Mobile Phones

What can I do with a Mobile phone?

Mobiles are not just for making calls there are lots of things you can do from them:

• Take photos
• Film
• SMS (Short Message Service)
• MMS (Multi Media Message Service)
• WAP access and web browsing
• Bluetooth
• Downloads

How do Mobile phones work?

When you communicate using a Mobile to chat or text, this information is sent and received from your phone using two-way radio waves (also known as electromagnetic waves). These radio signals are sent from your phone to your nearest base station – a transmitter which allows you to connect to other Mobiles and telephone networks. So, as long as you are within range of a base station (i.e. can get a signal) you can make calls to any other telephone.

SMS

SMS stands for Short Message Services. Sending SMS messages between Mobiles is more commonly known as text messaging or “texting”. It allows you to send short messages normally via text to and from Mobile phones, landline telephones, PDAs and the internet.

MMS

MMS is short for Multi Media Messaging Service. Like SMS, you can send use MMS to send and receive messages to Mobiles or other enabled devices, however you cal also send pictures, photographs, sounds or videos. Please visit the Netiquette section of the website for more information on how to communicate with Mobiles!

Bluetooth

Bluetooth devices contain a radio chip which allows you to connect to other devices which also have this chip, such as Mobiles, PDAs, laptops, even your monitor, mouse, keyboard or printer.

The devices connect using a range of radio frequencies which allows you to send data or files directly without the need for cables. On your Mobile for example, you can use Bluetooth to exchange photos, music or send messages.

Be aware that you may not know those who you share Bluetooth information with.  Here are some tips to stay safe using Bluetooth:

• Only accept files or messages from Bluetooth users if you know who they are.
• Keep your Bluetooth connection switched off when not in use
• You can normally hide your device from other people using bluetooth even when the radio is switched on, it will stop people you don’t know from contacting you.
• Always use a PIN code or password to connect with Bluetooth, it makes the connection more secure and harder for strangers to listen.

What can I download from my Mobile phone?

Many Mobiles allows allow you download music, games, ring tones, wall paper or screen savers to and from your Mobile, either from your Mobile provider (e.g. Orange, Vodafone), Internet Service Provider (e.g. Yahoo) or a website. In addition Services such as Three Mobile and Vodafone Live will allow you to watch the latest clips from your favourite TV programmes, film trailers or even let you watch the latest sport news.

What price you pay for downloads will vary with what you download and who you download it from. Real and polyphonic ring tones are expensive and can vary in price from £1 – £3. You will pay about £1.50 – £3 for one music track and games may be more expensive still, from £1 – £5.

Some providers will offer to let you download music and games for free, for example some subscription services may offer you a free trial. It is important to remember that companies, websites and subscription services usually offer free services as a way of getting you to sign up to their services or as a way of advertising their products and services. In addition some dishonest services may use free downloads to sign you up or charge you for a service without your permission or realising what costs are involved.

Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls when downloading files to your mobile phone:

• Look for services which are clear about how much they are charging you and what the service includes
• A really good download service will tell you exactly what charges are involved and how much it will cost before you download something
• Check the Terms and Conditions of an service or website offering downloads.
• Look for services which have clear information about exactly how much you will pay, what you will be charged for and for how long.
• You should also be given information on how to use the service, how to stop using it and where to contact if you have any problems or enquiries.

Internet Enabled Phones

Location based technologies

Mobile Theft

Mobiles are valuable items and so often targeted by thieves.   Here are some tips from protecting your mobile from thieves:

• Try not to attract attention to your phone when you are carrying it or using it in the street, only use it when you really need to.
• Do not leave your phone unattended – this only makes it easier for thieves!
• Use your phone’s security lock if it has one – see your phone manufacturer handbook for details.
• Record details of your electronic serial number (ESN) – this is usually underneath the battery in your phone.
• Find it out if your phone has an IMEI number – this will help you if you need to report your phone stolen (see below for more details).
• Property mark your phone with your postcode and door number to help police identify stolen ones.
• Report a lost or stolen phone to the police immediately (see the reporting section).
• Inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost –  they can submit your details to the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) database, which aims to “block” the Mobile phone across all UK networks within 24 hours.

IMEI Numbers

An IMEI number is a 15 digit number which is unique to your phone and will help it to be identified if lost or stolen. You can find this on an adhesive label on the inside of your phone or by typing *#06# (star hash 06 hash) into your Mobile phone. If you have an IMEI number, this will be displayed as a 15 digit number  

Reporting abuse

If you are receiving abusive or bullying calls, messages, emails or other communications, you may want to talk to your local police for advice and help. You can find your local police force by looking on:

http://www.police.uk/forces/forceslist.asp

You should also contact you Mobile service provider. Contacts for the main networks are provided below:

Tesco Mobile
Telephone : 0870 900 4455
Email : support@tescomobile.com
Website :www.tescomobile.com

3 Network
Telephone : 08707 330 333 or 333 from a 3 handset
Email : Click “Contact us” on the 3 website
Website :www.three.co.uk

02
Telephone: 0870 521 4000
Email : ncb@02.com
Website :www.02.co.uk

Orange
Telephone (monthly pay): 07973 100 150; 150 from an Orange handset
Telephone (pay as you go): 07973 100 450; 450 from an Orange handset
Email: Click “Email” on the Orange website
Website :www.orange.co.uk

T-Mobile
Telephone : 0845 412 5000 or 150 from a T-Mobile handset
Email : Click “Help and advice” at the T-Mobile website
Website :www.t-mobile.co.uk

Virgin Mobile
Telephone : 0845 6000 789; 789 from a Virgin Mobile handset
Email : theteam@virginmobile.com or click “contact us” at the Virgin Mobile website
Website :www.virginmobile.com

Vodafone
Telephone (malicious calls): 191 for operator
Telephone (texts/picture messages/web): 08700 700191 monthly pay; 08700 776655 pay as you go
Email : Click “Contact us” on the Vodafone website
Website :www.vodafone.co.uk

BT Mobile
Telephone : 0800 3287 526
Website :www.btmobile.bt.com/