Cell Phone Basics

Cell phones are changing the way people communicate both in

the business world and in their personal lives. If you've ever wondered how cell phones work and how calls get charged to your acount, you're not alone. The following top 10 most frequently asked questions and answers help solve the mystery behind cell phones.

How do wireless phones work?

A wireless phone is a cross between a traditional telephone and a radio device. A wireless phone receives and transmits radio signals via radio towers located across the country. These towers connect to a central system that links to the standard telephone system.

What are the differences between analog phones and digital phones?

Digital phones have several advantages over analog phones: Digital phones are free of static which often plagues analog phones, they provide greater call security, and they have a longer battery life. One drawback, however, is that digital networks do not currently cover as much territory as analog networks, particularly in rural areas.

How much do wireless phones cost?

Wireless phones are often free or are sold for a nominal charge (less than $50) for consumers who sign yearly service contracts. Otherwise, phones purchased without service typically cost $250 or more.

How are calls charged?

Most wireless calls placed within your home calling area are charged on a per-minute or per-second basis. Unless you have a national plan, calls placed outside your home calling area are subject to roaming fees, usually on a per-minute basis.

Most plans include some free local minutes per month. If you go over the minutes included in your plan, you'll pay an additional fee for each minute.

Am I charged when people call me?

Unlike traditional telephone service, you are typically charged when your phone is in use, regardless of whether you make the call or someone calls you. Some carriers have instituted caller-pays systems in select markets.

<\strong>What is PCS?

PCS stands for personal communications services. The term was originally used to describe wireless systems that used a new 1900MHz system, as opposed to the existing 800MHz systems. The higher frequency had less signal strength, but it allowed carriers to include more information in the wireless signal. This lead to the creation of enhanced services like caller ID. Carriers operating on 800MHz systems can now include such enhanced services.

What is roaming?

Roaming refers to making a call outside of your home area. With some service plans, such as one-rate or national calling plans, roaming fees usually don't apply.

What are peak and off-peak hours?

Peak hours refer to periods in the day when there is increased call activity. Off-peak hours occur when call volumes are low. Specific peak and off-peak periods vary from carrier to carrier, but peak periods are generally from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Off-peak periods are from 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and during the weekends.

What affects the quality of my wireless phone reception?

Wireless phones use radio waves that can be bounced around or even blocked by buildings and other structures, terrain and bad weather. Voice quality varies somewhat from phone to phone and among service providers. The best advice is to test a new phone and return it if the quality is not satisfactory. Some PCS carriers claim superb voice quality, but the experience of users varies considerably. At best, voice quality on the wireless phone network comes very close to the voice quality on the wired phone network.

Why are there dead spots in my wireless service?

Wireless phone service is essentially line-of-sight transmission. If there's something between your phone and the nearest cellular antenna or tower, your call may not go through. Buildings, hills, heavy foliage and severe weather can create dead spots and block your calls.

Content provided by TeleBright.com, a telecom e-marketplace for small business.