Mobile Phone Jargon

PAYG

PAYG stands for pay as you go, these are phones where you pay in advance for airtime or calls, sometimes known as Pre-Pay. No contract or monthly billing requirements, you generally pay more for the purchaser of the phone but only pay for the calls you make.

Contract

This is when you sign up to a network and commit to a fixed amount per month, the contract usually ties you in for a set period between 12-18 months, although you will receive an agreed amount of free calls and text messages within the contract deal. Some contracts offer incentives, such as free gifts

Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless technology is a small chip installed within a device, the chips in 2 different devices talk to each other creating a wireless network, mobile phones, PDA’s and many other devices can exchange data over the wireless connection – Bluetooth is generally a short range connection, normally up to around 30 feet. When using hands free headsets for mobile phones, the 2 devices would pair using Bluetooth.

Hands Free

A feature that allows you to talk without lifting your mobile handset – useful for when driving.

The laws relating to mobile use whilst driving are getting stricter, from 1 December 2003 it was made illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving, from 27 February 2007, anyone caught using a mobile whilst driving will have 3 penalty points added to their license and a £60 fine, the current fine is £30.