Nov 22, 2010
HOW MOBILE PHONES WORKS
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HOW MOBILE PHONES WORKS & HOW TO BUY A MOBILE PHONE
The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card holds a microchip and slips into the handset allowing you access to a mobile phone network. This network is made up of a series of base stations that send signals used by mobile phones. The area covered by each of these base stations is called a cell and cells overlap to make up a coverage area. Whenever you switch a mobile phone on it will connect to the nearest base station. As you move around you may get closer to another base station in another cell. When this happens, the network will automatically switch your phone to the other base station.
If the base station that your phone is switched to is already working to its full capacity it cannot take in your signal. If this happens you may get a drop out and your phone will not work in that area. Dropped calls can also happen when you are in an area where cells do not overlap.
If you are on a plan you will still need to pay the monthly contract fee. Some network providers offer insurance for your mobile but make sure you read the conditions and any exclusions before buying it.
If you use security features like PIN numbers and code locks your mobile is more likely to be recovered in the event of theft. And you are less likely to have to pay for calls a thief might try and make! If you are unsure how to use these features your retailer will be happy to help.
Engraving your initials and driver's licence number on both the phone and battery makes your mobile harder for a thief to sell.
Press *#06# to find out your phone's unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number. Note the number down and keep the details in a safe place.
If you've bought both the handset and connection to a mobile phone network with a network service provider you will need to see that provider about problems with either the handset or the service connection. If you have bought a package from a retailer, problems with the handset may need to be directed to the retailer, while problems with the service to the mobile network should be directed to the network service provider. Check your paperwork, it should be explained there. If you have billing problems you should contact the number supplied on the bill.
In all cases the first step is to contact the retailer or network service provider to try and sort out the problem. Be calm and assertive and have any documentation such as the network service connection agreement, receipt or bill handy. Ask to speak to a supervisor or manager.
If you are still unsuccessful, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) for problems with a network service provider on 1800 062 058 or at www.tio.com.au or Fair Trading for problems with a retailer concerning a handset or pre-paid mobile phones. The TIO will also investigate complaints about faulty handsets where the handset was bought as part of a contract or bundled deal.
If the base station that your phone is switched to is already working to its full capacity it cannot take in your signal. If this happens you may get a drop out and your phone will not work in that area. Dropped calls can also happen when you are in an area where cells do not overlap.
Coverage
Before selecting a particular mobile phone network you need to make sure that the network covers the areas where you will be using the phone. To do this you can look at coverage maps. These maps show you the geographic areas that are covered by specific network service providers. However, coverage maps don't show flat spots or shadows where the phone will not receive a good signal. To find out precisely if the areas that you are interested in are covered you should contact the network service provider directly.Before you buy a handset
Before you decide to buy a handset check the following:- that your handset has an A-Tick. The A-Tick is a compliance mark developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for telecommunications equipment. It gives consumers confidence that a telecommunications product meets the safety and technical standards set by ACMA.
- clarify with the seller that the phone can do what you want it to do and have them put it in writing.
- the servicing agreement. Where will you need to take the handset for repairs if this is needed.
- the warranty. Are spare parts covered? Is the labour covered or will you need to pay for this separately?
How pre-paid works
If you don't want to sign a contract you can elect to pre-pay for your mobile phone service. These pre-paid services are referred to as "starter kits" and provide you with:- a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card that slips into the handset and allows you to access the mobile phone network.
- a limited number of call plans. You will need to choose one.
- a recharge card. These cards are similar to phone cards and hold a certain amount of call credits. You use up the call credits when making phone calls. How far the credits go will depend on how often you use the phone and the call plan that you have chosen.
- the terms and conditions of use.
What if your mobile phone is stolen?
If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your mobile phone company immediately to suspend your service. This will prevent unauthorised calls being made.If you are on a plan you will still need to pay the monthly contract fee. Some network providers offer insurance for your mobile but make sure you read the conditions and any exclusions before buying it.
If you use security features like PIN numbers and code locks your mobile is more likely to be recovered in the event of theft. And you are less likely to have to pay for calls a thief might try and make! If you are unsure how to use these features your retailer will be happy to help.
Engraving your initials and driver's licence number on both the phone and battery makes your mobile harder for a thief to sell.
Press *#06# to find out your phone's unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number. Note the number down and keep the details in a safe place.
Things to consider when comparing mobile phone warranties
When you get a warranty with a handset there may be conditions attached. Make sure you read the warranty paperwork and know what is covered by the warranty. Clarify anything you are not sure of with the seller and get this in writing so there is no confusion later. Things to ask the seller include:- Where can the repairs be carried out?
- Are labour, transport and spare parts included?
- Is a substitute handset provided while repairs are being made?
- How long is the warranty?
When things go wrong with your mobile phone
First, identify the individual or organisation that you are contracted to, and check if the problem is covered by a warranty.If you've bought both the handset and connection to a mobile phone network with a network service provider you will need to see that provider about problems with either the handset or the service connection. If you have bought a package from a retailer, problems with the handset may need to be directed to the retailer, while problems with the service to the mobile network should be directed to the network service provider. Check your paperwork, it should be explained there. If you have billing problems you should contact the number supplied on the bill.
In all cases the first step is to contact the retailer or network service provider to try and sort out the problem. Be calm and assertive and have any documentation such as the network service connection agreement, receipt or bill handy. Ask to speak to a supervisor or manager.
If you are still unsuccessful, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) for problems with a network service provider on 1800 062 058 or at www.tio.com.au or Fair Trading for problems with a retailer concerning a handset or pre-paid mobile phones. The TIO will also investigate complaints about faulty handsets where the handset was bought as part of a contract or bundled deal.
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