With Verizon Wireless there is no activation fee on a two year service agreement. A $30 fee charged for the start-up of a service on a one year agreement.
Adaptive power control
A feature of wireless phones that increases their talk and standby times by adjusting power output to match the minimum demands of the nearest cellular antenna.
ADC
Analog-to-digital converter. A device inside wireless phones that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.
Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)
The term used by AT&T's Bell Laboratories (prior to the break-up in 1984) to refer to its cellular technology. Also, AT&T created a new subsidiary named Advanced Mobile Phone Service in order to enter the new cellular marketplace created by the AT&T/Bell System breakup on January 1, 1984.
Agent
An independent company that markets the services of a wireless carrier.
Air interface
The standard operating system of a wireless phone network; these include AMPS (advanced mobile phone service), CDMA (code division multiple access), GSM (global system for mobile communications) and TDMA (time division multiple access).
Airtime
Time spent talking on a wireless network. The customer is billed for airtime whether the calls are incoming or outgoing, with some exceptions.
Alphanumeric display
An electronic display capable of showing both text and numbers. Almost all wireless phones have alphanumeric displays.
Alphanumeric memory
A feature of some wireless phones that stores names of frequently called persons in memory and lets you call them by "dialing" the letters of their names.
Alphanumeric messaging
The ability to receive messages on your phone's screen containing text and numbers. Also known as short message service (SMS) or alpha paging.
Alphanumeric
A message or other type of readout containing both letters ("alphas") and numbers ("numerics"). In cellular phones, "alphanumeric memory dial" is a special type of dial-from-memory option that displays both the name of the individual and that individual's phone number on the cellular phone handset. The name also can be recalled by using the letters on the phone keypad. By contrast, standard memory dial recalls numbers from number-only locations.
Ambient noise
Background noise.
American Roaming Network
A service that intercepts calls made by roamers whose carriers do not have roaming agreements in certain markets; the service will complete the call and bill it to the roamer's credit card.
AMPS
Advanced mobile phone service. The standard analog wireless phone system in the United States and Canada. AMPS operates in the 800 megahertz (MHz) band.
Analog phone
The original type of wireless phone, still manufactured, that transmits and receives analog (rather than digital) radio signals.
Analog signal
An electromagnetic signal that depends solely on continuous changes in the amplitude of a frequency in order to convey information. In contrast, digital signals use binary (discrete or noncontinuous) numbers (1s and 0s) to convey information.
Analog Technology
Analog technology replicates and amplifies voice messages as they are carried from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna. Traditionally, cellular phone systems have used analog transmission signals.
Antenna
A device used in communications which transmits or receives radio signals.
Any-key answer
A wireless phone feature that lets you answer an incoming call by pressing any button on the keypad.
AUI
Aural user interface. A voice-activated interface for electronic devices. See voice-activated dialing and voice recognition.
Authorized agent
A company chosen by a licensed wireless service provider to market its services and products.
Auto answer
A feature of some wireless phones that lets you answer an incoming call without pressing the SND (send) button.
Automatic backlighting
A feature that illuminates a wireless phone's display and keypad for easy viewing any time a key is pressed.
Automatic lock
A feature that electronically locks a wireless phone when the power is turned off, preventing unauthorized use.
Slang for transportable wireless phone; bag phones are five times as powerful as handheld phones but weigh much more.
Band
A clearly defined range of radio frequencies dedicated to a particular purpose.
Basic Voice Mail
Takes a caller's message when you can't answer. Airtime, toll, and roaming charges apply to message retrievals from your wireless phone. Voice Mail boxes not initialized within 60 days of feature activation will be cancelled.
Battery capacity
The amount of energy a battery can deliver under normal working conditions. The capacity of wireless phone batteries is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
Battery cycle
Using a battery until it is fully discharged and then recharging it completely.
Baud
Speed, in signals per second, at which two modems communicate. Since each signal can represent more than one bit, one baud does not always equal one bit per second.
bps
Bits per second. The rate at which information is transmitted between digital devices. Not the same as baud.
Buffer
Temporary storage where data is held until processed.
An optional phone service that allows a user to stop incoming calls from up to 10 selected numbers. Also called call screening or call rejection.
Call forwarding
A telephone system feature that allows you to forward incoming calls to another phone number. May not available everywhere. Surcharges may apply in addition to airtime charges. Long distance, toll & taxes may apply. Call Forwarding usage does not count toward minutes included in calling plans.
Call log
Allows you to see a designated number (often 10) of the last incoming and outgoing numbers and to speed dial any number in the log.
Call timer
A wireless phone feature that displays the total airtime of a phone call. Some wireless phones can also track cumulative airtime.
Call waiting
An optional phone service that lets a user temporarily interrupt a conversation to accept another call without disconnecting the original caller. After you hear the tone, you can put the first call on hold and answer the second, then alternate between callers. Airtime charges will be incurred for both calls until you end one. Two simultaneous airtime charges apply.
When you're on the line and a second call comes in, you'll hear a tone to let you know you have another call. When that happens, you have three choices:
Put the first call on hold by pressing SEND. You'll automatically be connected with the second call.
End the first call by asking the first caller to hang up. This automatically connects you to your waiting call
Or, ignore the Call Waiting tone. After 30 seconds, the waiting caller will hear a message indicating that you're not available, or will be fowarded to your voice mailbox if you subscribe to a messaging service.
Caller ID
A call-screening feature that displays the phone number and sometimes the name of a caller as soon as your phone starts ringing. Not available everywhere.
Cancellation fee
A fee for breaking your service contract. The provider may require you to return the phone. Some providers charge an equipment fee rather than a service cancellation fee for early termination. Also called early termination fee.
Carrier
A company that provides telephone (or another communications) service.
CDMA
Code division multiple access. A digital wireless format that allows many users to share the same radio frequencies. Each call is assigned a unique number, which allows the phone to lock out unwanted signals. Also known as spread spectrum.
CDMA2000
Code division multiple access for the year 2000 (also called IS-95-C). The U.S. proposal for third-generation (3G) CDMA technology. Plans are to double CDMA system capacity and improve data rates to 144 Kbps (kilobits per second).
Cell
The area served by one cell site. All calls made within the cell are transmitted by radio to that cell site. The cells can vary in size depending upon terrain and capacity demands.
Cell Site
The tower and radio antenna and associated equipment that handle communication for a single cell. A cellular network is made up of many cell sites, all connected by cable or microwave to the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO).
Cell (battery)
The smallest unit of a battery.
Cellular
The wireless telephone system originally developed by Bell Laboratories; uses low-powered analog radio equipment serving geographic areas called cells. Cellular is sometimes used to refer to all wireless phones, regardless of the technology they use.
Cellular Phone
A wireless radiotelephone which is capable of communicating within a cellular network. Cellular phones come in 3 types - mobile, portable and transportable.
Cellular service
Two-way radio communications service for voice and data using wireless phones and modems.
Centralized Antenna
During the early days of Mobile Telephone Service, only one tower, or antenna was used to transmit and receive the communications from/to the subscriber's mobile phone. The tower was typically located at a central geographic location so as to provide the maximum coverage area.
Channel
A segment of a frequency band. Also referred to simply as "frequency"
Cigarette lighter adapter
An adapter for powering a wireless phone from a car or boat cigarette lighter.
Clear channel
A transmission path in which the full bandwidth is available to the user.
CLR
Clear. A key on wireless phones that erases the last digit entered. It can be held down to clear the entire display.
Contract
An agreement you make with a wireless service provider to use its service for a period of time, usually one year. Early cancellation incurs a termination fee. Monthly access fees are often lower with long-term contracts.
Coverage area
The entire geographic area served by a wireless carrier's network. The coverage area typically includes a home-coverage area plus one or more extended-service areas where long-distance and/or roaming fees may be charged. Also called local-coverage area.
Cumulative call timer
A nonresetable timer that displays a wireless phone's total airtime since activation.
Digital advanced mobile phone system. A proprietary time division multiple access (TDMA) technology operating in the 800-MHz frequency range.
Data
Any type of information that a wireless phone can process, including numbers, letters and symbols.
Datalink
A phone accessory that connects the phone to a computer.
dB
Decibel. Used to measure relative loudness. A difference of 1dB is the minimum change in volume that humans can hear. The weakest sound humans can hear is 1dB.
Dead spot
An area within a wireless network's coverage area where service is not available because of electronic interference, steep terrain, foliage or other obstructions.
Deregulation
Reduction of the regulations governing a market.
Detailed billing
A monthly bill that specifies details of phone use, including the airtime used and any additional charges, such as long-distance and roaming. Contact a Customer Service Representative for more information on Detailed Billing by dialing 1-888-466-4646 on a landline phone or by dialing *611 on your wireless phone.
Digital
Technology used by most newer wireless phones and carriers that encodes voices and data for transmission using a binary code of 0s and 1s.
Digital Cellular
The generation of wireless communications, designed to provide the best sound quality available, elimination of noise and static, fewer dropped calls, enhanced privacy protection, longer battery life and the ability to handle up to seven times as many calls, compared with traditional cellular.
Digital indicator
A display that indicates when a wireless phone is operating in digital mode.
Digital phone
A newer type of wireless phone that transmits and receives digital (rather than analog) signals. Personal communications service (PCS) phones are a type of digital phone.
Digital signal
An electromagnetic signal that uses binary numbers (1s and 0s) to convey information. In contrast, analog signals depend solely on changes in the amplitude of a frequency to convey information.
Digital signal processing (DSP)
A chip or electronic circuit that manipulates digital information.
Digital switching
In networks, a connection that routes binary encoded information by means of time division multiplexing rather than a dedicated circuit.
Digital Technology
Digital technology converts voice and data messages into digits that represent sound intensities at specific points of time and data content. PCS service providers employ digital technology, and cellular providers are rapidly converting to digital as well.
Directory assistance
Operators from whom you can obtain phone numbers of individuals or businesses. Some directory assistance plans offer added features, such as driving directions.
Distinctive ring
A feature that lets you program a phone to ring in a distinctive pattern when you are called by designated people. Local phone companies call this service priority ringing.
Dot matrix display
A control panel that uses light-emitting diodes to produce easy-to-read numbers and letters.
Downtime
Any period of time during which your wireless phone is not available for use.
Dropped Call
A call that is disconnected unexpectedly. Sometimes, while traveling, your wireless conversation is handed off from one cell to another and is dropped. When a call is dropped, it usually means either that you've traveled into the fringe at the outer limits of your service area, or that your battery is running low and cannot maintain enough current to "hold" onto the signal transmitting your call.
Dual-mode Phone
A phone that is capable of utilizing the Verizon Wireless analog system or the CDMA digital system.
Communicating by sending an alphanumeric message from one person to another via computer or wireless phone, more commonly known as e-mail.
Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
A unique 32-bit number a manufacturer assigns to every wireless phone. The ESN is stored in read-only memory and can't be changed. The ESN is used to detect and prevent fraud.
Emergency dialing
A wireless phone feature that allows you to dial 911 or other emergency numbers with a single button, even if the phone is electronically locked.
Encoding
Putting analog information into a digital format.
End
A key on wireless phones that terminates a call.
Enhanced 911
A 911 phone system for dispatchers that displays the phone number and address of all callers.
Enhanced Voice Mail
Includes all the benefits of Basic Voice Mail plus additional capabilities such as notification of new voice mail messages via your pager. Not available everywhere. Airtime, toll, and roaming charges apply to message retrieval from your wireless phone. Voice Mail boxes not initialized within 60 days of feature activation will be cancelled. $6.95 monthly access.
Exchange
The first three digits of a seven-digit phone number.
Frequently asked questions. Documents that list and answer the most common questions about a particular subject.
Fast busy signal
A series of two rapidly alternating tones, indicating that the network for your wireless phone is down or too busy to handle your call. It does not mean the number you dialed is busy.
Fast charging
A method of battery charging that takes less than four hours to fully recharge a battery.
FCC registration number
A number on every phone certifying that it meets federal standards.
FCN
The function key used on some wireless phones to access the phone's features, such as programmable security codes.
FDMA
Frequency division multiple access. A method of allowing many wireless phone users to share a specific radio spectrum. This is an alternative to CDMA (code division multiple access) and TDMA (time division multiple access) techniques.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The federal agency responsible for licensing and regulating wireless communications providers. The FCC has primary regulatory control over communications providers through its powers to control interstate commerce and to provide a comprehensive national system in accordance with the Federal Communications Act.
Feed
Signals sent to or coming from a communications satellite.
Fiber optics
Wires made of glass that transmit digital signals in the form of pulses of light. Used for long-distance telecommunications, cable networks, and in some digital audio and video devices.
Footprint
The area on the earth's service where signals can be received from a particular telecommunications provider.
Franchise
A government license to provide a telecommunications service.
Frequency
The number of cycles made by electromagnetic radiation in one second, usually expressed in units of hertz (Hz).
Frequency division multiple access (FDMA)
A method of allowing multiple wireless phone users to share a specific radio spectrum. This is an alternative to CDMA (code division multiple access) and TDMA (time division multiple access) techniques.
Frequency Reuse
The ability to use the same frequencies repeatedly across a cellular system, made possible by the basic design approach for cellular. Since each cell is designed to use radio frequencies only within its boundaries, the same frequencies can be reused in other cells not far away with little potential for interference. The reuse of frequencies is what enables a cellular system to handle a huge number of calls with a limited number of channels.
Fringe area
Areas on the outer edges of wireless networks where the signal may be very weak.
Function keys
Keys that are used to program your wireless phone to perform specific tasks.
U.S. satellite system that allows users on the ground or water with GPS receivers to determine their positions with extreme accuracy.
Global system for mobile communications (GSM)
A digital wireless radio standard throughout the world that uses time division multiple access (TDMA) to allow several calls to go through one channel or set of frequencies.
During a cellular conversation, when a user reaches the edge of the service area of a cell site, computers in the network assign another tower in the next cell site to provide the phone with service.
Handset
A small wireless phone designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
Hands-Free
An important safety feature that permits drivers to use their cellular phone without lifting or holding the handset to their ear.
HDTP
Handheld device transport protocol. A protocol developed by Unwired Planet that enables any wireless phone or paging network to access the Internet from handheld devices. HDTP operates with industry standards such as TDMA, CDMA, TCP/IP, GSM and SMS.
Headphone jack
An output for headphones or an earpiece.
Headset
An earpiece and microphone that fit over the user's head. The unit is plugged into a wireless phone to allow hands-free phone conversations.
Hertz
A unit for expressing frequency which is the number of times a wave-like radio signal changes from maximum positive to maximum negative charge per second. 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second. 1 kilohertz (kHz) = 1,000 Hz; 1 megahertz (MHz) = 1,000 kHz or 1,000,000 Hz; 1 gigahertz (GHz) = 1,000 MHz or 1 million kHz or 1 billion Hz.
Home carrier
Your wireless communications provider. Also called home system.
Home coverage area
The portion of a wireless carrier's coverage area in which customers are charged the lowest rates for calls and pay no roaming or long-distance charges. The included minutes in a service plan can be used in the home coverage area.
Integrated digital enhanced network. A Motorola wireless technology, based on TDMA technology, that combines dispatch radio with full-duplex telephone connections, short message service and data capability. Nextel uses iDEN technology.
IMPS
Improved mobile telephone service. A mobile telephone service in the United States and Canada that is not compatible with standard wireless service.
Included Minutes
This term refers to the minutes included in your monthly rate plan. Once you have used all of your "included minutes", you will be charged for the remaining minutes. Charges for any minutes over your "included minutes" will vary depending on your price plan. "Included Minutes" are also referred to as "Allowance Minutes" and "Package Minutes".
Incoming call
A call received by a wireless phone; you generally pay regular airtime rates for incoming calls.
Incoming-call screening
A feature that allows you to program your phone to reject calls and alert you to incoming calls. A display provides the source number of the call or the name of the caller if the phone has an alphanumeric display.
Individual call timer
A timer that displays the duration of the current call.
Interference
Disturbances to reception caused by radio frequency waves or other electric fields.
A traditional wired telephone that one might find in a home or office.
Lithium ion
A type of light and powerful rechargeable battery for wireless phones; more expensive than nickel cadmium batteries, but longer lasting.
Local coverage area
See home coverage area.
Local tax
A tax on wireless phone services imposed by the county or city government, as opposed to a federal or state tax.
Lock
The key on some wireless phones used to lock the phone to prevent unauthorized use. The phone is unlocked by entering a three- or four-digit personal code.
Long Distance
Telephone calls to locations beyond the local service area.
Your phone's serial number. You need to keep a record of this number in case your phone is stolen so you can provide this number to your carrier and the police.
Memory dialing
Phone feature that lets you call frequently used numbers by pressing one, two or three buttons. See also speed dialing.
Memory locations
A feature of some wireless phones that store frequently called numbers as a two-digit sequence. This feature is used for speed dialing.
Message
In telecommunications, a message may be a complete transmission, one block in a transmission, or a group of blocks representing all blocks within a certain period of time.
Message Alert
A light or other indicator announcing that a phone call came in, an especially important feature if the cellular subscriber has voice mail.
Message Waiting Indicator
Indicates you have a message waiting. Not available everywhere.
Messaging
Text paging, e-mail or short messages delivered to alphanumeric pagers and other wireless devices.
Metropolitan Service Area (MSA)
This is a major city or metropolitan area in which you may dial the standard dialing patterns to place a call -- just as on your landline phone.
Microwave
Electromagnetic radiation frequencies from 3 GHz to 300 GHz; highly directional when used for radio frequency transmissions. Uses relatively low transmitter power levels when compared to other forms of transmission.
Minutes included
The amount of time each month included in your service plan. You can use your wireless phone for this amount of time without incurring per-minute charges.
Mobile Messanger
Chat without talking with text messaging. Perfect when you can't have a conversation. 2¢ for messages received an 10¢ for messages sent. Also available in bundles of 100 and 600 messages.
Mobile Phone
The type of cellular phone that's permanently installed in a car or truck. A mobile phone is attached to the vehicle, draws its power from the vehicle's battery, and has an external antenna.
Mobile Telephone Service (MTS)
A term used in the post-World War II era, typically, a type of wireless communication which allows the user to place or receive standard telephone calls from a phone installed in a car, truck, or other mobile vehicle.
Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO)
The central switch that controls the entire operation of a cellular system. It is a sophisticated computer that monitors all cellular calls, tracks the location of all cellular-equipped vehicles traveling in the system, arranges hand-offs, keeps track of billing information, etc.
Mobile to mobile
Make and receive calls to and from any other Verizon Wireless customer while traveling throughout your local mobile to mobile calling area.
Mobile Web
Personalized Wireless Internet Access: Receive emails, alerts and personalized information from the internet right on your web-capable wireless phone.
Mobile Web provides information so intelligently, it practically thinks. It is the unique wireless service that provides you with your own personalized page that you can easily access from your Web-enabled phone. You can personalize your page from either your desktop computer or your phone to provide you with all the specific Web information that you always want to have updated: news, weather, sports, finance, entertainment, travel, and more. You can stay on top of current data by setting alerts to notify you when new information comes in.
Your information is easily accessible. For example, if you want to see a movie, Mobile Web will give you film titles, then prompt you through desired theaters. It can also provide you with times and locations. It's a fast, easy and simple way to access the Web information you want.
See Mobile Web brochure for additional terms and conditions.
Mobile Messenger requires messaging capable CDMA phone. See Mobile Messenger brochure for details and terms and conditions that apply.
Mobile Web services are subject to terms and conditions of the Cellular Service
Agreement, Mobile Web terms and conditions and Digital price plans. Please review for terms and conditions of Mobile Web service. This text is a supplement to those documents. Mobile Web services are not available in all areas. Refer to city listing.
Content providers and their menu order may change without notice. While digital network provides more secure connectivity than analog, it is possible for services to be intercepted by individuals with certain equipment. Mobile Web access security limitations apply. Our liability is significantly limited. Important: A setup data call is required to enable security for Mobile Web Microbrowser activation and ESN charges. Call may take up to five minutes, depending on phone. This is a billable data call. Any interruption of this call (by pressing "END" or powering off) will necessitate an additional billable setup call. Charges will be billed on your standard wireless phone bill.
For Mobile Web Microbrowser: Time-outs apply. Phone will end data call and session after a minimum of 30 seconds of inactivity. New data call will be initiated when use is resumed. Airtime rounded up to the next full minute, so actual allowance may vary. Mobile Web access will deplete minute allowance. Microbrowser does not provide full Web surfing. Sites are text only, formatted to optimize phone's screen size. Not all sites are accessible to handheld devices. Verizon Wireless reserves the right to make changes to your phone's software, including service features, over the air, without notice. Verizon Wireless' calling areas, rates, agreement provisions, business practices, procedures and policies are subject to change, as specified in the cellular service agreement.
$6.95 mo. - includes 100 alerts. $8.95 mo. - includes 200 alerts. $12.95 mo. - includes 600 alerts.
Mode change
A wireless phone feature that allows you to change from digital to analog operation either before or during a call.
Monthly access charge
The basic monthly fee for maintaining a wireless account with your provider. Also called monthly service charge.
Monopole
A structure composed of a single spire used to support communications equipment.
MSA
Metropolitan statistical area. An urban area, larger than a city, used for marketing and statistical purposes.
MSN
Mechanical serial number. Your phone's serial number. Keep a record of your MSN because if your phone is stolen, you'll need to provide it to your wireless carrier and the police.
Mute
A phone control that allows you to talk privately to someone face-to-face without the called party overhearing.
Number assignment module. A chip that stores your phone number, lock code, timer reset code and other user information. The ESN (electronic serial number) is not stored in NAM.
Narrowband
A low-capacity communications circuit. The bandwidth of a narrowband channel is usually insufficient for voice communications.
Narrowband PCS
The newest generation of paging networks that offer two-way acknowledgment and "wireless answering machine" paging.
Nickel cadmium battery
Also known as NiCads, these are the earliest rechargeable batteries found in wireless phones. They are being replaced by lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and zinc-air batteries.
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
A newer battery technology for wireless phones.
Night and Weekend Option
You may purchase 1000 night and weekend home airtime minutes each month for an additional $10 monthly access on regional and local calling plans. Night hours are 9:01 p.m. - 5:59 a.m. Monday - Friday. Weekend hours are 12 a.m. Saturday - 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Peak hours are all other times except certain holidays.
A wireless messaging service that displays numbers and/or words.
PCS
Personal communications service. A two-way 1900-MHz digital wireless service typically packaged with calling features such as call waiting, voice mail and caller ID.
Peak
Highest-usage period of the business day when a cellular system carries the most calling traffic.
Personal identification number (PIN)
In personal communications services (PCS) networks, a secret number a wireless phone subscriber uses along with a subscriber identification module (SIM) card to make calls. More generally, PINs are used to access bank accounts.
Personal Communications Services (PCS)
Wireless services, such as cellular phone service and two-way paging, that use certain radio frequencies auctioned by the Federal Communications Commission.
PIN
Personal Identity Number
Portable
A one-piece, self-contained cellular telephone. Portables normally have built-in antennas and a rechargeable battery.
INpulse
A carrier program that lets subscribers prepay for wireless services. A useful feature for subscribers with credit limitations or who want to limit their billable time (or that of other users of the same phone).
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
The nationwide telephone switching system operated by various telephone companies which enables the general public to communicate with each other.
Using a wireless phone's unique transmission characteristics to prevent cloning fraud. The cloned phone will not have the same transmission characteristics as the legitimate phone.
Rechargeable batteries
Batteries that can be recharged with a charger that plugs into an AC outlet.
Recondition
To restore, for a period of time, a rechargeable battery's ability to hold an electrical charge.
Regulatory agency
A government agency, such as the Federal Communications Commission, which has authority to oversee and set rules for a specified type of business.
Ringer volume control
A phone feature that allows the ringing volume to be raised, lowered or turned off.
Ringing alert options
A phone feature that signals an incoming call by vibrating, flashing a light, beeping or using a combination of alerts.
Roadside assistance
Help for roadside emergencies regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
Roamer
A person using a wireless phone outside of his or her regular service area.
Roamer access number
A telephone number used to access a wireless phone when the owner is outside his or her regular service area. So-called "intelligent roaming" networks make it unnecessary to dial access numbers.
Roaming
Using your wireless phone outside the home service area defined by your service provider, for which you are usually charged higher per-minute rates. Daily access fees and/or long-distance rates may also apply.
Roaming agreement
An agreement between two wireless service providers allowing one company's customers to make calls on the other's system. The customer is billed by his home carrier for the calls, plus (sometimes) a flat daily fee for roaming.
Roaming Indicator
The indicator on your telephone that tells you when you are out of your hpme CGSA and in that of another cellular carrier.
A rate plan selected by subscribers when they start up cellular service, usually consisting of a base rate for system access and a per-minute rate for usage. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.
SMSC
Short Message Service Centre
Smart battery
A battery with a built-in microchip that can measure and communicate battery data (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to the phone it's in.
Speakerphone/hands-free operation
A headphone and speaker for in-car use that permits phone conversations without using a handset.
Standby Mode
The condition whereby a cellular phone is turned on, but is not in use. While in this mode, a cellular phone is able to receive calls.
Standby Time
The amount of time you can leave your fully charged cellular portable or transportable cellular phone turned on before the phone will completely discharge the batteries.
The length of time you can talk on your portable or transportable cellular phone without recharging the battery. The battery capacity of a cellular portable or transportable is usually expressed in terms of so many minutes of talk time or so many hours of standby time. When you're talking, the phone draws additional power from the battery.
TDMA
Time division multiple access. A digital wireless phone transmission method that allows multiple users to share the same radio frequency spectrum.
Three-Way Calling
With this feature, you can speak with two other people at the same time. So you can create a conference call by adding another party to an existing conversation. As with Call Waiting, you'll be charged airtime for two calls until you end one. Two simultaneous airtime charges apply. Surcharges may apply in addition to airtime charges.
Call the first party you want in in your conversation.
Once you're connected, enter your second party's phone number.
Press SEND (your first party is put on hold).
When your second party answers, press SEND again (if the second party doesn't answer, simple press SEND to hang up and connect back to the party on hold).
All three of you are connected.
If either your first or second party hangs up during your call, the remaining two of you will still be connected. If you hang up during your call, everyone still on the line will be disconnected. Pressing SEND while all three of you are connected will drop the last person called.
Note: Per minute airtime charges will accrue for each caller you add to your phone conversation.
Tri-band
A phone primarily for international travelers. Tri-band phones broadcast on the PCS (personal communications service) frequency band used in the United States and two PCS bands used by cellular networks in other regions of the world.
Tri-mode phone
A phone that is capable of utilizing all three of the Verizon Wireless systems, analog, CDMA digital or PCS digital.
A wireless phone feature that notifies you of an incoming call with a vibrating mechanism built into the battery pack.
Visual battery indicator
A message shown on a phone's display, such as "low battery," when the battery is running low.
Voice Mail
A computerized answering service that automatically answers your call, plays a greeting in your own voice, and records a message. After you retrieve your messages, you can delete, save, reply to, or forward the messages to someone else on your voice mail system. Surcharges may apply in addition to airtime charges. Message per minute fee charges apply. Long Distance, toll & taxes may apply. Feature does not count toward minutes included in calling plans.
Voice recognition
The function of a machine that allows it to process human speech and carry out spoken commands. See voice-activated dialing and aural user interface (AUI).
Voice-activated dialing
Dialing by speaking into a phone rather than pressing buttons.
Wideband code division multiple access. A newer generation of digital CDMA technology. W-CDMA increases the bandwidth of CDMA technology and aims at eventually providing data speeds of 2 Mbps (megabits per second).
Wideband
A term used to describe radio frequencies or circuits with bandwidths greater than needed for one voice channel, usually 56 Kbps or more.
Wireless
Voice, data and video communications that use radio frequencies rather than wires for transmission. Includes cellular, paging and Personal Communications Services (PCS).
Wireline Carriers
Providers of cellular service who were already in the telecommunications business, and offer cellular services in addition to local telephone service (for example, BellSouth Mobility).Also referred to as "B"side or "B" carriers.
