Mobile
Technology
GPRS
What
is GPRS?
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a method of accelerating
data transmission speeds for mobile communications. Faster connections
mean information delivery speeds approaching that of PC modems.
GPRS is a crucial stepping stone towards the even faster speeds
of third generation (3G) of mobile services.
What
can GPRS do?
It offers the potential for faster downloading and exchanging of
information giving users more convenient wireless connections for
data, fax and internet calls.
Do I need a new phone to use GPRS?
Yes. You'll need a GPRS-compatible device. You will be able to connect
existing laptops and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) using plug-in
GPRS data cards.
Will
GPRS affect my existing mobile phone service?
No.
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UMTS
What
is UMTS?
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - otherwise referred
to as 3G). UMTS is the next generation of mobile telecommunications
and is the next progression from GPRS. The UMTS network builds on
existing technologies and delivers combined voice, data, video and
multi-media capabilities to your mobile.
What
can UMTS do?
It offers even faster data speeds from GSM and GPRS, which means
more convenience and efficiency for the end user when downloading
data, fax or internet content.
How
does UMTS work?
Like GPRS, UMTS is packet based technology. This means that during
a call, data is stored up and sent as discrete 'packets' through
the network as and when it is needed. This means that the network
is only carrying data when it needs to. This is different to the
existing GSM network where a call ties up the network resources
for the whole duration of the call.
Do
I need a new phone to use UMTS?
Yes, existing GSM or GPRS phones will not work with UMTS. The new
phones are termed "terminals" or "devices" as they can have more
functionality than just being used for voice calls. The technology
is very new and initially UMTS only user equipment will be produced,
but gradually equipment that can use GSM/GPRS/UMTS will be available.
Will
it affect my existing mobile phone service?
No.
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WAP
What
Is WAP?
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) allows mobile phones to send
and receive information from the internet. On your PC you would
use a browser program like Netscape or Explorer to surf the internet;
on your mobile you use WAP. It's a communications standard that
has been agreed by more than 200 telecommunications companies worldwide.
What
does it do?
WAP is simply a way of providing interactive information services
for mobile phones. A full page of a normal website wouldn't fit
on your phone's small screen, but a WAPsite is designed specially
for a mobile. You can do the same kind of things you would do on
a website, but in a simplified, stripped-down way.
What
can I use it for?
WAP technology brings a huge range of interactive information services
directly to your phone - from TV and Restaurant listings to the
latest financial news; from pop charts and film reviews to sports
results, travel updates and even horoscopes. You can also use your
WAP phone to send and receive email, to access information from
your home or work computer. Very soon you'll be able to use it for
shopping, banking and much more.
How
easy is it to get online?
Very easy. Your WAP phone will take you straight to a WAP services
home page which has a straightforward menu of key information and
entertainment services. You can go to other WAPsites by simply entering
their WAPsite address, and for quick access you can bookmark them
and add them to your personal favourites list.
Can
I access the whole of the internet?
Not yet, because you can only access those sites that have been
made WAP compatible. Very soon you'll be able to do everything from
hiring a car to reserving seats at the theatre, from watching your
stock prices to checking ski conditions.
Won't
WAP just be quickly replaced by something better?
No. WAP is here to stay. In fact it is estimated that by 2003 85%
of mobile users will have a WAP phone. What
will change is the way it is transmitted. Faster methods of sending
WAP information will emerge such as GPRS and UMTS, which will make
mobile internet come to life.
How
do I subscribe to mobile internet?
You don't need to subscribe. Once you have a WAP-compatible phone,
you simply start using it. (Some phones will require a simple set-up
process.)
How
much does it cost?
There are no set up or subscription charges, you just pay for the
call time you use. Calls to the WAP service typically will cost
around 10p per minute. You are billed in the same way as for a voice
call, with each mobile internet call listed as 'WAP' on your bill.
Can I use my existing phone?
Probably not. You need a WAP-compatible phone.
Can
I keep my existing number?
Yes. There is no need to change your number to use mobile internet.
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MMS
What
is MMS?
MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service
which
enables people to send pictures and multimedia messages to each
other.
What
does it offer?
MMS
offers an increase in mobile-to-mobile messaging capabilities by
enabling colour pictures, animations, audio and video clips to be
sent along with text.
How
will I benefit from this service?
This will open the door to content-rich applications and services
such as electronic postcards, animated cartoons and multimedia presentations.
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This
page contains many frequently asked questions and answers about
mobile technology. Use the
main FAQ topics for information relating to these general categories.
If
you have a question that isn't answered here and is related to mobile
technology then e-mail Mobile
Guru Information.
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