An authenticating portable electronic device such as a cellular phone having radio frequency transmission capability, battery power and a keypad. The device further includes a fingerprint reader proximate the keypad of the device for authenticating the user of the device, as well as a transreceiver in the device for communicating authentication signals with a remote location to verify the identity of the user. Remote locations may be gates, doors or badge screening locations. Also included is a transmitter for sending signals to a transceiver receiver having a connection to a wire telephone system within a structure to permit phone calls using the device through the receiver to and from the wire telephone system. The device includes a connector for connecting to a docking cradle operably connected to a computer for authenticating the user before allowing access to the computer, which can also be the battery charging interface.