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[Job] [WebSite] [Mobile Phone] [Investment] [Credit Card] [Pension] [Car] [Home] [Business] [Computer] [Loan] [Insurance Policy] [Savings Account] [Graduate Account] Mobiles — FAQ's :: How do the networks define local calls? If I change network will my number change? Can I switch networks if I already have a contract? Do I have to pay to change tariffs within my current network? What is the difference between analogue and digital networks? What are the benefits of a digital network? Can I automatically make calls abroad? Mobiles — AnswersHow do the networks define local calls? BTCellnet – Class the dialling code that you are in and 3 surrounding codes as local. One2One – Class the dialling code that you are in and all bordering dialling codes as local. Orange – Treat local and national at the same rate. Vodafone – Class the dialling code that you are in as local. If I change network will my number change? No. You can change network and tariff and still keep your existing number. If you switch from a contract to a prepayment tariff on a different network you can keep your number. However, transferring may be subject to a charge of £25 + VAT.
Can I switch networks if I already have a contract? Yes, subject to completion of the minimum contract period of your existing phone. Do I have to pay to change tariffs within my current network? This depends on the network you are with. Some networks will let you swap to one of their other tariffs for free, others will charge you. Changing your handset whilst keeping your exisiting number and network tariff. You may wish to upgrade for the following reasons:
Each network has a different process and price for doing this. All digital handsets contain a Subscriber Identity Module card. This intelligent card carries information such as the phone number of the handset and contact names and numbers. The SIM must be inserted into the phone for it to work. What is the difference between analogue and digital networks? Both are ways of transmitting speech, although analogue networks are now being replaced by digital ones. BTCellnet and Vodafone operate both analogue (TACS) and digital (GSM). Orange and One2One offer only digital. Analogue will be phased out by 2005. What are the benefits of a digital network?
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the international standard for digital cellular phones. There are different GSM frequencies in use but UK and European networks operate on GSM 900 or GSM 1800. These allow users to make and receive calls on either GSM frequencies. This has advantages in better network access and in greater roaming options. Each network sets up roaming agreements with foreign countries to allow their users to use their phones abroad. The number of these agreements is constantly increasing. Can I automatically make calls abroad? No. You need to be on a digital network to do this. You must then find out if your network has an agreement with the place you want to go. Your service provider must then enable your phone for roaming. There may be a charge, deposit or additional credit checking for this facility. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is the standard by which some mobile phones can access the internet. Only web sites and other services specifically designed to the WAP standard are accessible. There is a limited amount of information and services currently available, though this is growing steadily. All networks' contract tariffs allow WAP access. Of the prepayment packages, only BTCellnet's currently includes this feature. A WAP-enabled handset is also required. Certain phones support fax and data communications which means that you can link your mobile to a laptop (which contains communications software) and use it to send e-mails, faxes or to access the internet. The government department with responsibility for regulating the telephony market in the UK. OFTEL's consumer helpline is 0845 714 5000. |
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