Unified Handsets is the future, Cellular Phone Etiquette

In the times to come cellular users need not to worry about the compatibility of their handsets with GSM or CDMA technology. Presently, a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) handset cannot be used in a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network and vice-versa. GSM and CDMA systems are competing technologies. Currently worldwide GSM users are 870 million as compared to CDMA's 164 million. The advantage of GSM technology is its large global coverage. In near future the phones will be able to identify the technology standard being used in a specific network and tune itself to receive the signals. This is according to Mr. Arun Netravali, president (emeritus) Bell Laboratories, USA, who has around 70 patents to his credit in the fields of computer networks.

Cellular Phone Etiquette   Cellular phone users community is advised to use their mobile phones in a responsible manner and to be considerate and aware of situations where using their mobile phone might disturb others. The mobile phone industry wants as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of mobile telecommunications. So please remember to follow these simple courtesies. Leave the room: Whenever possible go outside or to another room to make your call if your call might disturb others. Also, features such as text messaging, call diversion and vibration alert can be used to receive important calls without disturbing others.
Take permission: Respect the people around you by using discretion when you make or take calls in company of others. You should be courteous to the people with you by asking their permission to make or take a call.
Be Brief: When you get a call and you're with friends, keep the call short.
Speak softly: Mobile phones have very sensitive microphones that can pick even the softest voice, so there is no need to shout. If you are having trouble hearing the other caller, check that you have the volume on your phone set high enough.
You don't always have to answer: It's a natural reflex to answer your phone if it rings, however, if you forget to put your phone on silent or vibrate mode and it rings at an inappropriate moment, send the call to voice mail or your answering service (usually by pressing the hang-up key).
Talk to the one you're with: If you receive a call during a conversation, send the call to your voice mail or answering service. Your first priority should be to the person you are with. However, if you are expecting an important call let the person you're with know before the call arrives and excuse yourself before accepting the call.
Just turn your phone off: There are some places where people should never talk on a mobile phone or send text messages and where the ringing of a mobile phone or message alert is considered highly unacceptable, such as: movies, stage shows,  funerals, concerts, speeches, classrooms, lectures, business meetings, seminars,  places of worship. In these cases, turn your phone off and remember to check it's off before you enter the venue. You can always check your voice mail, text messages or your answering service afterwards.
Turn to vibrate mode: If you need to keep your phone on for important calls, then turn it to silent or vibrate mode. It's the ring of a mobile phone in inappropriate places and times that annoys people the most.
Keep your conversations private: People's sense of personal space varies in each situation. Making a call in a busy pub may be okay, but talking loudly in a confined space like a lift or on a train tends to infringe on others personal space. Be aware of where you are and who you are with and what others are doing before deciding to make or accept a call. In some situations it might be better to send a text message.
Turn off external speaker: If you're in a public place, turn off your phone's external speaker to minimize any disturbance and to respect your contact's privacy.
Don't send inappropriate messages: Messaging is a great way to communicate, but don't send offensive or threatening text, voice, picture or any other sort of message, because it is a criminal offense to use a mobile phone to menace or harass someone. Also receivers can save messages and easily identify you as the sender.
Respect others' privacy when using camera phone: In-phone cameras shouldn't be used anywhere a normal camera would be considered inappropriate. Privacy of persons around the user of the camera phone should be respected. Camera phones should not be used to take photographs of individuals without their knowledge and consent. Camera phones should not be used to take photographs in public places deemed ‘private’ like swimming pools, changing rooms, gyms etc. Users must respect individual office, educational or industrial environment where confidentiality of design, information is a matter of great importance. Camera features on the phone should not be used in these areas, without the prior approval of concerned authorities. Camera features on phones should not be used in areas, where cameras are not encouraged or prohibited, like airport, high security zones, museums, cinema theaters and live performances. Camera phones should not be used to shoot and circulate objectionable content. It is illegal and punishable by law.
 
Ban the ring not the phone: Wherever conversations are normally acceptable, venues can help by asking people to turn their phones to silent or vibrate mode rather than turning it off. This approach will help with compliance, especially for people who need their phone for important calls. Venues can also assist by reminding people to set their phones to silent mode, before they enter.
Adhere to posted signs and instructions: Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.
 
Don't use mobile phone while Driving: It is not only very dangerous, but also unlawful in most countries  ( including India )  to talk on your cell phone while driving.
Popularize Cellular Phone Etiquette: Discuss cell phone manners with friends and family members. Tell them that you are practicing new wireless phone etiquette rules and offer to share them.