FAQ

Q. What are wireless phones?
A. Wireless telephones are hand-held phones with built-in antennas, often called cell, mobile, or PCS phones.

Q. How do they work?
A. When you talk into a wireless telephone, it picks up your voice and converts the sound to radiofrequency energy (or radio waves). The radio waves travel through the air until they reach a receiver at a nearby base station. The base station then sends your call through the telephone network until it reaches the person you are calling.
When you receive a call on your wireless telephone, the message travels through the telephone network until it reaches a base station close to your wireless phone. Then the base station sends out radio waves that are detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the signals are changed back into the sound of a voice.

Q. What type of handset work in Philippines?
A. The handset should be GSM 900 / 1800 compatible.

Q. What parameters should be kept in mind while purchasing a handset?
A. 1. Your budget
   2. Battery Type
    3. Stand by and Talk Time
   4. Size, Weight and aesthetics
   5. Compatibility for SMS, WAP or GPRS etc. if required
    6. Availability of features like vibrate alert or port for connectivity with laptop if required
   7. Other features like last calls record, phone memory, clock, alarm, calculator, games etc. should be checked before purchase according to your requirement. Some features are network dependent also.
    8. If looking for camera phone, go in for the ones with larger display, better resolution, more memory, flash and zoom.
   9. Fond of music then check for FM Radio and MP3 player. Phone memory, MMC card support and strong battery are important considerations for heavier audio or video files.

Q. What to choose GSM or CDMA? How to choose a Service provider?
A. GSM and CDMA are the two main competing network technologies deployed by cellular service provider’s world over. Understanding the pros and cons of both the technologies will help you make right decision according to your requirement.
Consider the following while selecting a Service Provider:
1. First of all you must check which Service Providers are providing services in the areas where you will be using your phone.
2. If you want National or International Roaming then also check whether the Service Provider you have chosen facilitates roaming in the regions or countries where you visit frequently.
3. Cost of owning a handset
4. Cost of having a connection
5. Fixed monthly expenses
6. Usage charges.
7. Also it is helpful to check with the people using mobile in your area for the quality of service.

Q. What are Post-Paid and Pre-Paid SIM Cards. Which SIM card should be purchased to keep the cost minimum?
A.  In case of Post-Paid SIM Card you get monthly bill according to your usage while in case of Pre-Paid you use a fixed amount which is included in the cost initially. Pre-Paid cards can be recharged using recharge coupons available in different denominations.
To keep the cost control, buy a Pre-Paid Card. You get STD & ISD also without any security deposit. Post Paid cards offer various price plans and is better option if the usage is high.

Q. What are the types of batteries available and which is the best?
A. Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, Lithium Polymer, Nickel Cadmium. Lithium Polymer batteries are considered better.

Q. What is the correct procedure of charging a battery?
A new battery should be charged for about 3-4 hrs. For the first 3-4 times this makes the battery seasoned for better results and longer life. Battery should be charged only when it gets fully discharged since all the batteries are designed for certain charge cycles which should not be wasted by semi charging. Also half charged battery when put for charge, start showing false charging quickly even when the battery has not charged fully. When such batteries are put to use, they get discharged also very fast. After the initial charging as above one should follow the normal charging procedure as displayed on the handset or given in the handset manual.

 

Q. What is PIN number and what to do if SIM gets blocked?
A. As soon as you insert a SIM Card in any Handset it asks for PIN (Personal Identification Number) which is a password that is known to the authorized user only. The PIN code can be set to protect your SIM card from unauthorized use.
To prevent continuous attempts to 'guess' the PIN number the SIM card automatically gets locked-up after three consecutive wrong entries. If the SIM card is locked-up, the "Blocked" message will appear and an unlocking code will be needed. Further repeat wrong entries of PIN may lead to damage of card.
The blocked SIM can be then opened through PUK number (PIN Unlocking code) which can be obtained from your service provider after establishing your identity. The PUK is an 8 digit code available with your cellular service provider. Also one should remember that 10 time’s successive wrong entries of PUK number may damage the SIM card forever.

Q. What are the functions of a SIM card?
A. 1. SIM Card carries the user's identity for accessing the network and receiving calls.
    2. All calls are charged against their SIM card account.
   3. It is also equipped with a memory to store telephone numbers along with names.
    4. It also enables you to send and receive short messages (SMS).

Q. How to protect your SIM card from getting damaged?
A. 1. Insert and remove SIM card carefully and don't do this frequently.
    2. Do not scratch, bend or twist the SIM and never write on it.
    3. Keep your SIM away from extensive heat.
    4. Keep cleaning your SIM cards once in three months with soft cotton to remove any possible dust particles.
    5. Keep the unused SIM wrapped in clean, non-sticky paper at a safe place.

Q. What is an IMEI number of the mobile handset and how can we get it?
A. The IMEI number is a 15 digit number unique to a mobile handset which can help in tracking your mobile phone if it is lost. Just key in *#06# on your cellular phone and it will display its IMEI number. Note it down safely.

Q. What is Android?
A. Android is a mobile phone operating system created by Google. It allows users to install applications from the Google Play Store and to synchronize Google services into their devices (Mail, Calendar, Contacts, etc.)
Analogy: Windows is for PCs, OS X is for Macs

Q. Are Android and Google services free to use?
A. Yes, but you need and Internet connection to make the most of them.

Are all the apps on Google Play free?
A. Not all, check the app descriptions to make sure

Do I need a Google/Gmail account to use Android?
A. No, but you won’t be able to access Google services (Gmail, Google Docs, etc)

How can I get a Google Account?
A. Sign up via your phone (data rates apply) or via your PC.
Phone: Settings > Accounts > Add Account