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FAQs
1G was the first generation of wireless Networks that were based on analog information technologies.
2.5 G has faster Data transfer speeds than 2G and introduces new data-oriented services and applications. GPRS is the best-known 2.5G technology.
2G technologies were based on digital Data instead of 1G analog Data. The main 2G technology is GSM, offering considerable improvement in voice quality, Data security, low cost alternatives to making calls such as SMS and the ability to roam, using your mobile phone anywhere in the world.
3.5G is bringing enhancements to 3G features, such as High Speed Downlink Application (HSDPA). This simply allows you to access your e-mails, downloads and transmissions faster than ever before.
3G accommodates both voice and non-voice transfer across GSM, with it's most prominent feature being its high Data speeds that allow Data, such as broadcasts, video and email, to be sent and received much quicker and in larger amounts.
4G is the new global standardization effort due to roll out beginning 2010. You will be able to be connected to several wireless access technologies at the same time and will be able to move freely between them all.
A Altech Supercall Cellular term for the person that manages multiple mobile phone contracts within a company. (Also see: Corporate account administrator)
A fee charged by your Service Provider for activating your phone with your chosen Network and for providing you with a mobile number.
By opening the Keypad cover of your Clamshell phone you can answer a call and by closing the Keypad cover you can end a call. This can be set on your mobile phone. (Also see: Any key answer, Automatic answer)
Airtime refers to the credit (measured in minutes or seconds) you use for actual time spent talking on the phone and for value added services such as SMS. Rates vary according to your Tariff Package.
Enables you to answer incoming calls by pushing any button on your mobile phone Keypad. This can be set on your mobile phone.
Free talk time minutes, depending on your mobile phone Package, which can be used during peak and Off-peak hours.
Enables you to answer incoming calls without pressing any keys on the Keypad. It's used with slide phones, flip phones and clam shells or with a hands free kit. This function can be set using your mobile phone. (Also see: Active flip, Any key answer)
Automatically redial a busy number by pressing the call button. This can be set on your mobile phone.
The range within a band of frequencies where a certain amount of Data can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time.
BlackBerry offers you Push e-mail and Voice-mail using your BlackBerry Cellular telephone. Subscribe to a wireless service with your Network provider to allow Data transmission.
Blacklist your phone with your Service Provider if it has been lost or stolen. This blocks the SIM card to prevent it from being used or sold by any one else.
Bluetooth provides a connection to share Data between devices, such as mobile phones and computers. It uses a secure radio frequency and has no cost involved.
Broadband refers to pieces of Data being sent simultaneously to increase the effective rate of transmission.
An application that allows you to access the World Wide Web by using your mobile phone.
Allows you to set your phone to block incoming or outgoing calls to or from specific numbers. This function can be set using your mobile phone.
If you make calls to numbers you would like to keep confidential, you can assign a description (i.e. 'Office') to that number. This number won't appear on your call records; instead, the label 'Office' will appear on your Itemised billing.
You can 'send' incoming calls to another phone number at a small fee. This function is set on your mobile phone.
This enables you to put a caller on hold while a second call is answered or made.
You can choose an Airtime limit on your cell phone account and when you reach 80 % of your limit Altech Supercall Cellular sends you an SMS. At 100% we can either send you another SMS or soft-lock your phone. This service is available on all Networks but is not guaranteed.
By calling your Service Provider you can restrict calls to and from your mobile phone. I.e. Incoming calls, International calls.
This allows you to transfer a caller to another number. Charges apply. (Also see: Call diverts)
If someone is trying to call you and your line is busy, the caller is asked to wait while you are alerted of the incoming call. This can be set on your mobile phone.
The number of an incoming caller is displayed on-screen before the phone is answered. (Also see: Caller ID, CLI)
The phone number of the person calling you is displayed on the mobile phone receiving the call. This function can be set using your mobile phone. (Also see: Caller display, CLI)
The cost to terminate your Contract before its expiry date.
An accessory that allows you to use your mobile phone in your car without having to hold your mobile phone.
Your Contract can be given to another party provided the new customer takes the Contract on as is. The cell number, Contract period and the terms and conditions remain unchanged. Cost is R50.00.
A flip phone resembling the shape of a clam shell and opens up in the same way. These phones have larger screens than traditional phones.
Calling Line Identification. This feature displays the caller's phone number on screen of the mobile phone receiving the call. (Also see: Caller display, Caller ID)
Calling Line Restriction. Stops the person you're calling from seeing your number on their phone. Activate this service by calling your Service Provider.
Once-off cost to your Service Provider to activate your new phone on a Network. Cost varies across Networks.
An Altech Supercall Cellular term for the person that manages multiple mobile phone contracts within a company. (Also see: Account administrator)
Altech Supercall Cellular term for the person that has their mobile phone Contract managed by an administrator within their company.
This is the region within which your mobile phone can reliably receive transmission.
Data refers to all SMS's, MMS's, emails, faxes, voicemails and downloads made from or sent to your Cellular telephone.
A Package or Contract that allows you to send and receive SMS, faxes, Data files, E-mail and provides access to the internet. This is billed in kBps.
A detailed breakdown of all calls and SMS's made by you, listed by number, time, date and cost. (Also see: Itemised billing)
Related to contracts that have expired or have been cancelled by the subscriber.
A mobile phone capable of operating on two different frequencies that can be used in various countries operating on these frequencies. (Also see: Tri-band, Quad-band)
A portion of your mobile phone bill is paid by your company and a portion is paid by you, but you are responsible for the Contract. Costs from R15.50 per month.
Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution. EDGE is a super fast GPRS technology that enables your Data to be delivered to your mobile phone much faster.
The electronic transfer and storage of written messages and attachments. Layer//one or a similar E-mail customer is used on a mobile phone.
E-mail billing is a service offered by Altech Supercall Cellular that enables you to receive invoices and statements via E-mail that are fully SARS compliant.
Service providers offer fax facilities on your mobile phone account, allowing you to transfer incoming faxes to the nearest fax machine or onto your PDA, which is viewable on the display screen.
A node that connects two different Networks.
General Packet Radio Service. A technology allowing you to transfer info with your mobile phone, similar to the way info is sent over the internet. Rates are charged for the amount of Data downloaded and not the time taken to download them.
Global Positioning System. A satellite navigation system you can use to determine a precise location or use to get directions to a specific location.
Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM offers improvement in voice quality, low cost alternatives to making calls such as text messaging and the ability to roam, using your mobile phone anywhere in the world. (Also see: 2G, Dual-band, Tri-band)
This describes the automatic process of when one Network transfers your call from one cell to another as you move around.
The device you hold in your hand through which you transmit and receive telephone calls.
A device that allows you to use a mobile phone without having to hold the mobile phone. Available as an accessory for most mobile phones.
If you are a Vodacom subscriber you get 50 % off prepaid voice and video calls between 5pm and 8pm everyday. Voice and Video calls are charged at R1.49 (incl. VAT) per minute during this time.
Your Service Provider hard-locks your phone if you are more than 2 months late with payments. No calls can be made or received at this time and access to voicemail is denied.
High Speed Circuit Switched Data. This is the improvement made to GSM, increasing the rate of Data transfer from 14.4kbps to 57.6kbps.
High-speed download packet access. This is also known as 3.5G technology. It allows you to access your e-mails and downloads faster than ever before. (Also see: 3.5G).
Free minutes that are included in your monthly subscription. These do not apply to several service numbers or to international calls and vary from Package to Package.
A Altech Supercall Cellular term for an Individual customer that is entirely responsible for their own mobile phone bill.
A bulk SMS service aimed at SME's and corporates that is offered by Altech Supercall Cellular.
You can use your mobile phone abroad and ensure you're always available on the same number. Remember to request Roaming activation at least a week before your departure, as overseas Networks can take some time to accommodate you.
This is a service offered by Altech Supercall Cellular that allows you to access your account information via the internet. You can manage, sort and personalise your monthly statement or invoice with Altech Supercall Cellular's advanced tools and Phone book option.
Infrared Data Association. A phone that is IrDA-enabled can connect wirelessly to a mobile computer with an infra-red port, with no cost involved.
A detailed breakdown of all calls and SMS's made by you; listed by number, time, date and cost. (Also see: Detailed billing)
This refers to the buttons on your mobile phone.
Landlines are telephones that are not cellular telephones or satellite phones and are normally found in your home or in your office.
Liquid Crystal Display. This is the type of screen on your cell phone.
Light Emitting Diode. When electricity passes through your mobile phone display screen it illuminates.
If your phone is being repaired, you can make use of a Altech Supercall Cellular loan phone, which will minimise the inconvenience to your business and personal life.
An indicator alerting the user that there is a new unread message in their message inbox.
Multimedia Messaging Service. An extension of SMS allowing you to send and receive multimedia such as video, images and sound. To receive MMS settings> Cell C: Send an SMS with MMS as the subject to 084 155 9911. MTN: Press *123*12# Call. Vodacom: Press *111# Call.
Mobile balance is a service offered by Altech Supercall Cellular that sends you an SMS with your current account balance, your last invoice total, your international Airtime balance and/or your remaining free minutes.
The ability for you to switch Service Provider's or Networks while keeping the same phone number.
A device that converts digital Data to analog Data so it can be received through regular telephone lines and wireless Networks. It converts the Data back to digital when received.
Altech Supercall Cellular's billing system used online to show previous and current accounts
South Africa has three Networks: Vodacom, MTN and Cell C. The Networks consist of towers and base stations that span the country and connect and transfer your calls.
Some mobile phones only work with a SIM card from a specific Network (i.e. Vodacom). You cannot use these phones with other Network SIM cards (i.e. MTN).
A Network Migration is when you change from one Network to another. i.e. When you cancel your Contract with your existing Network and take out a new Contract with one of the other Networks. Activate Networks
South Africa has three Networks: Vodacom, MTN and Cell C. The Networks consist of towers and base stations that span the country and connect and transfer your calls.
A service that allows you to change your mobile phone number without having to replace your SIM card or change your Contract.
Off-peak hours take place from 8pm to 7am weekdays, public holidays and all weekend. During this time, calls are usually up to 50% cheaper.
A Package is the pricing structure associated with the Network Contract that you are on. (Also see: Contract)
A Package Migration occurs when you change packages but not Networks. If you migrate to a higher Package there is no charge. (Also see: Tariff Migration)
The ability to connect a mobile phone to a computer to transfer Data both ways and synchronise the cell phone with the computer's applications (e.g. Layer//one)
Personal Digital Assistant. A personal organiser that allows you to store information and to use simple software programs - as made by companies such as Palm. Several PDA's, such as iMate come with built-in mobile phones.
Peak calls are calls made between 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. During this time, calls are at their most expensive because the Networks are being used most. (Also see: Peak hours)
Peak hours are from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. During this time, calls are at their most expensive, because this is when the Networks are used most.
A code entered into your mobile phone when switching it on. This protects your phone from being used by others.
The list of names and telephone numbers you've stored in your phones internal memory or on its SIM card.
Setting custom pictures to Phone book entries. When that number calls the corresponding picture appears on your screen. This is only available with certain mobile phones.
Sending and receiving picture messages on your cell phone. Picture messages can also be sent via MMS. (Also see: MMS)
Ring tones that are made up of multiple notes playing at the same time with improved sound quality.
Predictive text allows you type SMS's faster because the mobile phone automatically finishes words while you are still typing them in.
A Package whereby a subscriber pays in advance for wireless services. This is helpful for those who take account of mobile phone costs, or do not want to exceed a certain amount of Airtime. Activate PUK code
Your PUK code allows you to unblock your phone if an incorrect PIN has been entered more than three times. To get this number click here or call 0860 412 412.
You can request services (e.g. ringtones or games) from a wireless Cellular telephone via your WAP browser. The service requested is sent back to the Cellular telephone via SMS.
E-mail is automatically 'pushed' to your mobile phone and updates made on your phone are automatically synced with your PC.
You can request services (i.e. ring tones or games) from your cell phone by sending a preset SMS code to a predetermined number. The service is sent to you by SMS via your Cellular telephone.
Compared to a Tri-band phone supporting the 850 / 1800 / 1900 bands, a Quad-band phone adds support for GSM 900 for full Coverage in Europe and Asia. (Also see: Dual-band and Tri-band)
Setting custom ringtones to Phone book entries. When that number calls you the corresponding ringtone plays.
Using your mobile phone outside your usual service area (i.e. another country). Higher rates and a holding deposit apply.
An animation that appears on the cell phone's display when your phone is not being used.
Each cell phone sold has a unique Serial Number, usually printed underneath the battery. If your phone is stolen, it is essential that you have this number, so that you can have it blocked from further use.
Your Service Provider, such as Altech Supercall Cellular, is the company that looks after your Contract and your connection to your Network, such as MTN, Cell C or Vodacom. Your Service Provider tracks all your Data (e.g. calls, SMS's, MMS's, emails etc) and sends you your monthly invoice.
Subscriber Identity Module card. It's the small card inside your mobile phone which stores your numbers and uniquely identifies your phone on your Network. This card also has a memory which stores your numbers, messages and other contact information.
Replace your old or faulty SIM card. The cost varies according to the Network you use.
Insurance for your SIM card. As a service offered by Altech Supercall Cellular it offers replacement of your SIM card in the event of it being stolen, lost or damaged.
Smartphones run an operating system and combine mobile phone and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technologies. With Smartphones you can install extra applications to your PDA, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation system.
Short Message Service. A service that allows your phone to communicate using pager-like 160 character messages.
An optional Contract, which includes an amount of additional SMS's every month at a fixed fee. The carrying over of unused SMS's depends on your Service Provider.
Your phone is Soft-locked if you are more than a month late with payment. No calls can be made at this time but you will be able to receive call. Access to your voicemail is lost.
When a portion of your mobile phone bill is paid by your company and a portion is paid by you, but the company is responsible for your Contract. From R15.50 per month.
The amount of time a phone's battery will last while no calls are being made or received without charging.
Synchronisation Markup Language. SyncML is mostly used to synchronise your contact and calendar information between your mobile phone device and your computer.
The amount of time a phone's battery will last without charging, if it is used non-stop to make and receive calls.
A list of charges for services provided. Tariffs are usually made up of a fixed monthly fee and call costs that vary depending on the time of day you make your calls. Some tariffs include a fixed number of free calls per month.
Should you find that the Tariff plan you are currently using has become unsuitable, it can be changed (or 'migrated') to a more suitable Tariff plan on the same Network.
A Tri-band mobile phone is able to operate on three different frequencies. They are useful for travelers, allowing Roaming on a greater number of Networks across the world.
If you have a cell phone, as well as a car phone, you can obtain a second SIM card that will be linked to the existing cell phone number. This means that you do not have to swap the SIM card between the mobile phone and the car phone.
When a Contract nears expiry, usually from the 21st month of your Contract, you become eligible for a new mobile phone if you extend your Contract.
Uniform Resource Locator. A name or number specifying a location on the Internet, such as a website or page on a website. E.g. http://www.Supercall.co.za
Universal Serial Bus. A plug-in interface between a computer and devices such as keyboards and phones, such as Bluetooth dongles.
Sending a high quality (300 kilobytes) video clip of up to 30 seconds via SMS. A cable phone is required to be able to send a Video SMS.
Allows you to dial a phone by voice instead of punching in the numbers.
Record and store short voice messages on your phone. Many phones with this feature let you record phone conversations in progress.
Enables calls to be made by using voice commands rather than punching in numbers. Voice commands can now also be used to access menu options.
A mobile phone service provided by the Networks that records a message for you when you can't - or don't want to - answer a call. Unlike a traditional answering machine, the system can take messages for you when you are using the telephone. To activate call> Cell C: 144, MTN: 100, Vodacom: 121.
A number you call, depending on your Network provider, to access your Voice-mail. Vodacom: 131, MTN: 100 and Cell C: 141.
Voice over Internet Protocol. Technology for transmitting voice sound over the Internet allowing you to have a conversation over the web using a microphone and earphones.
Background picture on your mobile phone's screen. These are generally interchangeable and you can download new ones.
Wireless Application Protocol. An application on your mobile phone that enables WAP-compatible mobile phones to access websites for information (like news, travel, entertainment, finance and sport) via your mobile phone menu. To activate WAP settings> Cell C: Send an SMS with WAP as the subject to 084 155 9911. MTN: Press *123*12# Call. Vodacom: Press *111# Call.
Includes a browser that allows users to access certain internet-based services from your mobile phone.
Wireless Application Service Provider. WASP provides enhanced applications to mobile users utilizing Network operator infrastructures. Applications include Bulk SMS, Ring Tones and Mobile Tracking.
World Wide Web. Another term for the Internet.
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