Cell phone acronyms are out of control. Worse, the people who understand them never take a moment to put them in any sort of context. “Dude, I would never buy a phone with 2.5G.” What you don’t know can hurt you, so we should learn what we need to get by. Let’s just agree that acronyms are a necessary evil, define them properly, and get on with our lives.
Bluetooth
Really short-range communication protocol with a funny name, but at least easier to remember than all those 802.11_ names. This one is all about your devices talking to each other from just a few feet away, especially the Borg-like headsets that have become all the rage. (I’ll be getting one, but will disable any blinking lights using my trusty soldering iron)
There are some really cool applications coming out for Bluetooth, and I’ll be reviewing them as they come out. GPS receiver and car stereo applications are out, so we’ll have to see how they play with Apple (if they play, perhaps I should say).
Wi-Fi (“Wireless Fidelity”)
A nonsense but handy general term for limited-range wireless communications, generally referring to “Hotspots” for internet access within 100 meters or less. Protocols include, but are not limited to:
802.11b
Circa 1999. Protocol still common today.
802.11g
Circa 2003. About four times faster than 802.11b, and backwards compatible.
Wi-Fi can be free or it can be metered up by the minute. You can set it up in your own home for “free” internet access via your computer or router. Many small businesses wanting to attract your latté dollars are offering it for free (my local Baker’s Square restaurant calls it “Wi-Pie”); other places for needy business travelers offer it for a steep connection fee.
Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
Under the IS-95 (2G) standard, this was originally the defacto network technology in the U.S. It is still widely used, but GSM has been gaining momentum.
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
This is the standard protocol in Europe and Asia (and more), and has been for about 15 years. It is also used by U.S. carriers such as AT&T.
Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE)
Nothing like an acronym within an acronym, right? This is an enhanced GSM that allows internet access (and more) to the iPhone. Sometimes referred to “2.75G.”
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS)
Packet-based communications protocol. Noted here because it had nothing to do with GPS navigation.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Also known as “2G” or 2nd Generation cellular communication technology. You probably don’t need to know this term.
Quad-Band
Four bands (think AM and FM on your radio) that a phone can use. These frequencies ranges are 850 (U.S.), 900 (Europe), 1800 (Europe), and 1900 (U.S.). The quad-band phone is the “world phone” that can in theory be used anywhere. The reality is a bit more complicated, but quad is a good start. Dual and tri-band phones are the alternative.
Subscriber Identity Module (As in “SIM Card”)
This is a tiny, removable flash memory card in the back of your camera. It is really the heart of how your phone establishes an identify (yes, the phone number and your phone plan hours) on the network. If you switch providers, or change phones you can transfer the physical card or copy its files to the new phone. Most phones allow you to save all your phone address information on the SIM card as well. When my sister drowned her cell phone on a vacation, she was able to get up and running with a new phone simply by transferring the old (and apparently waterproof) SIM card. You can even purchase prepaid SIM cards and use them in an unlocked cell phone.
Locked/Unlocked
An unlocked phone is a powerful thing. You don’t really “own” a phone unless it is unlocked…which means it can switch providers and/or users without any contractual commitments.
