So you’re in the market for a new cell phone. Okay, great. Were you thinking about something 4G, or are you going analog? In which case, dual mode is probably the way to go, don’t you think? Do you have a preference between CDMA or GSM? Ya take MMS with your SMS? Android or Symbian? You could always jailbreak or unlock your phone, but we can talk about that after your ESN and MIN are assigned. Whattya say, QWERTY? Pretty confusing, huh? We feel your pain. So here’s a list of mobile buzzword definitions to get the conversation started, and the comprehension going.

2G – Short for “2nd Generation,” an older standard for mobile telecommunications. Most mobile phone manufacturers are now focusing on 3G and 4G technology.
3G – Short for “3rd Generation,” an international standard for mobile telecommunications. 3G phones allow faster and more advanced data services than previous 2G and 2.5G devices.
4G – You guessed it. It’s short for “4th Generation.” 4G is currently the most advanced standard for mobile telecommunications. 4G phones offer faster and broader services than previous 2G and 3G devices. Unless, of course, you’re referring to the band 4G, aka The Four Gentlemen of the Guitar, who are currently not the most advanced standard for mobile telecommunications.
ACCESS FEE – A fee your local telephone company charges for the right to connect with its network. Most mobile phone users are required to pay this charge.
ANALOG – An early mobile phone technology that is now primarily used in rural areas. Analog phones generally offer less clarity and fewer services than digital phones, the current standard. Users who live in areas that only offer analog may wish to purchase a dual mode phone, which works with both technologies. Or, failing that, a short length of string and some cans.
ANDROID – A synthetic organism or automaton created from biological material that resembles a human that will surely destroy us all … also, a popular operating system for mobile phones. Android was developed by Google. It’s open source, which means developers and phone makers are free to make changes to it as they see fit (for the most part).
APP or APPLICATION – A software program that runs on a mobile device. Apps can be purchased or downloaded for free via the web or from a phone. They are used to customize smartphones, increase functionality and provide entertainment … like fart noises.
BLACKBERRY®– Mobile phone company best known for producing smartphones such as the Curve, Pearl and Storm.
BLUETOOTH® – Short-range transmission system that allows compatible devices (i.e. a phone and a headset) to communicate without wires, and courageous people to appear to communicate with themselves in the grocery store.
BROADBAND – Communications network that allows multiple data (i.e. voice messages and video clips) to be transmitted simultaneously. Broadband service generally enhances the speed at which a mobile device can send and receive information.
CALLING PLAN – Package of services purchased by mobile phone users. This usually includes both a monthly base service fee and a per-minute usage fee.
CARRIER – Company that provides mobile phone service, i.e. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon. Carriers are not to be confused with manufacturers, the companies that produce the physical phones, i.e. Nokia, BlackBerry, Samsung.
CDMA – Code Division Multiple Access. One of the world’s two major mobile network technologies. (GSM is the other.) CDMA allows many signals to travel on the same frequency. In the U.S., CDMA powers Verizon and Sprint mobile services.
DATA PLAN – Package of services purchased by smartphone users. Charges are based on the amount of data a phone uses across all of its functions, as opposed to traditional calling plans whose charges are based around per-minute usage fees.
DIGITAL – The current standard for mobile phone technology, digital service is faster and more functional than previous analog technology. Most mobile phone users in the U.S. are served by digital networks.
DUAL BAND – A technology that allows a mobile phone to function on more than one frequency. (i.e. both 800 and 1900 mHZ.) Not to be confused with a band duel, which is an argument between musical rivals.
DUAL MODE – Technology that allows a mobile phone to operate on both analog and digital networks. Not to be confused with duel mode, the cutthroat, head-to-head fight to the death, battle mode popular with video games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
ESN – Electronic Serial Number. A unique identification number programmed into every mobile phone by the manufacturer. Monitoring of ESNs helps mobile providers prevent fraud. Not to be confused with MIN.
GPS – Global Positioning System. A system that allows users to track their exact latitudinal and longitudinal location by timing transmissions from a series of satellites.
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication. One of the world’s two major mobile network technologies. (CDMA is the other.) GSM divides signals to allow multiple messages to travel on the same frequency. In the U.S., GSM powers AT&T and T-Mobile services.
HANDS-FREE – Function that allows you to use a mobile phone or accessory without hands. It’s also an impressive, but pompous-looking way of riding your bike.
JAILBREAKING – A term for unlocking a phone’s operating system to allow third-party unsigned code, such as unofficial apps, to run. Also, probably the title of Lil Wayne’s inevitable made-for-TV biopic.
mHZ – Megahertz. A unit of frequency that is the base for all mobile communication. Most mobile phones in the U.S. operate on 800, 850 or 1900 mHZ.
MIN – Mobile Identification Number. A unique identification number assigned by the carrier. The MIN monitors wireless signals every time a call is placed with a specific phone and helps prevent fraud. Not to be confused with ESN.
MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service. A utility that allows for sending multimedia content like photos and video between phones.
MOBILE BROADBAND – Wireless high-speed Internet accessed via a smartphone (or other compatible device) provided by cellular carriers.
MOBILE HOTSPOT – A device (which sort of looks like a hockey puck) that allows you to share wireless Internet with up to five Wi-Fi devices. Some phones can create their own Mobile Hotspot.
POSTPAID – Mobile phone contract in which the user pays for service at the end of a specified term of use. Generally this includes a flat monthly fee along with added charges for additional minutes of usage. Most standard mobile phone contracts are postpaid.
PREPAID – Mobile phone contract in which the user pays for service in advance. A user purchases a set amount of talk time, and the phone provides service for that amount of time only.
QWERTY – Mobile phone keypad layout that mimics the design of a standard computer keyboard. Named for the first six letters on most English-language keyboards. Also, an unfortunate, androgynous name for a kid.
ROAMING – Term for mobile phone use outside of a set service area. In the recent past, most mobile providers assessed fees for roaming minutes, but thankfully, many have eliminated this practice in the interest of competition. Also the subject of a sweet B52’s song.
SERVICE PLAN – Rate plan agreed upon between a mobile service provider and user. This generally includes a flat monthly service fee, a predetermined rate for additional minutes of usage and a set selection of services (text messaging, voicemail, etc.).
SIM CARD – Subscriber Identity Module. A small chip, or card, implanted in mobile phones that stores data such as user identity, contacts, location and phone number. SIM cards can easily be switched from one phone to another to allow for upgrading to new phones without switching numbers or losing contact lists.
SMARTPHONE – Mobile device that provides an array of features beyond making and receiving calls. Smartphones are powered by mobile operating systems. They generally provide access to email, Internet and external applications and feature an interface like a QWERTY keyboard or touchscreen. Smartphones typically also feature still and video cameras, GPS systems, music players, calendars and organizers.
SMS – Short Message Service. The utility component that allows users to send short text messages between phones that is largely to blame for the deterioration of the written word. U No WOT we mean, QT? ☺
STANDBY TIME – Length of time a fully charged battery takes to run out when a phone is turned on but not being used.
SYMBIAN – A mobile operating system. It’s open-source and it is commonly found on phones made my Nokia.
TALK TIME – Length of time a fully charged battery takes to run out when a phone is in continual use.
UNLOCKED PHONE – Mobile phone that allows the user to switch out SIM or RUIM cards, making it easily adaptable to a variety of carriers. Unlocked phones are especially useful for international travelers, like this guy.