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N-AMPS (Narrowband AMPS)
Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service. Combines the AMPS transmission standard with digital signaling information to effectively triple the capacity of AMPS while adding basic messaging functionality. See also AMPS.

NAM
The Number Assignment Module (NAM) is a chip that stores a wireless device's phone number, lock code, timer reset code and other user information. The NAM is programmed by the service provider when a device is activated. The NAM also associates the Mobile Identification Number (MIN) with the Electronic Serial Number (ESN). Some wireless phones have dual or multi-NAM features which allows the user to have more than one phone number.

Narrowband PCS
Mobile and portable radio (including paging) services such as two-way paging, acknowledgement paging, voice paging and data services. These services are transmitted over a set of frequencies set aside by the FCC in 1994.

Network
In the wireless industry, a network refers to the infrastructure enabling the transmission of wireless signals. A network ties things together and enables resource sharing.

NiCd
A Nickel Cadmium or NiCd battery is durable, rechargeable and typically lasts for 700 charge and discharge cycles. If not completely discharged before recharging, the NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect that may reduce the life of the battery. See also Memory Effect.

NiMH
A Nickel Metal Hydride Battery, also referred to as a Ni-MH or NiMH battery, is a rechargeable battery that is capable of holding more power that a NiCd battery and suffers much less from memory effect. It is also typically more expensive than a NiCd battery. See also Memory Effect.

Numeric
Most often refers to messaging services that are capable of transmitting numbers only (no letters), or a wireless message that contains only numbers such as phone number page on a numeric pager. See also Alphanumeric.

Off-Peak Hours
Typically hours after the business day (usually after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. local time) and on weekends when wireless networks have less demand for transmission. Service providers often offer lower per-minute rates to calls placed and received during off-peak hours. See also Peak Hours.

PCMCIA/PC Card
PC Cards are removable, credit-card sized devices that may be plugged into slots in PCs and wireless communication devices to provide fax or modem functions or network cards. The acronym PCMCIA represents the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association which is a group of hardware manufacturers and vendors responsible for developing standards for PC Cards.

PCS
Personal Communications Service (or System). Generally, a marketing term used to describe a wide variety of two-way digital wireless service offerings operating at 1900 MHz. PCS services include next generation wireless phone and communication services, wireless local loop, inexpensive walk-around communications service with lightweight, low-powered handsets, in-building cordless voice services for business, in-building wireless LAN service for business, enhanced paging service as well as wireless services integrated with wired networks. A Personal Communications System refers to the hardware and software that provide communications services.

PIN
Personal Identification Number. In the context of wireless devices, the PIN is a code used in conjunction with a SIM card to complete a call or data transmission. See also SIM.

Pager, Page, Paging
A pager is a pocket-sized one-way or two-way radio receiver that sounds a tone or vibrates when it receives a transmission. Some pagers that are currently offered are capable of receiving numeric and alphanumeric messages. Some pagers are also capable of sending messages.

Peak Hours
Typically during the business day when the demand for access to wireless networks is high. Service providers typically charge full-service per-minute rates during peak hours.

Portable Phone
A one-piece, hand-held phone that includes battery power and may be used without any peripheral power or antenna. See also Mobile Phone , Transportable Phones.

Roaming
Using a wireless phone outside of your service provider's local coverage area or home calling area is referred to as roaming. Roaming arrangements between service providers expand the potential area for phone use. Service providers typically charge a higher per-minute fee for calls placed outside their home calling or coverage area. See also Coverage Area , Service Agreement.

SIM
A Subscriber Identity Module is a card commonly used in a GSM phone. The card holds a microchip that stores information and encrypts voice and data transmissions, making it close to impossible to listen in on calls. The SIM card also stores data that identifies the caller to the network service provider.

SMS
Short Message Service is a feature available with some wireless phones that allow users to send and/or receive short alphanumeric messages.

Satellite, Satellite Phone
Satellites orbiting in space above the earth receive, repeat and regenerate microwave signals.

Security Code
A number used to prevent unauthorized or accidental alteration of data programmed into wireless phones. The security code can be used by the owner of a phone to change the lock code. See also Lock Code.

Service Agreement
A business contract or agreement that outlines the services provided, and the costs for the services, by a wireless service provider. Service agreements typically include a monthly base rate (with included minutes) and per-minute charges for minutes over the monthly maximum. (Sometimes referred to as a Rate Plan)

Standby Time
The length of time a wireless phone or communicator is fully charged, turned on and ready to send and receive calls or data transmissions. Standby time, once stated in only hours and minutes, can now be extended to many days with current phone models. Standby time is affected by the amount of time the phone is used for talking because talking on a phone draws more energy from a battery than standby time does. Wireless devices depend on batteries for power; batteries slowly discharge their power and must be recharged and eventually replaced. See also Talk Time.

Symbian
Symbian is a bold new venture formed by Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, and Psion to create easy to use operating systems for wireless devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The first operating system is called EPOC and was launched earlier this year.

Synchronous Mode
Transmissions that are timed by a clocking signal and occur with equal time intervals between them. Synchronous mode does not require a start and stop codes as in asynchronous mode. See also Asynchronous Mode.


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