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scaling back Symbian, and abandoning it altogether in some markets, including North America, in favour
of Windows Phone 7.
System Access Fee: An often-called “bogus” added fee of about $7/mo. that many carriers used to
charge customers, but most have since removed.
T
Tablet: A new category of product that sits between a smartphone and a notebook/netbook. A tablet
ranges from about 7” to 10” in size, comes with a touch-sensitive screen, and runs a mobile operating system,
and WiFi and/or 3G connectivity. The category was arguably ushered in by the iPad, but the market
is now flooded with options from Android supporters, to Windows 7, and even the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Telus Mobility: After merging with Clearnet in 2000, Telus became one of Canada’s biggest three wireless
carriers. The company operates on the CDMA and LTE networks. In September 2009, Telus purchased
digital imaging retailer Black Photo Corp. for $28 million, helping to widen distribution of its products.
Tethering: The act of using a mobile phone as a modem to access the Internet on a computer. This
process is typically used by business travelers while on the go, allowing them to tap into a 3G wireless network,
for example, from anywhere in the world rather than searching for a WiFi network. Some carriers
worldwide, including Rogers, support this function with the new iPhone 3G S. Tethering can be accomplished
with many other mobile phones.
Text: (See “SMS”)
Texting Phone: Typically describes a basic bar, flip or slider-styled phone that comes equipped with a
QWERTY keyboard and is used predominantly for composing SMSs. While many do have the capability to
send and receive e-mail through a carrier service, they are designed mainly for the youth market, and to
accommodate the growing text messaging trend in that age group. (See “SMS”)
Touch-Screen: An LCD, most often at least 2” in size, that responds to the touch or swipe of one’s finger
or a stylus to perform functions like typing, selecting or manipulating items, and/or scrolling through
text or pages. Devices like the iPhone rely solely on touch-screens, while others, like the BlackBerry Torch,
also include pull-out physical QWERTY keyboard.
TTS: (Text-to-speech) The ability for a speakerphone or other device to convert text information to audible
speech. For example, a speakerphone that utters the caller’s name has TTS, while one that can only
dictate the phone number does not.
2G: Speeds are rated slower than with 3G (although typical bit rate is between 9.6 and 14.4 Kbps; 2G
with GPRS is typically 32-48 Kbps), but customers can still perform tasks like viewing Web pages and
sending/receiving e-mail with ease. Where a customer will likely run into issues is in viewing video content
or accessing large data files. 2G is quickly being replaced by 3G devices, while 4G devices are only now
beginning to hit the market.
U
Microsoft’s performance
has typically been
lackluster in the
wireless space, but
the new Windows
Phone 7 mobile
operating system
is making some
positive waves,
and is poised
to continue to
do so through
a new partnership
with Nokia.
UI: (User Interface) Describes the visual menu screens and navigation structure of a phone’s display. The
home screen, for example, is central to a phone’s user interface, as is the way that applications are displayed,
how icons are, or can be, arranged, and how information can be manipulated for access.
UMA Phone: Based on the Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) protocol that allows for automatic, seamless
switching from a cellular to a home-based WiFi Internet connection and vice versa. Use requires the
purchase of a special voice-optimized wireless router, which then allows the customer to make and receive
calls from his cell phone while at home without using up valuable plan minutes. But there’s also an added
monthly cost of $15-$20/month. If a customer has a landline at home and intends on keeping it, there’s
no real value in this function. It’s mainly for the growing group of people who rely exclusively on a cellular
phone for voice communication. It’s also no use to customers if they’re only home in the evenings and on
weekends and their monthly plan affords free calling during these hours.
Universal Accessories: A loose term signifying products that are compatible with a large number
of devices rather than only a few. For example, the iPhone and Sony Ericsson phones both use their own
proprietary connectors, while the BlackBerry and Samsung phones use mini USB standard “universal” connectors.
A microSD memory card is considered universal since it works with virtually any phone that will
accept a memory card. A standard leather case that fits most bar-shaped phones is a universal accessory
while a specially-fitted skin for the iPhone is not. Gadgets, like chargers, that come with tips that can
accommodate a great many phones, can also be considered universal.
Unlimited: Take the use of this term with a grain of salt, and never use it with a customer unless you
literally mean unlimited. In relation to voice minutes, this could mean the customer can chat for hours on
end during a specified period of time without incurring additional charges. The most typical time period for
this is evenings and weekends. In the case of data, many of the new carriers offer unlimited Web surfing
for fixed prices within their service zones.
Unlock: The act of opening up a GSM phone for use on any carrier service, by allowing for the insertion
of a SIM card into it. Most GSM phones come locked for use with that specific carrier. For example, many
consumers purchase phones from the U.S. then unlock them for use on the Rogers or Fido network.
Unlocking can be a simple (or arduous!) process, and many carriers or third-party companies charge a
small fee to perform it. However, it is not widely considered an accepted practice.
UNO: Fido’s brand name for its UMA service and product offerings. (See “UMA”)
V
Video Call: While video calls today are most often made through services like Apple’s FaceTime, or apps
like Skype, some carriers do afford video calling as a plan option. Video calls through mobile devices require
a front-facing camera that can display the caller’s face to the recipient on his screen, and vice versa.
Videotron: Already a major force in Quebec in home telephony, Internet, and TV services, Videotron
acquired a significant amount of wireless spectrum in last year’s auction within Quebec and Toronto, and
launched its own carrier service in 2010. Videotron was actually one of the companies lobbying for Industry
Canada to open the spectrum auction up to new players. (See “AWS”)
Virgin Mobile: Originally 50% owned by Sir Richard Branson’s The Virgin Group and 50% owned by
Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile sold its entire brand to Bell in early 2009. Playing in the “discount,” youth-oriented,
no-contract space, the brand continues to operate under the Virgin name, and will continue to be
supported by other Virgin initiatives, like Virgin Radio and Virgin Festival.
W
webOS: Palm’s operating system, which was acquired by HP along with the Palm brand. HP had made
moves to enhance webOS and launch a host of new devices based on the system, like the Palm Pre 3 and
Veer smartphones, and the TouchPad tablet. But in August 2011, HP confirmed that it would discontinue
operations for webOS devices, leaving the future of the platform up in the air. (See “HP”)
WiFi: Many mobile phones can connect to a broadband Internet hotspot or home wireless network to surf
without using up data on the cellular network. It works in the same way as a notebook: search for available
networks, enter a password if required, and surf away. Many phones, like the BlackBerry Bold and
iPhone, can store WiFi profiles, like home, work, or a coffee shop you frequent, then automatically connect
to them whenever they’re in range. If a phone detects WiFi, it will automatically override the cellular network
with that connection. However, note that voice calls will always be through the cellular network unless
you’re using a UMA phone and special router. (See “UMA”)
WIND Mobile: The brand name for Globalive’s wireless carrier service, which launched in late 2009.
The name hails from an established brand in Italy and Greece, owned by Orascom Telecom, which is a
majority owner in Globalive. That business setup has caused much controversy, which the incumbents
arguing that WIND should not be allowed to operate in Canada under that ownership structure, which is
contradictory to current Canadian legislation. WIND Mobile offers both voice and data services across
Canada, and has roaming agreements with Rogers for service outside of its coverage zones.
Windows Mobile: Microsoft’s operating system for mobile devices. It mimics the Windows OS for
PCs, with streamlined versions of software like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Media Player, and
Windows Live Messenger. Phones based on this platform typically also come with instant access to services
like Windows Live and Hotmail e-mail, and can seamlessly sync with a Windows PC, Microsoft Outlook
e-mail client, or corporate exchange server. The latest version, Windows Phone 7, is the most robust yet,
adding things like Xbox Live connectivity. With Nokia confirming that it will focus on Windows 7 phones
going forward, the platform is poised for growth in 2012.
WiMAX: As a next-generation extension to traditional WiFi, WiMAX permits wireless access for up to 50
km rather than the paltry 30-100 metres that 802.11 WiFi can provide. It offers download speeds of up
to 2-4 Mbps, peaking at 10 Mbps. The idea with WiMAX is to make switching between a cellular and athome
broadband network seamless, so that one can remain connected as he walks out the door, into the
car, and travels across the country.
World Phones: Offered through Bell and Telus are a limited selection of devices that are said to be
able to operate on both the CDMA network (in Canada and the U.S.) and the GSM network when traveling
abroad. Essentially any phone available through the Rogers network can be considered a “world” phone
(although countries like Japan require that a device operate on the 3G network, and no foreign cell phone
works in Korea!)
X, Y, Z
Zoompass: A mobile money transfer service developed by Bell, Rogers, and Telus through a newly-created
company called Enstream. Sign up for an account online, connect it to an existing debit or credit card
account, then download the app to a compatible phone. Then, you’re able to send and receive money with
other Zoompass users via the phone. The eventual goal for Zoompass is to merge money transfer and
mobile payment capabilities into one so that both can be achieved via a phone. (See “NFC”) MN
WIRELESS TIMELINES
1973: The first modern cell phone, the DynaTAC portable radio telephone, is built by Motorola,
although it does not reach the consumer market at this time.
1983: The first truly commercial cellular telephone service launches in Chicago by Ameritech. Analog
cellular system operates on Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS). The 28-ounce DynaTAC phone
becomes available to consumers in 1984.
1985: The first cell network is set up in Canada, offering analog service (voice only). The first phones
available tip the scales at 1kg, cost $5,000, and offer just 30 minutes of talk time.
1996: Digital cellular service launches in Canada, offering better voice quality, and essentially marking
the dawn of wireless data (call waiting, text messaging, multi-media file exchange, etc.)
1997: Cantel AT&T becomes the first wireless company in Canada to offer Digital PCS services nationwide.
2000: Rogers AT&T Wireless announces plans to build Canada’s largest GSM/GPRS (integrated wireless
voice and packet data network) in 2001, setting the stage for commercial deployment of 3rd generation
wireless services.
2001: Bell Mobility, Microcell Connexions, Rogers AT&T Wireless, and Telus Mobility join forces to
develop an initiative that will enable inter-carrier, mobile text messaging for digital wireless customers
across Canada.
2005: There are 15.3 million wireless service subscribers in Canada, representing 50% penetration.
2008: Apple’s highly-anticipated iPhone 3G becomes available in Canada in July, and quickly
becomes the best-selling phone in Rogers Wireless’ history.
2008: Industry Canada sets aside a portion of the wireless airwaves for potential new carriers to bid
on, marking a major leap in competition in the Canadian wireless arena.
2009: There are more than 22 million wireless subscribers in Canada, representing approx. 70% of
the population, and more than 80% in greater metropolitan areas.
2009: Bell and Telus launch their GSM/HSPA networks, placing them in direct competition with Rogers.
2010: The first iPad ships in April, ushering in a whole new category in wireless, and spawning competitors
like Samsung’s Galaxy series and Motorola’s Xoom. Three-million iPads sell in 80 days; 14.8
million worldwide for the year. Wireless revenue in Canada totals $18 billion.
2011: There are 24.7 million wireless phone subscribers in Canada, with smartphones quickly
becoming the fastest growth area. In March, the second-generation iPad launches, and 15 million
units sell instantly making it yet another runaway success. Meanwhile, RIM cuts 2,000 jobs worldwide,
Nokia confirms it’s dropping Symbian and supporting Windows Phone 7, and Google buys
Motorola’s mobility business.