Technology / Cell Phones Glossary

Service Plan: The rate plan you select when choosing a wireless phone service. A service plan typically consists of a monthly base rate for access to the system and a fixed amount of minutes per month. Se . . . View Full Definition

Short Message Service (SMS): The transmission of short alphanumeric text-messages to and from a mobile phone, fax machine and-or IP address. Messages must be no longer than 160 alphanumeric characters and contain no ima . . . View Full Definition

Short Message Service Center (SMSC): The hardware device submitting the messages. Currently, SMSC devices support binary formats.

SIM Card: A small printed circuit board that must be inserted in any GSM-based mobile phone when signing on as a subscriber. It contains subscriber details, security information and memory for a perso . . . View Full Definition

Simple Network Paging Protocol (SNPP): A sequence of commands and replies where pages are delivered to individual paging terminals. The most obvious benefit is the elimination of the need for modems and phone lines to produce alp . . . View Full Definition

Simulcast: A signaling technique that broadcasts the same signal over multiple sites in a network.

Sleep Mode: Designed to conserve battery life, this mode automatically turns off a terminal after it has been unused for a specified period of time. The unit is reactivated when the keypad is touched.

Smart Antenna: An antenna system that focuses its beam on a desired signal to reduce interference. A wireless network employs smart antennas at its base stations in an effort to reduce the number of droppe . . . View Full Definition

Smart Card: A plastic card containing important data about a person's identity to allow access to a network or premises. Also, a card containing subscriber information, often inserted into GSM phones fo . . . View Full Definition

Smart Phone: A class of wireless phone handsets with many features, and often a keyboard. What makes the phone smart is its ability to handle data, not only voice calls.

Soft Handoff: When two base stations -- one in the cell site where the phone is located and the other in the cell site to which the conversation is being passed - both hold onto the call until the handoff . . . View Full Definition

Soft Key: A key below the phone's main display panel that performs special functions.

Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA): A variation of TDMA and CDMA that potentially will be used in high-bandwidth, third-generation wireless products.

Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR): Dispatch service (walkie-talkie-type service used by taxis, delivery trucks, etc.). SMR providers in the United States operate in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR): A measure of the rate at which RF energy is absorbed by the body.

Spectrum: The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used in the transmission of sound, data and television.

Spectrum Allocation: Federal government assignment of a range of frequencies for a category of use or uses. For example, the FCC allocated the 1900 MHz band for personal communications services. Allocation, acco . . . View Full Definition

Spectrum Assignment: Federal government authorization for use of specific frequencies or frequency pairs within a given allocation, at specific geographic locations.

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