Vodafone Glossary
This glossary is to assist Vodafone customers to understand the most common terminology used within the mobile phone industry.
Active customer
A registered customer who has used their mobile phone for anything that will be charged either to themselves or another mobile phone user, within the previous three months.
ADRs
American Depositary Receipts. A certificate that US banks use to assist US shareholders in trading shares with regards to non-US companies. ADRs used by Vodafone are traded under the symbol of VOD on the New York Stock Exchange.
ADSs
American Depositary Shares. Each Vodafone ADS equals to 10 Vodafone Group Plc normal shares.
Airtime
The amount of time spent speaking on a mobile phone. Most users are charged according to how many minutes of airtime they used during the billing period.
Airtime Provider
The company that sells a customer services that are provided by Vodafone or any other mobile phone company.
Authentication
Technology utilised by Vodafone to prevent fraud. The technology uses a variety of variables in order to create confidential values that verify the authenticity of each user.
Bluetooth
A requirement for short-range wire-free connectivity that allows users to connect to a number of communication devices wirelessly.
Broadband
High-speed internet connectivity - with Vodafone this is wireless transmission, and allows ultra-fast receipt or transmission of various multi-media materials
Coverage
The area in which a mobile phone can receive or make calls.
Data Products
These are services and products that use the Vodafone network that don't relate to voice services, and include MMS, SMS, and Internet browsing and downloads.
DTMF
A facility for sending tones with multiple frequencies from a mobile phone across a network, whereby each number transmits a unique sound when pressed. Some information services and voicemail make use of DTMF.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service, available on many mobile phones.
Hands-free
An important safety feature available with most mobile phones today, this allows users to speak on their phone while driving, without lifting the phone to their ear.
MMS
Multimedia messaging. Ability to send photos and other multimedia via cellular phone.
Mobile Phone
A phone that can be used anywhere within the coverage range provided by your mobile service provider.
Prepaid / Pay-as-you-go
The term used for customers who don't have a cellular phone contract with their service provider. There are no rental fees involved with this, and credit is purchased in advance.
Repertory / Memory / Speed Dialling
A feature that enables users to dial up to 99 or more numbers that are stored in the phone's memory without having to input the number each time you want to call it.
SIM Card
Subscriber Identity Module. This is a smart code used in cellular phones that contains the user's network identity and stores personal information, for example phone numbers. Free SIMs here.
SIM Only
Say goodbye to long contracts with a Vodafone SIM Only monthly plan. With just 30 days notice if you need to cancel. Simply drop the SIM into your existing phone to enjoy the great rates. Read More.
SMS
Short message service. Basic text message.
Super SIM
The Most Sim Only Texts for £10 a month!
VGA
Video Graphics Array. Vodafone's SX862's 854x480 screen offers two to three times the image display of most other mobile phones, and provides more detail than the average VGA computer display.
16:9
Vodafone's SX862 combines widescreen viewing in 16:9 ratio with incredible sound quality, making movies and videos easily enjoyed with your mobile phone.
