Mobile

What's my handset's serial number?
All mobile phone users should keep a note of their handset's serial number (known as the 'IMEI'), as it's very handy if the phone is lost or stolen. The number can normally be found under the battery (looking something like 004400/01/123456/7).

You can also get this number from the phone software, by entering '*#06#' as a phone number and pressing 'Send'.

I'm being asked for my PUK. What does that mean?
PUK stands for 'Pin Unlock Code', and has to be entered if you've locked your SIM by repeatedly entering the wrong PIN code. If you're asked for a PUK code, you've had more goes at guessing your SIM card PIN code than you're allowed. You'll need to phone your network provider Customer Services for your PUK code to unlock the SIM. For security reasons, it's only the network operator that can legally provide you with a PUK code to unlock your SIM.

How do I find out my own mobile number?
If you've got a SIM card for a mobile, and don't know what the phone number is, the easiest way to check is to use the card to phone a landline phone number, and then from that landline phone, dial 1471. Caller identification should then repeat the number to you.

What's 3G all about?
Launched in early 2003, 3G networks represent third generation mobile phone networks, offering faster mobile Internet connectivity and video calling.

What's the UK coverage like with Excell?
No other mobile network covers more of the UK population. With over 6,000 base stations currently installed, we already cover 99% of the UK population and 86% of the UK landmass, and we're continuing to develop our network where you need it most:

• motorways and A roads
• railway stations
• airports
• seaports
• hotels & conference centres
• shopping centres
• sports venues
• university campuses

How do I make and receive calls abroad?
When abroad making and receiving calls can differ to how calls are made and received in the UK. When dialling a number while abroad, include the following:

• Access code - use either 00 or ‘+’
• Country code - each country has a country code. The country code for the UK is 44
• Area code - dial the code for the area of the country, remembering to remove the initial 0
• Phone number - the number to call when calling back to the UK from abroad eg +44 1753 565000
• When calling in-country (eg France to France), the customer needs to key the number in the full international format.

And another thing...
When abroad, customers will be charged to receive an incoming call. To minimise costs, we recommend setting up an “unconditional divert” to Voicemail 901 before travelling.

Top tips and handy hints

• Programme numbers into the mobile’s memory in the international format before leaving home
• Programme the customer services number into the mobile’s memory
• Save your VRN as a number in the mobile’s memory too