Here you will find definitions for many of the technical terms used throughout the Cellhire website and the mobile phone industry.

Airtime – The name often used to describe the amount of calls used on a mobile phone (i.e. 60 minutes of airtime)

Bluetooth – A wire free connection that enables devices to exchange information.

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

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. However as the information is being received via a satellite phone, the data is accessible from the remotest regions of the planet.

GPRS - This stands for General Packet Radio Services and is one of the latest advancements in mobile data. It is a GSM Packet Based bearer for the delivery of data services. With GPRS you only pay for the amount of information you download rather than the duration of the connection.

GPS – This stands for Global Positioning System. It is a radio positioning system which provides location information via satellite, enabling the accurate pinpointing of GPS equipped vehicles and moving objects.

GSM – Stands for Global System for Mobile communications and is an international standard which allows you to use one phone and one number worldwide. 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. GSM enables clients to cross international boundaries with just one phone number.

iDEN – Stands for Integrated Digital Enhanced Network.

KBPS – This stands for kilobytes per second and is used to indicate data speed.

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

MPDS – Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) is a feature available on the Inmarsat M4 Satellite Terminal. It provides "always on" IP connectivity. Users of the service only pay for data packets transmitted and received, rather than the time connected.

Nextel – The largest all digital network operator in the USA. Nextel has coverage across the USA and Canada, as well as roaming in many key cities in South America. Nextel operates on the iDEN network.

PC Card – Sometimes referred to as PCMCIA cards, PC cards are used to connect a mobile phone to a laptop, enabling the user to expand their communications capabilities whilst on the move. Once connected they can send and receive data formats, e-mails 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 frequencies, customers will need to rent a Cellhire handset to roam in North America.

3G – 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 whilst 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.

SIMSmart® - SIMSmart® enables you to benefit from using cost effective local airtime, wherever you travel in the GSM world – all with your existing handset.

SIMSmart Plus - This enables you to use your existing mobile number overseas and avoid international roaming charges.

SMS (Short Messaging Service) - This enables people to send text messages across networks.

VoiceMail – The term used for mobile and cellular voice message services. The phone alerts you to indicate receipt of a message.

Wi Fi (short for Wireless Fidelity) - This is the term used to describe a wireless communication method which allows computers to link to a central "Access Point" or "hotspot", without wires, at high speeds.

3G - Is an ITU specification for the third generation (analog cellular was the first generation, digital PCS the second) of mobile communications technology. 3G provides increased bandwidth, enabling larger amounts of data to be transferred in a fixed amount of time.