Mobile Phone FAQ’s
Can I use my phone with a Sim card from another network?
With handsets bought without any Sim card, exchanging the Sim shouldn’t be a problem. The exception is if you’ve bought a handset to use on the Orange network. Orange has software embedded on phones supplied for use on its network, and claims this offers useful extra services that are often not part of that handset’s standard software. This is why Orange handsets carry an Orange badge, and this practice also means these handsets cannot be used on another network unless factory settings are restored by a dealer – this may invalidate the handset warranty. Other networks often lock their phones so they can only be used with the original Sim card, this is known as Sim-locking. Your network can provide you with a special code to unlock your phone for use with other Sims, but may charge you to do this.
What should I do if my phone is stolen?
Inform your network, or service provider, as soon as possible so it can bar your account. This will limit your liability for any further fraudulent calls made, but you’ll still have to pay for any made before you notified them. If you had previously noted down the handset’s 15-digit IMEI number (accessed by typing *#06# into the phone, but sometimes found on the original packaging too, the network should be able to block that handset from working on any other UK network, making the phone worthless to the thief. If you have mobile phone insurance, or the phone is covered under your house contents policy, check the terms and see if you’re able to claim.
Does the sound quality of phone calls vary according to which network I am connected to?
The two frequencies currently used by the main operators – 900 MHz and and 1800 MHz . In the past there has been differences in the call quality of these 2 frequencies. However, these quality differences between these 2 frequencies is now minimal. But the network coverage can also have a substantial effect on sound quality, so it’s best checking which mobile network has the best network coverage for your area.
How much actual difference is there between phones in terms of sound quality?
There are only slight differences between handsets in intelligibility of calls. A less obvious factor is how the phone fares in places where the signal coverage is poor. There is only a slight difference between the selection of your handset and the sound quality. Some phones can maintain a link in mobile phone ‘black spots’ much more happily than others.
What is predictive text?
It helps you write text messages more quickly. For example, instead of pressing the 7 key four times to enter the letter ’s’, predictive text allows you press the key only once. It also attempts to predict the word you’re typing, based on which keys you have pressed – giving you a choice of words, where several could be created from the same combination of keys. Once you’re used to the system, it makes writing text messages much faster. Predictive text is found on almost all new mobile phones, and it now considered a standard feature on most mobile handsets. .
Can all phones be used with Apple Mac computers?
The short answer is no, they can not. For many users this won’t matter, but if you’re buying a music phone and intend to add tracks saved on your Mac it could be a real problem. If in doubt, check manufacturers’ websites for information. Unless they actively specify that their model is Mac compatible, it’s likely that it won’t be.
How reliable are manufacturers’ claims regarding battery life?
In reality, signal strength will play a large role in determining the battery life – the weaker the signal, the harder the phone has to work to maintain a connection.
Is there a standard mobile phone charger?
At present each mobile phone charger can be used with only a few ranges of mobile phones. This has resulted in a wide range of mobile phones on the market, the result of this is hassle for users where they can only recharge their phone with one type of mobile phone charger. However, the main mobile phone manufacturers are presently developing a mobile phone fitting that has a USB charger fitting that will allow owners the ability to recharge their mobile phone directly from a PC or laptop, in the same way that their MP3 Player is charged.
