Jargon buster Bandwidth: The amount of information that can be
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transmitted In a given time over a communications link; often measured in kilobits per second (Kb/sec). This is a useful measure of the speed of a data service.
GSM (Global System for Mobile communications): The current standard for mobile phones, it is a "second-generation" (20) system.
SMS (Short Message Service): Text messaging, in which messages of up to 160 characters can be sent direct to another phone or group of phones.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol): The system which allows GSM phones to connect to the Internet for viewing web sites and transferring data files.
HSCSO (High-Speed Circuit Switched Data): A faster, packet-based "2.50" system for exchanging data over a GSM phone—limited availability now.
GPRS (General Packet Radio System): An even faster "2.50" data transfer system—available early in 2002.
UMTS: A super-fast third-generation (30) packet-based data exchange system—available in 2003.
Bluetooth: A short-range (10-50m) radio system for allowing electronic devices to communicate with each other—available now.