Mobile Phones
There are so many mobile phones and tariffs available today, buying one can be very confusing. We've made it easier, with our Mobile Phone Buying Guide. Just click on a link below, to jump down to further information about the DAB area you're interested in:
Our Range Of Mobile Phones
The mobile phone revolution looks to be unstoppable. The chunky house bricks of the 1980s have been replaced with lightweight, slim handsets; featuring the latest voice, camera, music entertainment and data technology, combined with a strong sense of fashion.
We stock a wide range of the latest Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) handsets, across 5 mobile networks*: O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange & Virgin Mobile, offering you greater choice & flexibility between tariffs. You can top up your credit with vouchers, swipe cards, and in some cases even from cash machines. The advantage is you only pay for services you actually use (and there's no surprise bill at the end of the month).
Features
Here's our guide to features, and mobile terminology to help you decide which Pay-As-You-Go phone best suits your needs.
Bluetooth
A wireless connection, which works over a range of up to 10m. and enables compatible devices including Mobiles, PDA's and Laptops to transfer data without the use of cables.
3G
3G offers you a wide range of high speed mobile services, including video calling and messaging, e-mail, games, photo messaging and news and information services.
GPRS ( General Packet Radio Service for Mobile Internet Browsing)
Allows you to browse the Internet or send picture/video messages quickly on your mobile & only get charged for what you use, i.e. viewing an Internet page, instead of the time you are using the service. (Please note costs are network dependent).
HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access)
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access is a new 3.5G protocol for mobile telephone data transmission which will mean you'll be able to download videos and music, send emails and make video calls faster with your mobile phone.
WAP
WAP pages, essentially web pages adapted for the smaller screen, which can be accessed by mobile phone users to get the latest information on a range of topics from sports results to shopping.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit number given to every mobile phone. The IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06# & usually printed inside the phone under the battery. You should keep a note of the number incase you need to report the handset lost or stolen.
PUK Code
If you incorrectly enter your PIN code 3 times in a row, the SIM will lock up and you'll need to enter the PUK code to release it. Please contact your network provider if/when needed.
Video messaging
Let your friends & family see and hear what's going on by sending a video message. You can also add a photo, text or voice clip and send to anyone with a compatible video messaging phone.
Document Viewer
New Sony Ericsson Walkman feature. Allows you to record a few seconds of a song and get track, artist and album information sent to your phone in seconds.
Shake Control
New Sony Ericsson Walkman feature. You select a song from your play list randomly at the flick of your wrist.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
Multimedia Messaging Service is used by camera phones to send pictures, sound and text all in one message. If the person you're sending to doesn't have a MMS phone, they'll receive a text asking them to access a website that will display your message.
Calling to / from abroad
Multimedia Messaging Service is used by camera phones to send pictures, sound and text all in one message. If the person you're sending to doesn't have a MMS phone, they'll receive a text asking them to access a website that will display your message.
Calling to / from abroad
Your network will change from your usual UK mobile network provider to a local network when abroad for better coverage & reception - referred to as roaming. Please check your UK tariff for making /receiving calls abroad before travelling as the costs may increase.
Tri band / Quad band
Most mobile networks transmit our calls on the standard GSM900 and GSM1800 Bands. These standards are used all over the world in many countries. If you want to use your phone in Canada or the USA make sure it is a Tri-band phone. Quad band phones will work anywhere in the World.
Transferring your phone number
Keeping your existing phone number is much easier than having to pass out a new one to all of your contacts. You'll need to contact your existing provider to get a PAC code which you will need for your new provider. Please note that existing credit will not be passed to your new network provider.
Memory cards
These will expand the space on your phone for storing files such as music, pictures and video clips. Different phones take different cards: when buying a card (Micro-SD, and M2 are the common ones) please make sure the one you buy will fit your phone.
MP3
Most mobile phones contain radios and MP3 players. Listen to music when not making calls through built in speakers, headphones or even external speakers.
GPS navigation
Some mobile phones now include GPS navigation so there's no need for a separate navigation device. Please note a network specific fee may be charged for this service.
Geotagging
Some mobiles now include geotagging which is used to tag multimedia on your phone using standard GPS information so you'll be able to arrange your photos and videos by date, time and location. Great for looking back on holidays and keeping your memories alive as you'll be able to view your travels by the route you took including the pictures and video for each location.
Hands free Legislation
It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. This includes making or receiving calls, pictures, text messaging or accessing the internet. You must pull over to a safe location if you want to do any of these things.
It is permissible to use a hands-free mobile phone, Bluetooth headset or Bluetooth hands free kit but it should be noted that they too can be distracting and where there is evidence that the driver does not have proper control of the vehicle, because of using a mobile phone, a fine can be issued.
