Data and Fax services are now available on Mobile GSM. With these services, a Mobile GSM user can send and receive fax and data.

Fax Service

With the fax service, a GSM phone can be used to send and receive faxes. On the GSM system fax calls are treated different to normal calls. A separate telephone number (other than the existing GSM number) is therefore required for fax service. There are two ways in which the fax service could be used:

i) With a fax compatible mobile handset and a computer with fax software.

When the mobile handset is connected to the computer and the appropriate software is installed, the computer will see the mobile phone as a fax modem. Hence faxes can be sent and received using the fax software installed on the computer. When receiving faxes, the caller must use the number assigned to the fax service. Fax calls received on the normal GSM number (voice number) will not function properly. When the phone is being used for sending and receiving fax, it cannot be used to make or receive voice calls.

ii) With a fixed cellular terminal and a standard fax machine.

A fixed cellular terminal (FCT) is an equipment, which provides a normal two-wire telephone line using a standard GSM subscription (SIM card). The telephone line provided on the FCT can be used with a standard fax machine to send and receive faxes. The only difference is that when receiving faxes, the caller must use the number assigned to the fax service. Fax calls received on the normal GSM number will not work properly.

Data Service

When data service is enabled, a GSM phone can be used to send and receive data calls. A separate telephone number (other than the existing GSM number) is required for data service because on the GSM system data calls are treated different to normal calls. Data services including the Internet can be accessed with a data compatible mobile phone and computer. However, the maximum available data speed will be 9600 bps. For incoming data calls, the dedicated data number must be used.

Data and Outgoing Only (Internet Access)

This service can be used for access to applications that does not require incoming data calls. The most common application for the service is Internet access where only dial out is required. All aspects of data service mentioned above are common to this service too. Incoming data calls are not allowed with this service and hence, a separate number is not required in this case.