Your own network coverage will be limited to your own country. If you travel then you need to be able to tap into other mobile networks wherever you go.
To determine if you have a global handset you should consult your manufacturer or mobile phone provider to find out where the phone can be used anywhere in the world. For many people this means up to around 200 countries but it does vary.
Most smartphones have been developed now to be global as the market has become very competitive and manufacturers are all trying to outdo each other, creating more and more complex phones to entice the consumer.
In the Beginning
The first smartphones did not have the capability to be global handsets. It is widely considered that the first smartphone to have global capacity was the BlackBerry, launched by RIM in 2001.Global Features
There are a number of features which global handsets share and these include not only the ability to work in a variety of countries but also the ability to send and receive calls and texts, the addition of a QWERTY keyboard in one form or another, email capability, an in-built camera, a variety of software for different apps and Internet browsing, among other features.If a smartphone is a global smartphone then it uses an open operating system. This means that the user is able to add apps as needed to the handset and then use them to play games, carry out word processing tasks, process data and other tasks.
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Global Operating Systems
A standard non-smart mobile phone has a closed operating system, preventing the handset from being used as a miniature computer.This is how many people have come to view their mobile phones and they will use them for a variety of everyday tasks including updating email, searching for information online and even doing the weekly grocery shop. The development of apps means that there is very little that your smartphone cannot help you with.
Operating systems such as Apple’s iOS, the Android operating system from Google, Symbian from Nokia and Windows Phone are all open systems and most people will be using one or other of these. The advantage of having one of these operating systems means that no matter where you are in the world it is easier to stay in touch than it used to be.
The only thing that you have to be aware of is the cost of using your smartphone in another country. Some providers have very high charges for this although it is possible to get a good deal if you are able to inform them in advance or get the right phone package to begin with.
Is Your Phone Global Capable?
A global smartphone is something that you may have in your pocket right now but may not realise that it has this capability. Even if you are someone who only uses the phone for calls, texts or to check the occasional email, the knowledge that it is able to do so much more can be very reassuring.
Phil TurnerAbout the Guest Author:
Phil Turner is looking for a new global smartphone, but the first thing he has to check is the network coverage map on the operator’s website, because he lives out in the country.
