| The mobile phone is an electronic device used for mobile telephony and test messaging over a cellular network of specialised base stations called cell sites. Mobile phones are different from cordless phones which merely offer a telephony service. Mobile phones have become the most efficient form of short- and long-distance interaction. Along with the standard voice function, upgraded mobile phones can support plenty of additional mobile services and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, access to the Internet, phone gaming, Bluetooth, camera with video recorder and MMS option for sending and receiving pictures and video, MP3 player, radio and GPS.
Mobile phones are used for a scope of purposes, such as to be in touch with family members and friends, run a business and have access to a phone in an emergency. Some individuals own two or more handphones: one is used for business matters and another for personal use. Multiple handphones and multiple SIM cards are also commonly used to gain benefit from various calling options. For instance, one plan could offer inexpensive short-distance phone calls, another can be for cheap long-distance, and yet another for inexpensive international telephone calls or low-cost roaming.
Handphones vary from basic phones to upgraded phones, including cameraphones and musicphones. There are also smartphones that work as small portable PCs.
The world's biggest individual mobile operator is China Mobile with over 500 million handphone customers. The world's biggest mobile operator group by clients is Vodafone situated in the UK. There are more than 600 mobile operators and providers around the world. Over 50 mobile operators have over 10 million clients each, and over 150 mobile operators have leastways one mln customers by the end of 2008.
The chief mobile phone brands are Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, Blackberry, Apple iPhone etc. Due to the rapidly increasing competition on the telecom market, customers can select from a great choice of tariff options to meet their budget and purposes. Contract handphone deals and Pay-as-you-go are famous networking solutions that provide cost-effective tariff plans. |