Cell Phone Technology

One of the most interesting things about a cell phone is that it is really a radio. What does this have to do with your cell phone?

The most useful thing to know about the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is that it is an international standard. If you travel in Europe and many other parts of the world, GSM is the only type of cellular service available.

Nextel phones offer a service called Direct Connect that allows you to push a single button and connect with another Nextel user. Find out how this "walkie-talkie" feature works.

Cell phones have completely changed the way we communicate with one another. These days, they're as common as keys. But what makes them tick?

By Marshall Brain, Jeff Tyson & Julia Layton

I have both a pager and a cell phone that vibrate instead of ringing when I get a call. How does that work?

You're probably well-aware of the restrictions related to cell phone and laptop use on airplanes. But do you know exactly why they're in place?

There are two popular digital systems in the United States. One is generically known as "digital service," and the other is clearly branded as "PCS."