The blocking services offered by mobile phone operators can be used to bar additional-cost calls and text messages as well as international calls. Depending on the operator, blocking services can be used to exclude only certain types of incoming and outgoing text messages and outgoing calls. For instance, calls made to numbers starting with 0600 and 0700 involve additional cost. Most blocking services are free of charge.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless data transfer standard that can be used to replace cables, for instance, between mobile phones and peripherals. For instance a headset can be connected to a mobile phone or a mouse to a computer by using Bluetooth. At its broadest, Bluetooth can have a range of up to a hundred metres. Bluetooth is utilised widely in computers and their peripherals, in toys, joysticks, cameras, headphones, GPS devices, palmtops, and mobile phone accessories.
A chain SMS is a new variety of a traditional chain letter. The message persuades the recipient to forward the message to one or more new recipients. The contents may promise happiness, goods or money. Chain SMS messages may also include mobile viruses that can paralyse smartphones. Forwarding such messages is therefore not recommended.
Content services mean services that can be ordered to a mobile phone. They include ring tones, logos, weather forecasts, news etc. The costs of content services are added to mobile phone bills.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a wireless data transfer service used in mobile phones. Its main application is to form a wireless Internet connection on a mobile phone. Using GPRS, it is possible, for instance, to browse the Internet on a mobile phone, to download ring tones, images and games, to play games on the Internet, and to send and receive multimedia messages.
The IMEI number is the serial number of the mobile device. Often the 15-digit number can be called onto the screen by keying in the sequence *#06#. The IMEI number is also generally found on a white sticker under the phone battery. For instance, in the event of theft, the owner can prevent the use of a stolen phone by sending the operator a copy of the police report and the IMEI number.
A fee that is charged on top of the normal rate per minute for long-distance and international calls, for calls to mobile phone numbers, and for calls to service numbers and certain corporate numbers. The fee is compensation for use of the network.
MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service, which can be used to create, send and receive messages containing images, sound and videos. Multimedia messages can be sent either by mobile phone or by e-mail. MMS content services are services that can be ordered from the service provider. Examples include ring tones, weather information and news.
Mobile services mean services used on a mobile phone or on some other wireless terminal device and provided by means of mobile phone networks. Examples include mobile phone calls, text messages, multimedia messages and WAP and Internet services.
A mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone, is both wireless and portable. This means, for instance, that the connection between a mobile device and the mobile phone network is maintained even when the phone is moving with the user. Wireless alone does not always necessarily mean mobility.
MSN Messenger is an instant messaging program used mainly for chatting with friends. For many children and young people, it’s a daily way of keeping contact with friends, in the same way as a phone is. The program shows which of your friends are on line at any particular moment and with whom you can chat. The chats are private and no outsider can follow or control them. Chatting usually takes place by writing, but the program also enables contact by means of voice or video.
A PIN code (Personal Identification Number) is usually a code of 4 to 8 digits that protects the SIM card of a mobile phone against unlawful use. The PIN code is usually supplied together with the SIM card. If the PIN code is keyed in incorrectly three times in a row, the phone locks itself and asks for the PUK code.
A prepaid subscription means a mobile phone subscription where calls are paid in advance by purchasing a card charged with a certain monetary value. When the balance on the card has been used up, only calls to emergency numbers are possible until the card is recharged. A prepaid card can be purchased with a voucher, on the Internet or on a payment terminal. The costs are always paid in advance and no invoice is sent afterwards.
If you key in the PIN code of a mobile phone incorrectly three times in a row, the SIM card will be locked. The card can be reopened with an 8-digit PUK code that is available from the mobile phone operator.
A service provider is a business or some other corporation providing ring tones, logos or other similar services that can be ordered, for instance, through an operator. The service provider sees to it that the service is implemented and is responsible for the correctness and maintenance of the content. The service provider has an agreement with the operator transmitting the service. In addition, the service provider is responsible for ensuring that the service meets the requirements laid down by law and good practice.
Together with the mobile phone subscription, the subscriber is given a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module). The SIM card is a small chip card that is placed inside the mobile phone. It is needed for establishing the connection to the mobile phone network. The use and content of the card can be protected with a PIN code.
SMS is another name for a text message, or a message of at most 160 characters that is sent from one mobile phone to another.
Transferability of a mobile phone number means that owners of subscriptions may keep their old phone numbers even if they change operators.
A TV chat is a television programme where viewers can send their own comments by SMS. Some TV chats have a moderator who reads and comments messages while they are scrolled on the screen. A TV chat can be a general discussion or it can focus on some specific theme or on finding a date. In addition to chats, TV channels show various games that can be played via text messages.
WAP or Wireless Application Protocol is a communication protocol that makes it possible to use the Internet on a mobile phone or some other wireless terminal device. For using WAP services you need a WAP phone and the WAP settings used by your mobile phone operator. All operators have their own settings. Check your own WAP settings on your operator’s website.