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What They Are
These are GSM desktop or cordless “land phones” that take a standard GSM SIM card—MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile, etc.—and function like a traditional desk phone. They work anywhere mobile coverage exists—no wired land‑line needed
Key Features
- SIM support: Single‑SIM (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
- Voice & SMS: Make/receive calls, send texts, store messages (often up to 200)
- Phonebook + Speed‑dial: 200–500 contacts; 5 one‑touch keys for family or emergency
- Supplementary services: Caller ID, forwarding, waiting, holding, three‑way calling
- FM radio: Built‑in FM tuner found in most models
- Backup battery: Around 600 mAh NiMH (~2.5 hrs talk, ~150 hrs standby)
- Display: 2.7″ monochrome or dot‑matrix LCD with backlight, often dual‑language
- Antenna: Built‑in TNC connector, some include indoor external antenna
- Hands‑free & dialer: Speakerphone, large dial pad, sometimes call recorder and alarm clock
Popular Models
ModelSpecial FeaturesF316 / ETS F316Quad‑band GSM, FM radio, 250‑entry phonebook, speed‑dial keys, battery backup
F317Similar to F316, often white, FM radio, one‑touch keys F501 / ETS5623Mini‑USB modem for data/charging, 500‑entry phonebook, big backlit keys ETS3125iBasic model with FM, SIM messaging, emergency call button
Specs at a Glance (F316 example)
- Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
- SIM: Single‑SIM GSM (USIM/SIM), network‑locked features optional
- Display: 128×64 LCD
- Battery: 3.6 V/600 mAh NiMH, ~150 h standby, ~2.5 h talk
- Antenna: Built‑in with external TNC port
- Audio: Hands‑free speakerphone, loud ringer, FM radio
- Extras: Caller ID, SMS, speed dial, emergency call, alarm, ringtones, phonebook backup
Who Should Use One?
- Areas without landlines: Perfect for rural homes or offices
- Power backup needs: They stay connected even during outages
- Office desks: Rugged, easy to use, better ergonomics
- Budget choice: Affordable (₦6,000 to ₦22,000), simple to operate
Summary
Huawei GSM land‑phones like the F316, F317, F501, and ETS3125i bridge the gap between mobile and fixed‑line telephony. They offer:
- Full call/SMS functionality
- Battery backup
- FM radio
- Phonebook & speed dial
- Caller services & extras
All they need is a GSM SIM and a socket for power. Ideal for reliable, no‑landline communication.