Scans Channels:

A scan for the closest cell site near you is made, so that you can get the strongest signals possible due to your location at the moment. 

Sends Message:

The phone then sends a short message to the cell site verifying the MIN, ESN, and the number that you have just entered to call. 

Assigns Channel:

After verifying the above information and your number, the base assigns a message to your phone, telling it where the conversation is. Talk: The phone then gets on that channel and begins to ring.

A cell phone has become easily accessible today, as it can fit in most pockets. A decent cell-phone will be available starting Rs. 5000/- and of course, the sky is the limit if you want an expensive model. Another thing to note is that cell phone prices are going down as the market becomes more competitive. 

Small is in. At least where the cell phones go. The new tiny single-chassis phones are called "candy bar" models, a reference to their shape. Many weigh less than 200 grams, battery included. The familiar squat flip-phones -- those that open like communicators from the old "Star Trek" -- also are ultra-light. 

Batteries are getting smaller too. New nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are smaller and lighter than the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries, but often provide about 40 percent less power. The latest batteries are the Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and the Lithium Polymer batteries, which are of superior quality.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) is a standard performance testing association for cell phones. Like an ISI seal, it too has an approval seal.

EVERYTHING ABOUT SHORT MESSAGING SERVICE (SMS)

SMS (Short Messaging Service), is a unique feature, which allows the user to type out the message from his mobile phone, and send it across to another cell phone at very nominal rates offered by the service providers. The messages sent and received are either in text or graphics, once again depending on the phone model. This communication process is less expensive, clear, precise and essentially quick.

SMS has become a vital part of correspondence in cell phones off late. It allows the user to send and receive messages locally, nationally and internationally at the most reasonable rates possible. Mr. Kunal Gupta, technology officer of a software company thinks that SMS is the finest feature one could ask for in a cell phone. "Today I can dispatch and obtain messages from anywhere in the world. What more can one ask for in the name of globalization." Mr. Gupta further adds that this function being value added and cost effective is the right thing happening at the right time. The youth of today as well considers SMS as 'cool and hip'. Moreover, SMS gives its users a chance to send, receive and check their email at the prevailing rates. Reading your horoscope and sending greetings form a part of this feature as well. In a few mobile phones, this feature is further enhanced in the form of chat. Multi SMS and Multi Chat are the current trend whereby several people can chat simultaneously with each other. Rooms such as teens, singles, etc., are available to make chatting more interesting and fun. Particularly famous in large groups, multi chat is catching on as the new fad in teen groups and social gatherings. Putting a smile on many a face, now you can message smileys too.

GPRS

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a new non-voice value added service that allows information to be sent and received across a mobile telephone network. It supplements today's Circuit Switched Data and Short Message Service. It is a step ahead to provide a massive boost to mobile data usage and usefulness. Payments are made as per data volume, instead of per minute pulse rate. You need to pay a fixed rent around Rs. 750 per month, after which you can surf for unlimited hours. Except for one thing, as a developing technology, the net connection is a slow process.

BENEFITS OF GPRS

• Surfing the internet.
• E-Mailing.
• Fast transmission of text documents, spreadsheets, photographs and illustrations; mobile chatting and on-line games.
• A round the clock net connection, even when you are on the move.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR GPRS?

To begin with, a mobile phone or terminal that supports GPRS.

A subscription to a mobile telephone network that supports GPRS. Knowledge of how to send and / or receive GPRS information using their specific model of mobile phone, including software and hardware configuration. 

A destination to send or receive information through GPRS. Whereas with SMS this was often another mobile phone, in the case of GPRS, it is likely to be an Internet address, since GPRS is designed to make the Internet fully available to mobile users for the first time.