining a platform for dynamic networked applications. Developers
using MIDP can write applications once, then deploy them to a wide
variety of mobile devices. MIDP has been widely adopted as the platform
of choice for mobile applications.
How does it work?
Software written in Java is independent of operating systems, as the
instructions are interpreted in the computer at the time when the
software is run, not beforehand. Every computer or device that runs a
Java application must have a Java Virtual Machine that adapts the
application code for the specific device and before executing it.
PLEASE NOTE: All of our Unlocked GSM Phones come from around the globe.
As such, most carry an "International" warranty from the Manufacturer,
which will be detailed within your product packaging, if appropriate.
Only DOA (Dead on Arrival) Exchanges will be made for this product
through the GSM Support Center. No returns are allowed otherwise. There
are no exceptions.
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