Mobile Phone Networks & Phone Deals

A mobile phone, cell phone or simply mobile phone, sometimes shortened to just mobile, cell phone or hand phone, can make and receive phone calls over a mobile radio frequency signal while the individual is moving in a phone service zone. Mobile phones are a great way to stay connected when you are on the move, but they are also a handy tool when you need to call someone but are abroad from a landline. While a mobile phone can be used in a traditional telephone store or at the office, mobile phones are more convenient for most people because they are always with you. You never know when a call might come in and you don't want to miss it, so instead of waiting for a friend or family member to pick up your mobile phone just moments before you need to speak with them, a call can be placed immediately.

Most new mobile phones today come with an External Data Terminal or antenna. This is what allows the individual to make calls and also receive calls even when they are abroad from a cell phone or handheld handset. The antenna usually receives signals from a base station. Most base stations are powered by a rechargeable battery or a power adapter that you plug into a cigarette lighter or an outlet in your car. If you are abroad and can't connect directly to a base station, there are many wireless hot spots throughout most cities where you can connect to a base station and then connect your mobile phone to the receptionist that will beam the signal around the city.

One benefit of owning an External Data Terminal is having an Internet connection at all times. Most smartphones have cellular network connections that allow you to surf the Internet and send email messages at the same time. By using your smartphone as an External Data Terminal you can surf the Internet, send email messages and also use a cellular network to make calls while you are abroad.

Because most modern smartphones have a cellular data port, you can set up your External Data Terminal to act as a portable hotspot so that you can connect to the Internet whether you are traveling abroad or at home. You can purchase a separate external modem and router for your home and then connect your smartphone to the same or separate modem and router at your base station. Some base stations even allow you to set up multiple Hot Spots at once for a low monthly charge. Many of these systems can also be configured to scan for available wireless networks in your region and connect to them automatically.

A newer trend for mobile phones is that most now come with a miniature version of themselves that can be used with their respective External Data Terminals to access the internet and make calls. These mini units can usually connect to networks like GPRS and CDMA to allow you to make local, STD, and mobile calls. The mini-units are typically more expensive than the typical Mobile Phone Network Terminal but are often more functional and convenient.

As the popularity of smartphones continue to grow, so will the number of devices capable of connecting to a mobile phone network. Currently, there are over fifty different wireless networks and several hundred cell phone brands currently on the market. The question becomes how can you decide which network and/or phone brand to use? One option is to visit an electronics retailer and simply ask the sales associate that network and/or phone they recommend for you. Alternatively, you can do some research on your own and find out what specific brands and models are best for your lifestyle.

Another option for researching your choice of mobile phones and mobile phone networks is shopping online. Simply visit any major search engine and enter in the keywords "cellular mobile phone networks" to find out which type of network or phone brand to purchase. It is also very important to find out about the deals and discounts that various retailers are offering. Many retailers offer free shipping and/or activation incentives when you buy from them. These coupons can be used at local retailers or online.

Finally, there are several different online stores that offer the best selection of mobile phones, smartphones and other mobile devices. At such sites you will be able to read reviews by real mobile phone users as well as browse through the latest and newest mobile phones on the market. Once you have decided which type of mobile phone or network to purchase, make sure to read through the mobile phone company's contract terms. Be sure to understand all of the fine print and don't forget to ask any questions that you may have. After all, you'll be holding the new mobile phone for quite some time, so make sure it is something you will like using!