I’m off to get an iPhone plan so that I can use GPRS and Wi-Fi through the 3G network on my mobile phone.

Know what I’m on about? If you do, you sure know your MPA’s (mobile phone acronyms). For those who aren’t in that very selective group of MPTE’s (mobile phone tech experts), below is a list of commonly used mobile acronyms, so that you can choose your mobile phone and mobile phone plan with confidence:

2G – 2nd generation
3G – 3rd generation
A2PD – Advanced audio distribution profile
CDMA – Code division multiple access
EDGE – Enhanced data rates for GSM evolution – this data transfer service can deliver speeds up to 384Kbps.
GPRS – General packet radio service
GSM – Global system for mobile communications
HSDPA – High speed download packet access
IMEI – International mobile equipment identity – every mobile handset has one! Tip: Find out what yours is by dialling *#06#.
KB – Kilobyte. 1000 kilobytes equates to 1 megabyte.
Kbps – Kilobits per second.
MMS – Multimedia messaging service, or better known as picture messaging. MMS runs via GPRS.
MP3 – MPEG Audio Layer III.
MPEG – Mobile picture expert group
QWERTY – A QWERTY keyboard is a full keyboard that has the letters arranged in the same way as a common PC keyboard (or typewriter!) QWERTY refers to the layout of the first six keys. To verify this, look downwards if you’re at a computer.
SD Card – Secure digital card. SD card capacities usually range from 1 MB to 4 GB.
SMS – Short message service
USB – Universal serial bus – a USB cable will plug your mobile into the computer so that you can sync the two devices.
WAP – Wireless application protocol is used to access the web from your mobile phone
Wi-Fi – Wireless fidelity. Mobile phones that have Wi-Fi can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi hotspots.