stay connected ... anywhere
cell phone and data solutions glossary

Airtime - The word often used to describe the actual usage of a wireless phone. Also used to describe the amount of time used, i.e. 60 minutes of airtime.

Bluetooth – A wireless connection that enables devices to exchange information.

CDMA - Stands for Code Division Multiple Access, a mobile technology, operated in several countries including the USA and South Korea.

(D)AMPS - (D)AMPS is the (Digital) Advanced Mobile Phone System which provides cellular coverage in North America wherever GSM is not available.

Data Cable - Sometimes referred to as an I/O cable, a data cable is used to connect a data enabled satellite phone to a laptop. As with other forms of mobile data, this enables the user to send and receive data, e-mails and also to browse the Internet. As the information is being received via a satellite phone, the data is accessible from the most remote regions of the planet.

Data Card – see ‘PC Card’

GSM - Stands for Global System for Mobiles and is the international standard for wireless technology. GSM allows users to utilize one phone and one number in many countries throughout the world. GSM is a digital technology and therefore the call quality is of a very high standard. Calls are always clear and the network is very secure.

GPRS – GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. GPRS is one of the latest advancements in wireless data. It is a GSM Packet Based Bearer for the delivery of data services.

iDEN - Stands for Integrated Digital Enhanced Network.

Mb ( Megabyte) - Stands for "Megabyte," a unit for measuring the size of data. 1 Mb = 1024 kilobytes.

PC Card - Sometimes referred to as PCMCIA cards or Data Cards, PC Cards are used to connect a mobile phone to a laptop, enabling the user to expand their communications capabilities while on the move. Once connected, they can send and receive data, e-mail and also browse the Internet.

PCS - Personal Communication Services (PCS 1900 or GSM 1900). The North American GSM service operating on 1900 MHz as opposed to the European standard of 900 MHz. Due to the differing of frequencies, users will often rent a Cellhire handset to stay connected while roaming to a country which utilizes a different frequency.

PDC - Personal Digital Communications. This is the mobile technology operated in Japan and is not compatible with any other mobile services, including GSM.

Pre-Paid - The term that describes payment in advance for airtime.

Roam / Roaming - The ability to use networks overseas and cross geographical boundaries while using a single number and a single phone.

Satellite Phones - Where GSM is not available, or in areas where coverage may be limited, Cellhire can provide you with a satellite phone which is simple to use and operates on a truly global scale.

SIM card - Subscriber Identity Module card. This removable card is the chip inside a GSM phone with information such as the user’s phone number, phone book as well as other information related to the subscriber.

VoiceMail - The term used for mobile and cellular voice message services. Calls are diverted to VoiceMail when the user is unavailable or has the phone powered off. The phone alerts you to indicate the receipt of a message.