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Cellular Telephone Services

Cellular Telephone Services

There are three main types of cellular phones being sold today: portable, transportable and mobile.

Portable Cellular Phone:

A small battery powered cellular phone most often smaller than a cordless phone used in the home. These portable cellular phones are limited to .6 watts of power to extend the battery life and for safe usage when holding the cellular phone next to the head while placing a call. The cellular phone battery life is typically over 14 hours of standby time (waiting to receive a call) and 150 minutes of talk time. Most portable phones come equiped with NiCd or NiMH batteries, both battery types self-discharge yet the batteries will stay charged for weeks if the cellular phone is not used.

Transportable Cellular Phone:

Transportable cellular phone, or "bag phone" is essentially a cellular phone with the handset, transceiver, antenna and optional battery packaged together in a carrying case. The transportable cellular phone is plugged into a car cigarette lighter or can operate off of a portable battery pack for use anywhere. This is a larger cellular phone that is approximately the size of the a typical telephone used in the home that has the dial buttons in the handset. The transportable cellular phone also has increased operating range of up to 2 miles over the portable cellular phone because it is operating at a full 3 watts. The transportable cellular phone has a handset with dial buttons that is connected to the cellular transceiver by way of a coil cord. Although technically "portable", the transportable cellular phone should not be confused with the handheld, one-piece portable cellular phone.

Mobile Phone (Also called a car phone):

This type of cellular phone is installed in a vehicle. A mobile unit is attached to the vehicle, draws its power from the vehicle's battery and has an external antenna.

Cellular Phone Accessories:

The cellular phone accessories are optional accessories that the cellular phone owner might consider to make the use of a cellular phone more convenient. These accessories include extra batteries, vehicle antennas, battery chargers/conditioners, battery eliminators, handsfree kits, and leather cases. The most popular cellular phone accessories are the extra batteries and the battery eliminator.

Hands Free:

An important safety feature that's included with most of today's mobile phones. It permits drivers to use their cellular phone without lifting or holding the hand-set to their ear. It is the policy of the State of Vermont that State employees will use only hands free phones in state vehicles or while on State business.

Analog vs. Digital Cellular Phones:

Compared to analog phones, digital phones have the following advantages:

  • They use less power than analog phones
  • They are usually smaller and come with smaller batteries
  • Much better selection of digital phones
  • The sound quality is generally better

Digital phones have the following disadvantages:

  • The older analog networks offer coverage over a large territory in rural areas while digital service is still only concentrated in urban areas.
  • They are more expensive
Cellular Phone Safety:

Following is the cellular phone safety policy as issued by the Secretary of Administration, effective November 1, 2000.

PURPOSE: It is acknowledged that the use of cellular telephones while driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents. The purpose of this policy is to promote safety in the use of Cellular Telephones in state vehicles and privately owned vehicles used in the performance of state business.

GUIDELINES:

  1. Always give your full attention to your driving.
  2. The use of cellular telephones while operating a vehicle is prohibited unless the phone is properly equipped with "HANDS-FREE" accouterments.
  3. Always suspend conversation during hazardous driving conditions.
  4. Do not take notes or look up telephone numbers while driving.
  5. Dial calls sensibly when you are not moving or before you pull into traffic. Use speed-dial buttons whenever possible.
  6. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving.

CELLULAR EQUIPMENT
All necessary devices to mount hand-held cell phones in a vehicle and hands-free devices are available through the State of Vermont Contract for Cellular Service which is managed by the BGS Telecommunications Section.

File Icon  Cellular Equipment and Service Rates

For more information, please contact the DII Support Center.

DII Support Center: (802) 828-3544
or Email: dii-helpdesk@state.vt.us