Q: What are GSM and CDMA?
A:
Both are common technologies used by cell-phone networks for transmitting
information: GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, and CDMA
stands for Code Division Multiple Access.
Q: What is the difference between GSM
and CDMA?
A:
They are two different wireless technologies and are not compatible with each
other. A GSM cell phone cannot operate using a CDMA network and vice versa.
Also, CDMA phones in North America do not utilize SIM cards. GSM service
providers in the U.S. include T-Mobile and Cingular/AT&T, while Verizon
Wireless and Sprint use CDMA technology.
Q: What is Tri-band and Dual-band?
A:
A tri-band phone operates at three supported frequencies, such as
900/1800/1900 MHz or 850/1800/1900 MHz. A dual-band phone operates at two
frequencies, such as 850/1900 MHz or 900/1800 MHz.
Q: I want to use my Hop-on phone in
another country. What do I need?
A:
Since GSM is the most prevalent system worldwide, a GSM phone is recommended.
However, the band used in the United States is different from that of Europe
or Asia. You need to make sure that your phone supports the band used in the
country. Below is a list of bands used worldwide:
Area
|
Band
|
USA/Canada
|
1900
|
Europe
|
900/1800
|
Middle East
|
900/1800
|
Africa
|
900/1800
|
Asia
|
900/1800
|
Australia/New Zealand
|
900/1800
|
Caribbean
|
800/900
|
Q: What is a SIM (Subscriber
Identification Module) card?
A:
The SIM card is what allows your cell phone to access the network. It contains
your saved phone numbers, and is transferable if you switch phones. Simply
switch the SIM card into the new phone and your phone number and other
settings stay the same.
Q: Does my Hop-on phone include a SIM
card?
A:
No, you will have to obtain a prepaid SIM card from a local service provider
using the same network as your phone.
Q: What is an "unlocked" cell phone?
A:
With an unlocked cell phone, you can use another service provider's SIM card,
provided that it is on the same network. With a locked phone, you can only use
a certain service provider with that phone.
Q: Can I download ring tones and
pictures to my Hop-on phone?
A:
Your Hop-on phone must be capable of downloading ring tones and pictures.
Please refer to the product specifications of your phone.
Q: What is a polyphonic ring tone?
A:
Polyphonic tones use multiple tones instead of just a single tone to make a
melody.
Q: What is the difference between "talk
time" and "standby time?"
A:
Talk time is the total time a battery can power a phone while the cell phone
is being used. Standby time is when the phone is powered on and there is no
activity. Because talk time requires more power, it is much shorter than
standby time.