In a cellular video telephone having a built-in battery, the remaining
electric power of the battery is detected. The data communication speed
and the display of image on a display are variably controlled based on
the detected remaining battery power, that is, the communication speed is
lowered and the display is turned off, as the remaining power decreases.
Alternatively or in addition, the communication speed and the image
display are controlled variably based on availability of external power
source in the course of voice and image communication.