A-Key

Authentication Key. A 6-digit numeric value (20 digits without the checksum). Used to verify a phone’s service connection. The A-Key helps prevent the use of a cloned phone

AMPS

Advanced Mobile Phone System

AMPS concerns to networks of the first generation, that is uses analog (without digital coding) type of a voice transfer. Now we shall not concern advantages and lacks of analog systems of communication(connection) in comparison with digital - we shall notice (and we shall more in detail consider a little bit below), that there is digital variant AMPS - DAMPS (Digital AMPS).

Analog /AMPS

Advance Mobile Phone Service , that divide a geographic region into sections, called cells. The purpose of this division is to make the most use out of a limited number of transmission frequencies. Each connection, or conversation, requires its own dedicated frequency, and the total number of available frequencies is about 1,000. To support more than 1,000 simultaneous conversations, cellular systems allocate a set number of frequencies for each cell. Two cells can use the same frequency for different conversations so long as the cells are not adjacent to each other.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.

Band / Bandwidth

A specified range that a mobile phone operates within a particular spectrum.

Base Station

Two way radio towers in a stationary location. When a cell phone call is made the signal is sent to the base station from there the call is routed to the specified service provider.

B-Cover

Refers to the middle housing section of a mobile phone. In relation to the Battery cover and faceplate this is known as the B-Cover.

Blue Tooth

A short range protocol that allows mobile devices to share information without interface capabilities.

Blue tooth wireless technology enhances products from mobile phones, to printers, automobiles, toys and just about every other product you can imagine.

Cash Cow

A business or product, which generates a steady, dependable flow of cash. Also referred to as the Cellular Industry known for vast profits in the 1990’s.

C-Cover

Refers to the back housing section of a mobile phone and or the battery cover.

CDMA

Code Division Multiple Access

A digital cellular technology that uses spread-spectrum techniques. Unlike competing systems, such as GSM, that use TDMA, CDMA does not assign a specific frequency to each user. Instead, every channel uses the full available spectrum. Individual conversations are encoded with a pseudo-random digital sequence.

CDMA is a military technology first used during World War II by the English allies to foil German attempts at jamming transmissions. The allies decided to transmit over several frequencies, instead of one, making it difficult for the Germans to pick up the complete signal.

Because Qualcomm Inc. created communications chips for CDMA technology, it was privy to the classified information. Once the information became public, Qualcomm claimed patents on the technology and became the first to commercialize it.

Cell / Cell Phone

Short for cellular. In short meaning cell phone, hand held phone, handy, car-phone, mobile phone. Basically a phone without a wire that can be used outside the home.

Checksum

A form of checking data integrity for any defined block of data. This is often used by manufacturers to prevent editing of mobile phone firmware. Example would be the above text which has an MD5 Checksum of: 89E0A688069790AB6CFF50D01D86E630.

CLASS

Custom Local Area Signaling Services

One of an identified group of network-provided enhanced services. A CLASS group for a given network usually includes several enhanced service offerings, such as incoming-call identification, call trace, call blocking, automatic return of the most recent incoming call, call redial, and selective forwarding and programming to permit distinctive ringing for incoming calls.

Clone / Cloning

The illegal duplication of a handsets electronic serial number. Often used for two phones with the same line.

CMRS

Covered Commercial Mobile Radio Services

The Commercial Mobile Radio Services Board was created in 1998 in response to a Federal Communications Commission mandate to implement throughout all states an enhanced emergency 911 telephone system for cell phone users. The board has the statutory duty to oversee the collection and distribution of a $1 surcharge on every Mississippi cell phone user’s bill. The wireless carriers collect the money from customers, keeping one percent for administrative costs, and remit the remainder to the CMRS Fund, an interest-bearing account.

CNAM

Calling Name Delivery

More reliable decision in comparison with simple identification of number. On the display of phone the client sees phone calling and phone billing customer of record for this number or city and staff(state) calling if the name is not known

CTIA

Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association

DCT 3

Refers to a specific generation of Nokia handsets. An Example DCT3 would be the Nokia TDMA 3360 or GSM 3395. See http://www.cellularindustry.com/dct_listing.doc for more details

DCT 4

Refers to a specific generation of Nokia handsets. An Example DCT4 would be the Nokia GSM 3410 or GSM 8910. See http://www.cellularindustry.com/dct_listing.doc for more details

Digital

As it relates to the cellular industry: we define it as “a simple word meaning other than traditional cellular / AMPS. Example would be any CDMA, TDMA or GSM phone.

Dual Band

Phone that is capable of operating on two different frequency bands

Eeprom

Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM

Encryption

The process of disguising information so it cannot be viewed without special knowledge

ESN

Electronic Serial Number

The unique number of a cellular phone that identifies it to the system for placing and receiving calls.

FCC

Federal Communications Commission. Department that regulates interstate and international communication

Fiber Optic

Thin fiber that is used in the transmission of light.

Fire Wire

High speed serial cable that will transfer data from one multi-media machine to another

Firmware

As defined by the cellular industry: In short a flash image for a mobile phone. Used in combination with a PST to update or alter a mobile phones software.

Flash

A function is usually done with a PST. This re-writes the software and or updates the software within a handset. Although other types of flashers exist that do not require a PST they are generally not available in the retail market, they are mainly used in production operations for speed.

Frames

Divides a web page into multiple regions, all with scrollable abilities. In short, a web page within a web page.

Frequency

The number of times a radio wave occurs in a predetermined cycle

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service

The technology that GSM uses to transmit high speed data.

General Packet Radio Service enabled networks offer 'always-on', higher capacity, Internet-based content and packet-based data services. This enables services such as colour Internet browsing, e-mail on the move, powerful visual communications, multimedia messages and location-based services

GPS

Global Positioning System.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications

One of the leading digital cellular systems. GSM uses narrowband TDMA, which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. GSM was first introduced in 1991. As of the end of 1997, GSM service was available in more than 100 countries and has become the standard in Europe and Asia.

HTML

Hyper Text Markup Language. Language designed for web pages with hypertext and other information displayed in a web browser.

iDen

Integrated Digital Enhanced Network

See Nextel, Boost Mobile and or Telus for more details and products.

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity

A unique number given to every GSM phone for identification purposes.

Each GSM mobile phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), which is used to identify the mobile phone but not the network subscriber using the phone.

IMSI

International Mobile Station Identifier

A number assigned to a mobile station by the wireless carrier uniquely identifying the mobile station nationally and internationally.

Initial Paging Channel

Splits the spectrum within Analog from A to B parameters. Usually 333 or 334 since most MSA or RSA’s are controlled by 2 carriers regulated by the FCC. An example would be programming a DPC650 for US Cellular, you would select 0333 (333) for the IPC. In that same market if you were to program an Verizon phone the IPC would be set to 0334.

Interference

Also known as Crosstalk. Radio waves that are on a similar frequency interfere with each other.

Intrinsically Safe

As defined by the cellular industry: In short is used to describe a mobile phone that is safe for use around flammable materials. Example would be a coal miner could use the phone without fear of starting a fire. These phones are only authorized by a small number of service centers for repair due to strict FCC regulations. An example phone would be an i355.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display

A form of display used in digital watches and many portable computers. LCD displays utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.

Lead Acid

A kind of rechargeable battery that has been used in some mobile phone applications. It uses lead plates with an acid electrolyte. Lead Acid is not a very popular form of battery but its one of the most rugged. A Lead Acid Cell can operate in areas a sensitive LiOn battery cannot.

LEC

Local exchange carrier

A regulatory term in telecommunications for so-called local telephone company.

LED

Light Emitting Diode

A semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. The light is not particularly bright, but in most LEDs it is monochromatic, occurring at a single wavelength. The output from an LED can range from red to blue-violet. Some LEDs emit infrared energy, such a device is known as an infrared-emitting diode.

An LED or IRED consists of two elements of processed material called P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors. These two elements are placed in direct contact, forming a region called the P-N junction. In this respect, the LED or IRED resembles most other diode types, but there are important differences. The LED or IRED has a transparent package, allowing visible or IR energy to pass through. Also, the LED or IRED has a large PN-junction area whose shape is tailored to the application.

Level 2

A service level designated to certain companies or employees by mobile phone manufactures. Level 2 repairs are usually simple. An example would be a Nokia 5165 LCD replacement.

Level 3

A service level designated to certain companies or employees by mobile phone manufactures. Level 3 repairs are a little more complicated. An example would be a Nokia 5190 tuning procedure.

LiOn

A form of battery composed of Lithium The lightest metal and the metal that has the highest electrochemical potential. Lithium is very lightweight and ideal for portable electronics such as mobile phones. Usually labels are blue for this battery

MAH

MilliAmp Hour

How much current a battery will discharge over a period of one hour. Higher numbers reflect longer stamina. A 1000mah battery will allow for a 1 amp draw for period of 60 minutes.

MDN

Mobile Directory Number

MIN

Mobile Identification Number

Simply a phone number assigned to a mobile telephone.

.Mobi

A top level domain with the extension is often used for the connection of mobile phones to the internet and phone specific internet media.

MSA

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Refers to a largely populated area The opposite of RSA. These areas typically are surrounded by nonmetropolitan counties

MSID

Mobile Station Identifier

MSL

Master Subsidy Lock

Refers to a 6 digit algorithmic code that is specific to a particular phone ESN. Usually Sprint or Cricket use this type of code top lock phones. In short its a 6 digit code to unlock a phone.

MTSO

Mobile Telephone Switching Office

Central area where cell sites in a market are connected for the purpose of connecting, billing, tracking of mobile phone calls as a whole whithin an assigned area.

NAM

Number Assigned Module

The section of a programmed phone that contains the ESN and MIN. This can be accessed on the Nokia 3360 by typing *#639#

NiCad

Nickel-Cadmium

The materials used in for older mobile phone batteries. NiCad batteries can provide considerable power but need recharged frequently. This from of battery was notorious for the memory effect and was later replaced with NHM. Usually labeled white. Although this type of battery is not seen in most moble phone applications today it can still be counted on as a more rugged cell when compared to LiOn or NiMh.

NMH

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)

A type of battery that replaced NiCad batteries in mobile phones. It out performed the NiCad batteries in weight, capacity, and memory effect resistance. Usually labeled Green

NVM

Non-Volatile Memory

NWSCP

Network Subsidy Clearing Password

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Refers to a product that is manufactured by the company who owns the original name such as Nokia. This does not mean the product is made by Nokia. Often times the same products are available on the open market from the same HIRED manufactures at cheaper prices. For example we order from the same factories as Nokia for aftermarket products at a 5th the price.

PCB Board

Printed Circuit Board

In the accessory business the PCB Board refers to a board that lights the keypad and LCD. They come in many colors and designs.

PCS

Personal Communication Service

A wireless system using 1900mhz (such as Sprint)

Telecommunications services that bundle voice communications, numeric and text messaging, voice-mail and various other features into one device, service contract and bill. PCS are carried over cellular links, most often digital.

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant. Handheld personal organizer

PIN Unlocking Key (PUK)

When an incorrect PIN is entered into a handset 3 times the phone will ask for a second PIN to allow the user access to the handset .

Polymer

A form of LiOn battery that is 20 percent lighter than traditional LiOn and requires less volume. These batteries can be as thin as 6.77 millimeters Also known as LIP (Lithium-Ion Polymer). First seen with the Motorola Elite Analog phone, the battery was 400mah and the wholesale cost when released was 187.50. The battery retailed for about $350 and had a talk time of about 25 minutes so it was not very popular. Today Lion Polymer is mainstream and a very good type of cell to look for, some polymer batteries can exceed 30 days for standby time.

PRL

Preferred Roaming List

In short, this is a set of roaming instructions within a mobile phone.

The PRL is a list of information that resides in the memory of a digital phone. It lists the frequency bands the phone can use in various parts of the country. This is done to utilize roaming agreements or to save on roaming costs.

PST

Short for Phone Service Tool. A tool designed to service mobile phones. From repairs to simple NVM (non-volatile memory) and software changes. Example would be “Kyocera Wireless PST”

Quad-Band

Phone that is capable of operating on four different frequency bands

RF

Short for Radio Frequency

Roaming

When a cellular subscriber crosses into another service provider’s service area

RSA

Rural Statistical Area

Refers to a loosely populated area The opposite is MSA. Often the countryside

Satellite Phone

Mobile satellite services refers to networks of communications satellites intended for use with mobile and portable wireless telephones. There are three major types: AMSS, LMSS, and MMSS.

A phone connection using MSS is similar to a cellular telephone link, except the repeaters are in orbit around the earth, rather than on the surface. MSS repeaters can be placed on geostationary, medium earth orbit, or low earth orbit satellites. Provided there are enough satellites in the system, and provided they are properly spaced around the globe, an MSS can link any two wireless telephone sets at any time, no matter where in the world they are located. MSS systems are interconnected with land-based cellular networks.

SIM

Subscriber Identity Module

This card is inserted into the back of all non-sim free handsets for activation or use. A SIM is the smart card inside a GSM phone that identifies the user account to the network, handles authentication and provides data storage for user data such as phone numbers and network information.

SMS

Short Message Service

Short message service is a globally accepted wireless service that enables the transmission of alphanumeric messages between mobile subscribers and external systems such as electronic mail, paging, and voice-mail systems.

SOC

System on Chip

SSCP

Second Subsidy Clearing Password

TDMA

Time Division Multiple Access

A technology used in digital cellular telephone communication that divides each cellular channel into three time slots in order to increase the amount of data that can be carried.

TDMA is used by Digital-American Mobile Phone Service, Global System for Mobile communications, and Personal Digital Cellular. However, each of these systems implements TDMA in a somewhat different and incompatible way. An alternative multiplexing scheme to FDMA with TDMA is CDMA, which takes the entire allocated frequency range for a given service and multiplexes information for all users across the spectrum range at the same time.

Tri-Band

Phone that is capable of operating on three different frequency bands

Unlock / Unlocking

A word used to describe the removal of subsidy protection from a handset. Example would be “to extract the six-digit code from a CDMA handset in order to activate than phone on another carrier.

Uplink

As used in cellular terms, the process of a mobile station sending data to the base site

USB

Universal Serial Bus. A small device that will assist in the transfer of up to Mpbs of data

WAP

Wireless Application Protocol

A system allowing the user to access data services

Wireless application protocol is an application environment and set of communication protocols for wireless devices designed to enable manufacturer-, vendor-, and technology-independent access to the Internet and advanced telephony services.

Wi-Fi

Local network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet

XHTML

Extensible Hyper Text Markup Language. The next generation for HTML. The need is for the internet availability on more mobile devices.