One of the fastest developing telecommunication technologies is the whole area of mobile communications, which we currently look upon as the GSM telephone handset. The GSM handset is also the focal point in the converging world of voice, data, and fixed-line and mobile communications.

Virtually all GSM handsets are now capable of handling voice and data traffic. Internet access via GSM is currently, slower than fixed-line access but it is available and it does suffice for those of us constantly on the move.

Those who need faster access can now take advantage of Etisalat's new GPRS service (M- NET). These capabilities are further enhanced by the convenience of international roaming, providing (virtually) world-wide contactability for both voice and data.

Web services developed specifically for GSM use are accessed by WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) enabled, GSM handsets. WAP services are also increasing with many organizations now servicing their internal, remote communications requirements through the use of WAP technology.

Other features of virtually all GSM handsets include speed dial capabilities (putting all those frequently used numbers at your fingertips), whilst some handsets even provide very effective, voice activated speed dialing. Other features include auto redial, hands free systems and fax capabilities.

With all these capabilities there is one huge problem – the decision to purchase – which manufacturer, which model, when, how much....

The first golden rule in selecting a new handset is to purchase a GSM handset with the facilities and features you need and are likely to use. Unused features might be great to talk to your friends about but they just confuse your purchase decision. So starting with 'making and receiving voice calls', define the features that you use and require on your mobile handset.

The next step is to decide where you will need to use it. For most users a dual-band handset will service their roaming requirements but those who travel to the US regularly may require roaming services in US and therefore, a tri-band handset. Those roaming in the US should also be aware that international, GSM roaming services are only available in certain areas of the US and if you regularly travel to parts of the US outside these areas then a tri-band handset offers no benefit to you. It cannot be stressed enough that roaming services are only available in countries and with carriers that Etisalat have a roaming agreement with.

The next consideration will be battery capacity. Standby time will indicate how long the battery will operate with the telephone switched on but with no active calls in progress. Talk time will indicate how long the battery will operate on active calls. Talk time is always many times lower than standby time because of the extra drain on the battery. You need to make some estimation as to how long you will be away from re- charging opportunities and how long you will spend on calls during that period. Remember, the battery is the heaviest part of your handset and in many cases, the bulkiest so it is important that you get it right.

Now you can examine the extended features of the product which may be broadly categorized into four section.

Integral Voice Features assist you in making or receiving standard voice telephone calls. These features include speed dial, auto re-dial, vibrate alert, noise canceling features as well as caller display and data stored on answered and unanswered calls, as well as calls made. For some users it is important to have some indication of costs being incurred. Call barring features are also helpful particularly when roaming and the ability to block transmission of your own caller identification can be very useful as well. Some handsets feature internal voice mail systems which can save costs. Remember, however, you need to turn this feature off if you want to control telephone bills while you are roaming.

Integral Data Features assist you in sending and receiving data. These features include SMS messaging (a very essential tool of the modern, mobile toolcase), fax capabilities and web access (GPRS + WAP(Peripherals such as GSM modems are also available. Infrared ports are very important for some laptop users and for most PDA users who use their mobile to allow their PDA access to the Internet. Another nice feature within the infrared capability is the ability to synchronize contact books from your standard desktop or laptop to your mobile.

 Multi-Media Messaging Service, or MMS as it is more commonly known, is the multimedia evolution of SMS messaging. Compared to SMS, which allows users to send and receive short text messages of a maximum of 160 characters, MMS messages allow users to send, receive and forward pictures, drawings, photos, animations, audio voice and limited video content on the mobile network.

The primary use for MMS is mobile phone to mobile phone as well as to and from a content provider application to a mobile phone and to and from a mobile phone to an e-mail address. The service will also allow users to send an MMS to a non-MMS enabled phone. In such cases, the recipient will get an SMS message informing them they have an MMS message, which they can view on the Internet.

For MMS setting, click here

Network Features are provided by the Etisalat GSM network and are supported by the GSM handset. These features include voice mail services, call diversion (on no answer, on busy, all calls etc( and message notification.

Miscellaneous Features are features which cannot be classified. They range from short memo recorders (very useful for noting ideas and events that occur during the day for later inclusion in a diary or to do list) to entertaining games. Other very useful features include the ability to program hot-keys for frequently used menu options saving time scrolling through the menu in the normal way and an ability to program preferred carriers to use when roaming.

Some of the features are often only noticed by their absence. Such features include battery power meters, lighted keypads and variable ring tones.

The introduction of Etisalat's M-NET GPRS service is ushering in a whole new set of features and capabilities for mobile subscribers.

At Emirates Telecom Lab we ensure that mobile phones meet international standards  and are compatible with the Etisalat networks