Mobile phone can often be a headache

Buying a mobile phone can often be a headache. We've answered a few of frequently asked questions to help aid your purchase.

Third-generation research of mobile phone standards

3G is a third-generation research of mobile phone standards. The benefits of a 3G network as opposed to a 2G network include the ability to support greater number of both voice and data clients, and higher data rates. 3G networks are as well capable of video calling. Telstra's Then G, Optus and Vodafone are current, Australian examples of service providers with 3G networks.

This depends on intended usage. For minimal usage, a pre-paid account is ideal as you can easily keep track of your expenditure and pay only when you need credit. If you intend to make a lot of calls, at the time a monthly billing system would be more appropriate, as they as a rule offer cheaper call rates than a pre-paid account.

SMS stands for Short Message Service and is the sending of short text messages to and from mobile phones. SMS messaging is a standard feature on all mobile phones. Receiving SMS messages is free of charge, however sending them costs 25 cents across most networks in Australia. Some networks may offer discounted rates for SMS messages sent across their own network.

Video calls can be made on a 3G network, provided your phone has a front-mounted camera for video calls and your service provider supports this feature. Video calls are as a general rule charged at a higher rate than a regular voice call.

Caller ID is a service that transmits the caller's telephone number to your mobile phone during it is ringing. Furthermore, if the number is saved in your address book, the caller's name will display instead of just the number.

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and is the sending of messages that include multimedia just as images, audio, video and text. MMS is standard on most mobile phones, and costs more than an SMS.

Music and/or video player

If your mobile phone includes a music and/or video player, yes. Many new phones and smartphone include these, and they allow you to store and at the time playback a number of multimedia files on your phone's screen.

Depending on the phone's features, it may be capable of browsing the Internet, listening to FM radio and MP3 music, recording video and voice, taking photos, and even making VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls. Many smartphones as well allow you to install third-party apps that will add moreover features.

In many Australian states it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle during talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit. There are many types of hands-free kits, from earpieces to portable Bluetooth devices and even dedicated kits that are built into your car.