Term

Definition

1.5-Way Paging

Refers to guaranteed message receipt or advanced messaging, ensuring subscribers receive messages sent when they're out of range, but users cannot send text pages. Two-way paging allows users to send and receive.

1.7-Way Paging

A paging service that offers more than guaranteed messaging but not as much as full two-way paging. The subscriber has limited response messaging, such as canned messages, rather than the ability to create responses.

1G

(1) The First Generation of cellular technology which uses analog (wave-like) signals. (2) First generation of mobile wireless that utilizes analog air interface technology.

2.5G

An interim step toward 3G. Enhancements to CDMA networks include 1XRTT and EV-DO. For GSM networks, GPRS and EDGE are similar data communication performance upgrades. Note that as mobility carriers upgrade their networks, new cellular handset models with these technology capabilities need to be acquired to take advantage.

2-Way Paging

Two-way paging allows users to send and receive messages.

2G

(1) The Second Generation of cellular technology which uses digital (on/off) signals. Technologies used by 2G cellular networks are based on either. (2) Second generation of mobile wireless, which utilizes various digital protocols, including GSM, CDMA, TDMA, iDEN, and PDC.

3G

(1) The Third Generation of cellphones includes true multimedia as well as increased bandwidths and transfer rates to accommodate the new multimedia functions of the phone. CDMA 3G networks and phones will use technologies such as EV-DO Rev. A & B evolving within the CDMA2000 standard. GSM 3G networks and phones will use UMTS/HSDPA technologies evolving within the W-CDMA standard. Note that even though these two technology camps have CDMA in their standards names, the technologies at this time are incompatible, except through carrier bridging. (2) (3G) A new wireless standard promising increased capacity and high-speed data applications up to two megabits. Third generation wireless employ wideband frequency carriers and a CDMA air interface. Networks must be able to transmit wireless data at 144 kilobits per second at mobile user speeds. Implemented in Europe as UMTS and CDMA2000 in North America, its goals are high-quality multimedia and advanced global roaming (in house, cellular, satellite, etc.).

711

The nationwide number to reach the telecommunications relay service (TRS). TRS enables telephone conversations between people with speech or hearing disabilities and people without speech or hearing disabilities.

8gig

8 GIGABITS PER SECOND (Gb/s))  THIS IS  “UP TO” DEPENDING ON WHAT SERVICE ACCESS AND WHEN AVAILABLE?   See Chart

911

Enhanced 911

(E911) 911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and information about the location of the cellular tower handling your call is provided to the 911 operator when you call 9-1-1 from your cellphone.

A and B PCS Blocks

(1) A and B PCS Blocks The first two PCS licenses that were auctioned by the FCC in March 1995. Each contains 30 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band and is based on MTA geographic partitions. (2) Licensees use broadband Personal Communications Service (PCS) spectrum for a variety of mobile and fixed radio services, also called wireless services. Mobile broadband PCS services include both voice and advanced two-way data capabilities that are generally available on small, mobile multifunction devices. The Commission and other wireless industry representatives often refer to these services as "Mobile Telephone Services" and "Mobile Data Services." Many broadband PCS licensees offer these services in competition with existing cellular and SMR licensees. (3) A Block In early 1981, the FCC announced that it would approve two licenses in each wireless market: a non-wireline company (which became known as the "A" side carrier), and a wireline company (the "B" side carrier).

A-Key

A secret number issued to a cellular phone that is used in conjunction with a subscriber's shared secret data information for authentication.

A/B Switch

A feature found on cellular telephones permitting the user (when roaming away from home) to select either the "A" (non-wireline) carrier or the "B" (wireline) carrier.

Access Fee

A special fee that local telephone companies are allowed to charge all telephone customers for the right to connect with the local phone network. Cellular subscribers pay this fee along with a 3 percent federal telephone excise tax.

Access Line

A telephone line reaching from the telephone company central office to a point on a private premise. Usually equates to one customer line.

Activation

The process by which a subscriber's account is created, their phone number assigned, and their cellphone programmed so that they can place and receive calls or send and receive data.

Activation Fee

(1) A one time fee paid to create a subscriber's cellphone account. (2) The fee charged to turn on a cell phone so that it can operate on the selected carrier network.

Adjacent Channel Interference

Signal impairment to one frequency due to presence of another signal on a nearby frequency.

Advanced Mobile Phone Service

(AMPS) An analog cellular radio standard that serves as the current foundation for the U.S. cellular industry. AMPS represents the first generation of wireless networks.

Advanced Intelligent Network

(AIN) A system that allows a wireless user to make and receive phone calls while roaming in areas outside the user's "home" network. AINs enable service providers to define, test and introduce new multimedia messaging, PCS and cell routing.

Affiliate Companies

Assist carriers with building a wireless network. The affiliate may use the primary carrier's brand name, network operations, customer service or other facilities.

AIN

(Advanced Intelligent Network) A system that allows a wireless user to make and receive phone calls while roaming in areas outside the user's "home" network. AINs enable service providers to define, test and introduce new multimedia messaging, PCS and cell routing.

Air Interface

The standard operating system of a wireless network. Technologies include AMPS, TDMA, CDMA and GSM.

Airtime

(1) Actual time spent by a wireless subscriber talking on the cellular telephone (includes both incoming and outgoing calls). Most carriers bill customers based on how many minutes of airtime they use each month. Airtime charges during peak periods of the day vary from about 20 cents to more than 40 cents per minute, depending on the service plan selected. Most carriers offer reduced rates for off-peak usage. (2) The amount of time a wireless subscriber spends using the network.

Alphanumeric

A message or other type of readout containing both letters ("alphas") and numbers ("numerics"). In cellular, "alphanumeric memory dial" is a special type of dial-from-memory option that displays both the name of the individual and that individual's phone number on the cellular phone handset. The name also can be recalled by using the letters on the phone keypad. By contrast, standard memory dial recalls numbers from number-only locations.

American National Standards Institute

(ANSI) A private, non-profit organization that oversees the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The Institute's mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

American Mobile Telecommunications Association

(AMTA) A Washington, D.C.-based trade group representing specialized mobile radio operators.

AMPS

(Advanced Mobile Phone Service) An analog cellular radio standard that serves as the current foundation for the U.S. cellular industry. AMPS represents the first generation of wireless networks.

AMTA

(American Mobile Telecommunications Association) A Washington, D.C.-based trade group representing specialized mobile radio operators.

Analog

(1) Designed in the 1980's, a method of modulating radio signals so that they can transmit voice or data information. (2) Is the traditional method of telecommunications. A transmission method employing a continuous (rather than pulse or digital) electrical signal that varies in amplitude or frequency in response to changes in sound impressed on a transducer in the sending device. (3) A signaling method that uses continuous changes in the amplitude or frequency of a radio transmission to convey information. It relies on a continuous (rather than pulsed as in digital) electrical signal that varies in amplitude or frequency in response to changes of sound, light, position, etc., impressed on a transducer in the sending device; opposite of digital.

ANSI

(American National Standards Institute) A private, non-profit organization that oversees the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The Institute's mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

Antenna

A wire or set of wires used to send and receive radio waves.

APCO

(Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials -International) Trade group headquartered in South Daytona, Fla., representing law enforcement, fire, emergency services and other public-safety agency dispatchers and communications employees.

Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

(ASIC) An integrated circuit tailored for a particular piece of electronic equipment.

ARPU

(Average Revenue Per Unit) Measures the average monthly revenue generated for each customer unit, such as a cellular phone or pager, that a carrier has in operation.

ASIC

(Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) An integrated circuit tailored for a particular piece of electronic equipment.

ASR

(Automated Speech Recognition) Allows users of information systems to speak entries rather than punching numbers on a keypad. ASR is used primarily to provide information and to forward telephone calls. In recent years, ASR has become popular in the customer service departments of large corporations.

Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials -International

(APCO) Trade group headquartered in South Daytona, Fla., representing law enforcement, fire, emergency services and other public-safety agency dispatchers and communications employees.

Attenuation

The loss of signal energy due to absorption, reflection, or diffusion during transmission.

Authentication

The verification process to assure that a wireless device and its user are compatible with and authorized to access a wireless network. This process is accomplished through transmission of identifying data at the time of connection. Used for fraud prevention.

Automated Speech Recognition

(ASR) Allows users of information systems to speak entries rather than punching numbers on a keypad. ASR is used primarily to provide information and to forward telephone calls. In recent years, ASR has become popular in the customer service departments of large corporations.

Automatic Vehicle Location

(AVL) Combining a location-sensing device (such as a GPS receiver) with a wireless communications link to provide a home office or dispatcher with the location of a vehicle or mobile asset (such as a trailer or heavy machinery).

Average Revenue Per Unit

(ARPU) Measures the average monthly revenue generated for each customer unit, such as a cellular phone or pager, that a carrier has in operation.

AVL

(Automatic Vehicle Location) Combining a location-sensing device (such as a GPS receiver) with a wireless communications link to provide a home office or dispatcher with the location of a vehicle or mobile asset (such as a trailer or heavy machinery).

AWS

 (Advanced Wireless Services) The U.S. government recently auctioned off a large, important band of radio spectrum called AWS. The AWS auction was conducted by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission,) the arm of the government responsible for (among other things) regulating radio spectrum and the industries that use it. The auction took place August 9 - September 19, 2006. In keeping with our government's free-market policies, the FCC does not usually mandate that specific technologies be used in specific bands. Therefore, companies that are proud new owners of AWS spectrum are free to use it for just about any 2G, 3G, 4G, or future mobile phone (or similar) technology, as they see fit.

B Carrier

Most areas of the US have two cellular carriers, each of which operates on a different frequency band. One is designated the "A" carrier and the other is designated the "B" carrier. In some markets there may be only one carrier which may be "A" or "B".

B Block

In early 1981, the FCC announced that it would approve two licenses in each market- a non-wireline company (which became known as the "A" side carrier), and a wireline company (the "B" side carrier).

Band

Refers to the phone's ability to operate within a specific digital frequency range.

Bandwidth

The capacity of a telecom line to carry signals. A greater bandwidth indicates the ability to transmit a greater amount of data over a given period of time.

Base Station Controller

(BSC) The part of the wireless system's infrastructure that controls one or multiple cell sites' radio signals, thus reducing the load on the switch. Performs radio signal management functions for base transceiver stations, managing functions such as frequency assignment and handoff.

Base Transceiver Station

(BTS) The name for the antenna and radio equipment necessary to provide wireless service in an area. Also called a base station or cell site.

Base Station

The central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with mobile radiotelephone sets within a given range (typically a cell site).

Basic Trading Area

(BTA) A geographic region defined by a group of counties that surround a city, which is the area's basic trading center. The boundaries of each BTA were formulated by Rand McNally & Co. and are used by the FCC determine service areas for PCS wireless licenses. The entire US and some of its territories is divided into 493 non-overlapping BTAs.

Battery

A battery is an electrochemical cell (or enclosed and protected material) that can be charged electrically to provide a static potential for power or released electrical charge when needed. (See also: Lithium-Ion, Nickel Cadmium/Nickel Metal & Memory Effect)

Bent Pipe Technology

Satellite technology to transmit calls from one point on Earth to a satellite and back down to another point.

Big LEO

Low-earth orbit satellite systems that will offer voice and data services, including Iridium and Globalstar.

BlackBerry

A trademarked handheld device that integrates various cellphone and PDA capabilities together. A BlackBerryTM allows users to store information, access email, install programs along with sending and receiving cellphone calls.

Block

See: “A” Block through “F” PCS Blocks (search by typing “Block”)

Blocked Call

A wireless call that does not go through because the network is operating at maximum capacity. In this instance, a caller would hear a series of beeps indicating the call cannot be completed.

Bluetooth

(1) A trademarked, low-power wireless technology designed to replace the wires currently used to connect various electronic devices such as telephones, computers, headsets, microphones, etc. (2) how mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can easily interconnect with each other and with home and business phones and computers using a short-range wireless connection. (3) Wireless personal area network (PAN) standard that enables data connections between electronic devices such as desktop computers, wireless phones, electronic organizers and printers in the 2.4 GHz range at 720kbps within a 30-foot range. Bluetooth depends on mobile devices equipped with a chip for sending and receiving information.

Broadband PCS

Personal communications services created in the A- through F-Block auctions and used for voice and data. Broadband PCS is allocated 140 MHz of spectrum with 20 MHz currently unassigned. Frequency blocks A, B, and C were each assigned 30 MHz of spectrum, while frequency blocks D, E, and F were each assigned 10 MHz of spectrum.

Broadband

Describes a communications medium capable of transmitting a relatively large amount of data over a given period of time. A descriptive term for evolving digital technologies that offers integrated access to voice, high-speed data service, video-demand services, and interactive delivery services.

BSC

(Base Station Controller ) The part of the wireless system's infrastructure that controls one or multiple cell sites' radio signals, thus reducing the load on the switch. Performs radio signal management functions for base transceiver stations, managing functions such as frequency assignment and handoff.

BTA

(Basic Trading Area) A geographic region defined by a group of counties that surround a city, which is the area's basic trading center. The boundaries of each BTA were formulated by Rand McNally & Co. and are used by the FCC determine service areas for PCS wireless licenses. The entire US and some of its territories is divided into 493 non-overlapping BTAs.

BTS

(Base Transceiver Station) The name for the antenna and radio equipment necessary to provide wireless service in an area. Also called a base station or cell site.

Bundling

Grouping various telecommunications services -- wireline and/or wireless -- as a package to increase the appeal to potential customers and reduce advertising, marketing and other expenses associated with delivering multiple services. For example, a bundled package could include long distance, cellular, Internet and paging services. (2) When applied to wireless: Grouping various services together as a package, charging a discounted price. For example various telecommunication services such as Internet, television cable or cellphone service; or various cellphone features such as voicemail, call display or call waiting.

C Block

The third PCS license that was auctioned by the FCC in May 1996. Each contains 30 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band and is based on BTA geographic partitions. The licenses were reserved for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

CALEA

(Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act) A 1994 law granting law enforcement agencies the ability to wiretap new digital networks and requiring wireless and wireline carriers to enable surveillance equipment use in digital networks.

Call Waiting

If your line is busy, callers are asked to wait while you are alerted to their incoming call.

Call Display

A service that allows the customer to see a caller's name and number on their cellphone display, provided that the caller is already listed in their device's phone book (see Caller ID).

Call Restriction

Enables you to restrict or bar certain or all types of calls to and from your mobile phone, i.e. outgoing calls, outgoing international calls, incoming calls.

Call Hold

Enables you to put a caller on hold while a second call is answered or made.

Call Divert

Enables you to divert incoming calls to another phone or answering service.

Call Barring

Enables you to restrict or bar certain or all types of calls to and from your mobile phone, i.e. outgoing calls, outgoing international calls, incoming calls. Barring is activated with a personal code.

Call Restriction

Enables you to restrict or bar certain or all types of calls to and from your cellphone, i.e. outgoing calls, outgoing international calls, incoming calls.

Call Transfer

Enables you to transfer a caller to another number.

Call Forwarding

Allows subscribers to redirect their calls, for example to their home phone.

Caller ID

 (Identification) (1) An enhanced feature that displays a caller's phone number and name, if available, on the wireless cellphone receiving the call. (2) An enhanced feature that displays a caller's phone number on the wireless handset receiving the call. Many systems are adding the caller's name to the caller ID.

Calling Plan

A rate plan selected by subscribers when they start up cellular service, usually consisting of a base rate for system access and a per-minute rate for usage. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost-effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.

Cancellation Fee

A fee charged by the provider for terminating cellphone service before the end of a contract.

Cap Code

A pager's unique electronic identification number.

Capacity

The maximum number of voice calls or data traffic that a particular wireless facility can handle. Each wireless facility can only handle a finite amount of traffic at any given time. [HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO US?]

Carrier

The company that provides wireless telecommunications service upon which the cell phone calls, signals and data are carried.

CDMA

(Code Division Multiple Access) An air interface technology that was developed by the U.S. military and commercialized by the U.S. company Qualcomm. CDMA assigns a code to all speech bits, sends a scrambled transmission of the encoded speech over the air and reassembles the speech to its original form at the other end. CDMA supports SMS with a message length of 120 characters. With CDMA, each conversation is digitized and then tagged with a code. The mobile phone receives a signal to locate that particular code and it then deciphers the conversation off the airwaves. It codes each conversation expanding it 128 times, making it easy to decipher at the receiving end.

CDMA

(1) (Code Division Multiple Access), or GSM (Global System for Mobile communications). Although frequencies used in North America for both of these technologies include the 850,900 and 1900 MHz bands, the technologies are incompatible except when bridged by their carriers. "World" phones with both CDMA and GSM radios are under development. (2) Code-Division Multiple Access. One of two major mobile phone technologies in the U.S. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM. Cell phones operate on either CDMA technology or GSM technology, and are not compatible on each others networks. CDMA is used in the Americas and some parts of Asia, GSM in most other parts of the world.

cdma2000

A 3G technology that is an evolutionary outgrowth of cdmaOne. It offers operators who have deployed a 2G cdmaOne system a seamless migration path to 3G. cdma2000 supports the 2G network aspect of all existing operators regardless of technology (cdmaOne IS-136 TDMA, or GSM). This standard is also known by its ITU name IMT-CDMA Multi-Carrier (1X/3X). cdma2000 has been divided into 2 phases. The first phase capabilities are defined in a standard known as 1X, which introduces 144 kbps packet data in a mobile environment and speeds beyond this in a fixed environment. cdma2000 phase two, known as 3X, incorporates the capabilities of 1X. It also supports all channel sizes (5 MHz, 10 MHz, etc.), provides circuit and packet data rates up to 2 Mbps, incorporates advance multimedia capabilities, and includes a framework for advanced 3G voice services and vocoders, including voice over packet and circuit data.

cdmaOne

The name used by the CDMA Development Group (CDG) for CDMA networks (IS-95) using 2^nd-generation (2G) digital technology.

CDPD

(Cellular Digital Packet Data) An enhanced packet overlay on analog cell phone networks used to transmit and receive data. This technology allows data files to be broken into a number of packets and sent along idle channels of existing cellular voice networks. CDPD provides 19.2 Kbps and is deployed by AT&T among several other carriers. [DOES THIS APPLY TO US]

Cell of Origin

(COO) A location detector of a wireless device. It may be used by emergency services or commercial use. COO is the only positioning technique that is widely used in wireless networks and is used for Phase 1 of 911 service in the United States.

Cell

The basic geographic unit of a cellular system. Also, the basis for the generic industry term: "cellular." A city or county is divided into smaller "cells," each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size depending upon terrain, capacity demands, etc. By controlling the transmission power, the radio frequencies assigned to one cell can be limited to the boundaries of that cell. When a wireless phone moves from one cell toward another, a computer at the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) monitors the movement and at the proper time, transfers or hands off the phone call to the new cell and another radio frequency. The handoff is performed so quickly that it is not noticeable to the callers.

Cell Splitting

The process of creating more coverage and capacity in a wireless system by having more than one cell site cover a particular amount of geography. Each cell site covers a smaller area, with lower power MHz and thus offers the ability to reuse frequencies more times in a larger geographic coverage area, such as a city or MTA.

Cell Site

The location where the wireless antenna and network communications equipment is placed. A cell site consists of a transmitter/receiver, antenna tower, transmission radios and radio controllers. A cell site is operated by a Wireless Service Provider (WSP).

Cell Phone

A wireless telephone that sends and receives messages using radiofrequency energy in the 800-900 megahertz portion of the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum.

Cellphone

Also known as a Mobile, a cellular phone or a cell. A cellphone is a type of handset.

Cellular

(1) The type of wireless communication that is most familiar to cellphones users. A system of base stations, each of which covers one geographic cell within the total cellular system service area. (2) A wireless telephone network that connects radio frequencies from a mobile phone to a system of multiple cell sites, each consisting of an antenna and a base station, to a mobile telephone switching office, and ultimately to the public wireline telephone system. Called 'cellular' because the system uses many base stations to divide a service area into multiple 'cells'. Cellular calls are transferred from base station to base station as a user travels from cell to cell.

Cellular Digital Packet Data

(CDPD) An enhanced packet overlay on analog cell phone networks used to transmit and receive data. This technology allows data files to be broken into a number of packets and sent along idle channels of existing cellular voice networks. CDPD provides 19.2 Kbps and is deployed by AT&T among several other carriers.

Cellular Base Station

The transmission and reception equipment, including the base station antenna, which connects a cellular phone to the network. Also called a cell site.

Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association

(CTIA) A trade group representing cellular, PCS and enhanced specialized mobile radio carriers. Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI): The carrier's data about a specific customer's service and usage. The FCC governs the usage of CPNI. Generally, information about a customer's account is considered proprietary until the customer authorizes its use.

Channel

An electrical, electromagnetic, or optical path for communication between two points.

Churn

In any industry, a measure of the number of customers who leave or switch to another service provider, usually stated as a percentage.

Circuit Switch Data

(CSD) Allows a user to use their wireless handset as a modem for laptops, PDAs and other electronic devices via infrared ports or designated data cables. CSD also allows a user to access Wireless Internet via their wireless handset (handset must be WAP compatible).

ClassLink

A program of the CTIA Foundation providing wireless phones to schools for teacher use and student Internet access.

CLEC

(Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) Any telephone company that offers service in a specific area. Now that the industry has been deregulated, several companies may offer service in a single area. New ones entering a market are Competitive Local Exchange Carriers. The original telephone company at the time of deregulation is known as the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (See also "ILEC").

Clone/Cloning

A wireless phone programmed with stolen or duplicated electronic serial and mobile identification numbers. The Wireless Telephone Protection Act of 1998 outlawed cloning. The Act prohibits knowingly using, producing, trafficking in, having control or custody of, or possessing hardware or software knowing that it has been configured to insert or modify telecommunication identifying information associated with or contained in a telecommunications instrument so that such instrument may be used to obtain telecommunications service without authorization.

CMRS

(Commercial Mobile Radio Service) An FCC designation for any carrier or licensee whose wireless network is connected to the public switched telephone network and/or is operated for profit.

Code Division Multiple Access

(CDMA) An air interface technology that was developed by the U.S. military and commercialized by the U.S. company Qualcomm. CDMA assigns a code to all speech bits, sends a scrambled transmission of the encoded speech over the air and reassembles the speech to its original form at the other end. CDMA supports SMS with a message length of 120 characters. With CDMA, each conversation is digitized and then tagged with a code. The mobile phone receives a signal to locate that particular code and it then deciphers the conversation off the airwaves. It codes each conversation expanding it 128 times, making it easy to decipher at the receiving end.

Code Division Multiple Access

(1) (CDMA), or GSM (Global System for Mobile communications). Although frequencies used in North America for both of these technologies include the 850,900 and 1900 MHz bands, the technologies are incompatible except when bridged by their carriers. "World" phones with both CDMA and GSM radios are under development. (2) Code-Division Multiple Access. One of two major mobile phone technologies in the U.S. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM. Cell phones operate on either CDMA technology or GSM technology, and are not compatible on each others networks. CDMA is used in the Americas and some parts of Asia, GSM in most other parts of the world.. [ARE WE ONLY ON GSM?]

Collocation

(1) Placement of multiple antennas at a common physical site to reduce environmental impact and real estate costs and speed zoning approvals and network deployment. (2) Locating the antennas of two or more wireless carriers on one facility (e.g. monopole); or locating a wireless facility on an existing structure (e.g. water tower or light standard).

Commercial Mobile Radio Service

(CMRS) An FCC designation for any carrier or licensee whose wireless network is connected to the public switched telephone network and/or is operated for profit.

Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act

(CALEA) A 1994 law granting law enforcement agencies the ability to wiretap new digital networks and requiring wireless and wireline carriers to enable surveillance equipment use in digital networks.

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier

(CLEC) Any telephone company that offers service in a specific area. Now that the industry has been deregulated, several companies may offer service in a single area. New ones entering a market are Competitive Local Exchange Carriers. The original telephone company at the time of deregulation is known as the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (See also "ILEC").

Content Services

Paging service, beyond telephone number alerts, that include news and sports headlines, personalized stock quotes, driving directions, restaurant reviews and information contained on Internet sites.

Control Channel

A logic channel carrying network information rather than the actual voice or data messages transmitted over the network.

COO

(Cell of Origin) A location detector of a wireless device. It may be used by emergency services or commercial use. COO is the only positioning technique that is widely used in wireless networks and is used for Phase 1 of 911 service in the United States.

Coverage

Refers to the region within which a cellphone can reliably receive and make calls and send and receive data.

CPNI

(Customer Proprietary Network Information) The FCC governs the usage of CPNI. Generally, information about a customer's account is considered proprietary until the customer authorizes its use.

Crosstalk

Interference in a wireless communications system from other conversations in nearby cells using the same channel.

CSD

(Circuit Switch Data) Allows a user to use their wireless handset as a modem for laptops, PDAs and other electronic devices via infrared ports or designated data cables. CSD also allows a user to access Wireless Internet via their wireless handset (handset must be WAP compatible).

CTIA

(Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) A trade group representing cellular, PCS and enhanced specialized mobile radio carriers. Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI): The carrier's data about a specific customer's service and usage. The FCC governs the usage of CPNI. Generally, information about a customer's account is considered proprietary until the customer authorizes its use.

Customer Acquisition Cost

The average cost to a carrier of signing up an individual subscriber. Some of the factors included in the cost are handset subsidies, marketing, advertising and promotions.

D and E PCS Blocks

The fourth and fifth PCS licenses that were auctioned by the FCC in January 1997. Each contains MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band and is based on BTA geographical partitions. The licenses were reserved for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.

DAS

(Distributed Antenna System) – A multi-structure wireless facility design consisting of multiple wireless nodes. The nodes are connected via a fiber optic cable or coaxial cable network to a hub. The wireless nodes can be attached to utility poles and other structures.

DAS

(Distributed Antenna System) Network ...short range wireless system.

Data Connectivity

A cellphone's capacity to be connected to the Internet or another device for the purpose of transmitting data.

Data

Any type of information, including music, picture and text files, as well as messages and other information that can be sent, received or downloaded onto a cellphone.

dB

(Decibel) (1) A unit of measure used to express relative difference in power or intensity of sound. (2) A unit of measure used to indicate the power or intensity of sound.

DCS 1800

(Digital Cellular System) A global system for mobile communications-based PCS network used outside of the U.S.

Dead Spot or Dead Zone

A geographic area where there is no wireless coverage.

Decibel

(dB) (1) A unit of measure used to express relative difference in power or intensity of sound. (2) A unit of measure used to indicate the power or intensity of sound.

Detail Billing

A feature offered by various providers to include extra details such as incoming and outgoing calls in your monthly cellphone bill.

Digital

Digital

A method of encoding information using a binary code of 0s and 1s from electrical pulses. Because digital signals are made up only of binary streams, less information is needed to transmit a message. Digital encoding therefore increases the capacity of a given radio frequency. Furthermore, only digitized information can be transported through a noisy channel without degradation. Digital technology reproduces sound exactly, and can even filter out background and electronic "noise." Even if corruption occurs, as long as the one zero patterns are recognizable, the original information content can be perfectly replicated at the receiving end. Most new wireless phones and networks use digital technology. (2) Information represented by non-continuous values or signals (off or on) sent between cellphones is referred to as digital.

Digital Cellular System

(DCS 1800) A global system for mobile communications-based PCS network used outside of the U.S.

Digital Signal Processor

(DSP) A microprocessor that digitizes analog signals.

Disaggregation

The splitting of a spectrum license into two or more licenses of fewer frequencies.

Distributed Antenna System

(DAS) Network ...short range wireless system.

Distributed Antenna System

(DAS) – A multi-structure wireless facility design consisting of multiple wireless nodes. The nodes are connected via a fiber optic cable or coaxial cable network to a hub. The wireless nodes can be attached to utility poles and other structures.

DoCoMo

of a Digital Smart Card

The name is officially an abbreviation of the phrase, "do communications over the mobile network", and is also from a phrase dokodemo, meaning "everywhere" in Japanese. docomo provides phone, video phone (FOMA and Some PHS), i-mode (internet), and mail (i-mode mail, Short Mail, and SMS) services. DoCoMo is considered a wireless phone that contains data such as personal or business identification, banking information, credit card data, and transportation passes. A device can function as both a digital wallet and a communications device. The first unit, was called the P506iC.

Downlink

The portion of a telecommunications path from a satellite to the ground. Also referred to as the reverse link.

Download

The transfer of data from the Internet onto your cellphone.

Drive Test

A method of taking signal strength measurements in a cellular coverage area.

Dropped Call

A wireless call that disconnects or “drops” suddenly.

DSP

(Digital Signal Processor) A microprocessor that digitizes analog signals.

Dual-Mode

A "dual-mode" phone used to imply that the phone would default to digital network connection, but if available, was capable of communicating with an analog network. This is still useful in remote areas that don't yet have digital PCS technology. Today it refers to evolving cellular handsets that have both 802.11 "b", "g" or "a" radios that work as Wireless Voice over IP sets on WiFi networks and can fall over to CDMA or GSM cellular networks outside of those public or private "Hotspots". (2) A feature on some wireless phones that allows the handset to operate on both analog and digital networks.

Dual Band

(1) A feature on some wireless phones that allows the handset to operate using either the 800 MHz cellular or the 1900 MHz PCS frequencies. (2) A phone that has Multi Band (or Multiple Band) capability can switch between several frequencies. Dual-band, Tri-Band and Quad-Band are all Multi-Band devices.

E911

(Enhanced 911) 911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and information about the location of the cellular tower handling your call is provided to the 911 operator when you call 9-1-1 from your cellphone.

EDGE

(Enhanced Data GSM Environment) (1) A faster version the Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless service designed to deliver data at rates up to 384 Kbps and enable the delivery of multimedia and other broadband applications to mobile phone and computer users. (2) (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) The final evolution of data communications within the GSM standard. Based on 8PSK modulation, EDGE provides 3G packet data throughput on GSM networks, and uses a new modulation scheme to enable data throughput speeds of up to 384kbit/s using existing GSM infrastructure.

Electromagnetic Energy

Waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Also called electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic Field

An area containing electromagnetic energy (electromagnetic radiation).

Electromagnetic Spectrum

(1) The collection of all electromagnetic energy arranged according to frequency and wavelength.  (2) Spectrum is a limited and extremely valuable resource. There is very little "empty" spectrum that isn't used for anything.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Also called electromagnetic energy.

Electronic Serial Number

(ESN) (1) A serial number that identifies the cellphone to the cellular system for the purpose of placing and receiving calls. (2) The unique identification number embedded in a wireless phone by the manufacturer. Each time a call is placed, the ESN is automatically transmitted to the base station so the wireless carrier's mobile switching office can check the call's validity. The ESN cannot easily be altered in the field. The ESN differs from the mobile identification number, which is the wireless carrier's identifier for a phone in the network. MINs and ESNs can be electronically checked to help prevent fraud.

Email Messaging

The ability to send and receive email messages on a cellphone via an Internet connection.

Encryption

(1) The process of encoding a message such as a digital phone signal to prevent it from being read by unauthorized parties. (2) Encryption is a method of encoding data for security.

Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio

(ESMR) Digital SMR networks that provide dispatch, voice, and messaging and data services.

Enhanced 911

(E911) (1) 911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and automatic location information from a wireless phone is provided to the 911 operator. Reimbursement, or cost recovery, is due to commercial providers of both recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with any services, operation, administration or maintenance of wireless E911 service. Costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of design, development, upgrades, equipment, software and other expenses associated with the implementation of wireless E911 service. (2) An emergency service designed to provide additional protections for wireless phone users. Similar to the 9-1-1 service offered for wireline phones, E9-1-1 service provides the call-back number and approximate location of a distressed caller to emergency. (3) 911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and information about the location of the cellular tower handling your call is provided to the 911 operator when you call 9-1-1 from your cellphone. dispatchers.

Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution

(EDGE) The final evolution of data communications within the GSM standard. Based on 8PSK modulation, EDGE provides 3G packet data throughput on GSM networks, and uses a new modulation scheme to enable data throughput speeds of up to 384kbit/s using existing GSM infrastructure.

Enhanced Data GSM Environment

(EDGE) A faster version the Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless service designed to deliver data at rates up to 384 Kbps and enable the delivery of multimedia and other broadband applications to mobile phone and computer users.

ESMR

(Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) Digital SMR networks that provide dispatch, voice, and messaging and data services.

ESN

Stands for Electronic Serial Number. A serial number that identifies the cellphone to the cellular system for the purpose of placing and receiving calls.

ETSI

(European Telecommunications Standards Institute) A standards-setting body in Europe. Also the standards body responsible for GSM.

European Telecommunications Standards Institute

(ETSI) A standards-setting body in Europe. Also the standards body responsible for GSM.

F PCS Block

The final PCS license that was auctioned by the FCC in January 1997. Each contains 10 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band and is based on BTA geographic partitions. The licenses were reserved for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

FCC

(Federal Communications Commission) The federal government agency located in Washington, D.C. responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States, including commercial and private wireless spectrum management.

Features

Options you include with your service plan. These options could be voicemail, call display, call waiting, and many more.

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) The federal government agency located in Washington, D.C. responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States, including commercial and private wireless spectrum management.

Fiber Optic

Using fine, transparent lines for the transmission of data, digitally encoded into pulses of light. In terms of telephone conversations, a 1/2" copper cable can transmit about 25 conversations analog, whereas a 1/2" fiber optic line can transmit 193,536 conversations digitally.

FireWire

Originally developed by Apple, this is an increasingly popular and very fast external bus for transferring data between devices; also known as IEEE 1394 for the name of the standard it engendered.

Firmware Over The Air

(FOTA) A common way cell phones and PDA's update their software to a newer version. This involves the mobile device downloading updated Firmware, through a GPRS, EDGE, or 3G data connection. The update usually comes from the wireless service provider, phone manufactorer, or a third-party service.

Flash Memory

A component used for memory that can retain information without power.

Flash mob

A group of strangers who organize themselves, using electronic media such as cell phones or the Internet, to gather together in a public place, behave in a pre-determined (and often silly) manner for a pre-determined amount of time, and then quickly disperse. The term flash mob is generally applied only to gatherings organized via social media or viral emails, rather than those organized by public relations firms or for a publicity stunt.

FM

(Frequency Modulation) A signaling method that varies the carrier frequency in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal.

Foliage Attenuation

Reductions in signal strength or quality due to signal absorption by trees or foliage obstructions in the signal's line-of-sight path. For example, 800 MHz systems are seldom deployed in forested areas. Pine needles -- nearly the same length as 800 MHz antennas -- can negatively affect signal reception in that band.

Forward Link

The portion of a telecommunications path from the ground to the satellite, also referred to as the Uplink.

FOTA

(Firmware Over The Air) A common way cell phones and PDA's update their software to a newer version. This involves the mobile device downloading updated Firmware, through a GPRS, EDGE, or 3G data connection. The update usually comes from the wireless service provider, phone manufactorer, or a third-party service.

Frame Relay Wideband

Packet-based interface used to transmit bursts of data over a wide-area network. Usually provides faster speeds and better connections.

Frequency Modulation

(FM) A signaling method that varies the carrier frequency in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal.

Frequency

The number of oscillations, or vibrations, of radio waves per unit of time, usually expressed in either cycles-per-second or Hertz (Hz).

Frequency Reuse

The ability to use the same frequencies repeatedly across a cellular system, made possible by the basic design approach for cellular. Since each cell is designed to use radio frequencies only within its boundaries, the same frequencies can be reused in other cells not far away with little potential for interference. The reuse of frequencies is what enables a cellular system to handle a huge number of calls with a limited number of channels.

Gateway

Node that connect two different networks.

Gateway GPRS

Support Node (GGSN) Interface between the GPRS wireless data network and other networks such as the Internet or private networks.

General Packet Radio Service

(GPRS) A GSM data transmission technique that does not set up a continuous channel from a portable terminal for the transmission and reception of data, but transmits and receives data in packets. GPRS is used to boost wireless data transmission over GSM networks. GPRS can achieve 171.2 kilobits per second (kbps), which is about three times as fast as the data transmission speeds possible over today's fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current GSM networks. Unlike existing digital wireless Net connections, no dial-up modem is necessary.

GHz

One billion waves per second

Global Positioning System

(GPS) (1) A system of 24 satellites for identifying earth locations, launched by the U.S. By triangulation of signals from three of the satellites, a receiving unit can pinpoint its current location anywhere on earth to within a few meters. Lets those on the ground, on the water or in the air determines their position with extreme accuracy using GPS receivers. (2) Global Positioning System. A worldwide radio-navigation system which uses orbiting satellites to be able tell you your exact longitude and latitude. Some cellphones have GPS capabilities to help you locate where you are or map where you plan to go.

Global System for Mobile Communications

(GSM) (1) One of two major mobile phone technologies in the U.S. Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. Cell phones operate on either GSM technology or CDMA technology, and are not compatible on each others networks. GSM is more prevalent in most other parts of the world, and especially in Europe. GSM phones use SIM cards. (2) Is a digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the predominant system Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and in parts of America and Canada. First introduced in 1991, the GSM standard has been deployed at three different frequency bands: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. GSM 1900 is primarily deployed in North America. Named after its frequency band around 900 MHz, GSM-900 has provided the basis for several other networks using GSM technology. GSM uses narrowband TDMA which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. Along with CDMA and TDMA it represents the second generation of wireless networks.

Globalstar

Second major LEO-based global communications system; initially created for voice, it was launched in late 1999.

GPRS

(General Packet Radio Service) A GSM data transmission technique that does not set up a continuous channel from a portable terminal for the transmission and reception of data, but transmits and receives data in packets. GPRS is used to boost wireless data transmission over GSM networks. GPRS can achieve 171.2 kilobits per second (kbps), which is about three times as fast as the data transmission speeds possible over today's fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current GSM networks. Unlike existing digital wireless Net connections, no dial-up modem is necessary.

GPRS

Stands for General Packet Radio Service. A data transmission technique that transmits and receives data in packets over GSM networks. This allows providers to charge for the amount of information you download, rather than the duration of the connection. It also allows for continuous connection to the network.

GPS

(Global Positioning System) A system of 24 satellites for identifying earth locations, launched by the U.S. By triangulation of signals from three of the satellites, a receiving unit can pinpoint its current location anywhere on earth to within a few meters. Lets those on the ground, on the water or in the air determines their position with extreme accuracy using GPS receivers.

GPS

Stands for Global Positioning System. (1) It is a worldwide radio-navigation system which uses orbiting satellites to be able to tell you your exact longitude and latitude. Some cellphones have GPS capabilities to help you locate where you are or map where you plan to go. (2) Global Positioning System. A worldwide radio-navigation system which uses orbiting satellites to be able tell you your exact longitude and latitude. Some cellphones have GPS capabilities to help you locate where you are or map where you plan to go.

GSM

(Global System for Mobile communications), or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). Although frequencies used in North America for both of these technologies include the 850,900 and 1900 MHz bands, the technologies are incompatible except when bridged by their carriers. "World" phones with both CDMA and GSM radios are under development.

GSM 1800

Also known as DCS 1800 or PCN, GSM 1800 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1800 MHz. It is used in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia.

GSM 1900

Also known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts of Latin America and Africa.

GSM 900

The world's most widely used digital network and now operating in over 100 countries around the world, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific.

GSM

Stands for Global System for Mobile communications. The most widely used digital technology in the world (originating in Europe) for PCS and the technology platform for GPRS enhancements.

GSM Hosted SMS Teleservice

(GHOST) A tunneling protocol that allows a GSM SMS to be embedded in a teleservice that can be transmitted over the air interface of a TDMA based network.

Half-Rate

A variant of GSM, Half-Rate doubles system capacity by more efficient speech coding.

Handheld Device Markup Language

(HDML) A specialized version of HTML designed to enable wireless pagers, cell phones and other handheld devices to obtain information from Web pages. HDML was developed by Phone.com (formerly Unwired Planet) before the WAP specification was standardized. It is a subset of WAP with some features, not included in WAP. AT&T Wireless launched the first HDML-based service in 1996.

Handoff

The process by which the Mobile Telephone Switching Office passes a cellular phone conversation from one radio frequency in one cell to another radio frequency in another. The handoff is performed so quickly that users usually never notice.

Hands-Free

An important safety feature that's included with most of today's mobile phones. It permits drivers to use their cellular phone without lifting or holding the hand-set to their ear.

Handset

A hand held device used to transmit and receive calls from a wireless system. The most common is a cellphone.

Handset Subsidy Frequently

A wireless company will sell a phone (handset) below cost, with the hope of making up the loss later on customer usage fees. The amount of loss per handset is called the handset subsidy.

HDML

(Handheld Device Markup Language) A specialized version of HTML designed to enable wireless pagers, cell phones and other handheld devices to obtain information from Web pages. HDML was developed by Phone.com (formerly Unwired Planet) before the WAP specification was standardized. It is a subset of WAP with some features, not included in WAP. AT&T Wireless launched the first HDML-based service in 1996.

Headset

An accessory consisting of an earpiece and/or a microphone which enables the wearer to carry on a phone conversation in handsfree mode, i.e., without holding the phone in their hand. The headset is connected to the cellphone by a wire, or may be wireless for those with BlueToothTM enabled phones and headsets.

Hertz

(Hz) A unit of measurement of one cycle per second when one radio wave passes one point in one second of time. Named in honor of Heinrich Hertz, the physicist who developed the theory of radio waves.

High-Speed Circuit Switched Data

(HSCSD) The final evolution of circuit switched data within the GSM environment. HSCSD enables the transmission of data over a GSM link at speeds of up to 57.6kbit/s. This is achieved by concatenating consecutive GSM timeslots, each of, which is capable of supporting 14.4kbit/s. Up to four GSM timeslots are needed for the transmission of HSCSD.

HLR

(Home Location Register) A database residing in a local wireless network that contains service profiles and checks the identity of a local subscriber.

Home Location Register

(HLR) A database residing in a local wireless network that contains service profiles and checks the identity of a local subscriber.

HSCSD

(High-Speed Circuit Switched Data) The final evolution of circuit switched data within the GSM environment. HSCSD enables the transmission of data over a GSM link at speeds of up to 57.6kbit/s. This is achieved by concatenating consecutive GSM timeslots, each of, which is capable of supporting 14.4kbit/s. Up to four GSM timeslots are needed for the transmission of HSCSD.

Hub

A switching and control center on a DAS network where the necessary connections are made to permit wireless service.

Hz

(Hertz ) A unit of measurement of one cycle per second when one radio wave passes one point in one second of time. Named in honor of Heinrich Hertz, the physicist who developed the theory of radio waves.

I-Mode

NTT DoCoMo's mobile Internet access, launched in February 1999. I-mode is an alternative to WAP, though it is only implemented in Japan. It offers Internet access and email service. While WAP uses HDML, I-mode relies on Compact HTML (C-HTML). Both languages are a simple version of HTML, for use on mobile phones. Today more than 7000 sites are I-mode compatible and offer a wide range of services over mobile phones: mobile banking, ticket reservation, cartoons downloading, etc.

ICCID

(Integrated Circuit Card ID) 19 or 20-digit serial number of the SIM card.

iDEN

(Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) A wireless communications technology from Motorola that provides support for voice, data, short messages (SMS) and dispatch radio (two-way radio) in one phone. Operating in the 800MHz and 1.5GHz bands and based on TDMA, iDEN uses Motorola's VSELP (Vector Sum Excited Linear Predictors) vocoder for voice compression and QAM modulation to deliver 64 Kbps over a 25KHz channel. Each 25KHz channel can be divided six times to transmit any mix of voice, data, dispatch or text message. Used by various carriers around the globe, Nextel Communications provides nationwide coverage in the U.S.

ILEC

(Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier) The historic local phone service provider in a market, often a former Bell company. Distinct from competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), new market entrants.

IMEI

(International Mobile Equipment Identifier) A unique 15-digit number that serves as the serial number of the GSM handset. The IMEI appears on the label located on the back of the phone. The IMEI is automatically transmitted by the phone when the network asks for it. A network operator might request the IMEI to determine if a device is in disrepair, stolen or to gather statistics on fraud or faults.

IMSI

(International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) A unique 15-digit number which designates the subscriber. This number is used for provisioning in network elements.

IMTA

(International Mobile Telecommunications Association) A trade group serving specialized mobile radio and public access mobile radio carriers around the world.

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier

(ILEC) The historic local phone service provider in a market, often a former Bell company. Distinct from competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), new market entrants.

Independent Telephone Network

(ITN) Companies not affiliated with the local telephone companies.

Industrial Telecommunications Association

(ITA) A Washington, D.C. trade group serving private wireless licensees such as airlines and oil companies.

Infrared Data Association

(IrDA) A membership organization founded in 1993 and dedicated to developing standards for wireless, infrared transmission systems between computers. With IrDA ports, a laptop or PDA can exchange data with a desktop computer or use a printer without a cable connection. Like a TV remote control, IrDA requires line-of-sight transmission. IrDA products began to appear in 1995.

Instant Reply

Allows you to return calls without leaving your voice messaging service.

Integrated Digital Enhanced Network

(iDEN) A wireless communications technology from Motorola that provides support for voice, data, short messages (SMS) and dispatch radio (two-way radio) in one phone. Operating in the 800MHz and 1.5GHz bands and based on TDMA, iDEN uses Motorola's VSELP (Vector Sum Excited Linear Predictors) vocoder for voice compression and QAM modulation to deliver 64 Kbps over a 25KHz channel. Each 25KHz channel can be divided six times to transmit any mix of voice, data, dispatch or text message. Used by various carriers around the globe, Nextel Communications provides nationwide coverage in the U.S.

Integrated Circuit Card ID

(ICCID) 19 or 20-digit serial number of the SIM card.

Intelligent Roaming Database

(IRDB) A list of acceptable and unacceptable networks for a phone to roam with stored either on a SIM card or in the phone.

Interactive Messaging

Short Message Service that allows users to send alphanumeric messages from their wireless handset to other wireless handsets or to email addresses. Interactive Messaging also allows the user to receive emails and web messages from the internet.

Interconnection

The connecting of one network with another, e.g. a cellular carrier's wireless network with the local exchange.

Interim Standard

(IS) A designation of the Telecommunications Industry Association --usually followed by a number--that refers to an accepted industry protocol; e.g., IS-95, IS-136, IS-54.

International Mobile Telecommunications Association

(IMTA) A trade group serving specialized mobile radio and public access mobile radio carriers around the world.

International Mobile Subscriber Identifier

(IMSI) A unique 15-digit number which designates the subscriber. This number is used for provisioning in network elements.

International Coverage

The area, at the international level, within which a customer can roam.

International Telecommunication Union

(ITU) An agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva that furthers the development of telecommunications services worldwide and oversees global allocation of spectrum for future uses.

International Mobile Equipment Identifier

(IMEI) A unique 15-digit number that serves as the serial number of the GSM handset. The IMEI appears on the label located on the back of the phone. The IMEI is automatically transmitted by the phone when the network asks for it. A network operator might request the IMEI to determine if a device is in disrepair, stolen or to gather statistics on fraud or faults.

Interoperability

The ability of a network to operate with other networks, such as two systems based on different protocols or technologies.

Ionizing Radiation

Very high energy electromagnetic radiation that strips electrons away from their normal locations in atoms and molecules.

IrDA

(Infrared Data Association) A membership organization founded in 1993 and dedicated to developing standards for wireless, infrared transmission systems between computers. With IrDA ports, a laptop or PDA can exchange data with a desktop computer or use a printer without a cable connection. Like a TV remote control, IrDA requires line-of-sight transmission. IrDA products began to appear in 1995.

IRDB

(Intelligent Roaming Database) A list of acceptable and unacceptable networks for a phone to roam with stored either on a SIM card or in the phone.

Iridium

First LEO-based global communications system backed by Motorola. Built primarily for voice transmissions, it was launched in 1998 and went into Chapter 11 in 1999.

IS-54

The first generation of the digital standard TDMA technology.

IS-136

The latest generation of the digital standard TDMA technology.

IS-41

The network standard that allows all switches to exchange information about subscribers.

IS

(Interim Standard) A designation of the Telecommunications Industry Association --usually followed by a number--that refers to an accepted industry protocol; e.g., IS-95, IS-136, IS

IS-95

The standard for CDMA.

IS-661

North American standard for 1.9 GHz wireless spread spectrum radio-frequency access technology based on a composite of CDMA and TDMA technologies To reduce infrastructure costs and allow higher data speeds than mainstream GSM or TDMA platforms.

ITA

(Industrial Telecommunications Association) A Washington, D.C. trade group serving private wireless licensees such as airlines and oil companies.

ITN

(Independent Telephone Network) Companies not affiliated with the local telephone companies.

ITU

(International Telecommunication Union) An agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva that furthers the development of telecommunications services worldwide and oversees global allocation of spectrum for future uses.

J2ME

In computing, the Java Platform, Micro Edition or Java ME (still commonly referred to by its previous name: Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition or J2ME) is a specification of a subset of the Java platform aimed at providing a certified collection of Java APIs for the development of software for tiny, small and resource-constrained devices. Programmers use the Java programming language and related tools to develop programs for mobile wireless information devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). J2ME consists of programming specifications and a special virtual machine.

Japanese Total Access Communication

(JTAC) Like the European TACS, JTAC is the Japanese analog cellular system.

Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition or J2ME

(J2ME) In computing, the Java Platform, Micro Edition or Java ME (still commonly referred to by its previous name: Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition or J2ME) is a specification of a subset of the Java platform aimed at providing a certified collection of Java APIs for the development of software for tiny, small and resource-constrained devices. Programmers use the Java programming language and related tools to develop programs for mobile wireless information devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). J2ME consists of programming specifications and a special virtual machine.

JTAC

(Japanese Total Access Communication) Like the European TACS, JTAC is the Japanese analog cellular system.

Land Line

Traditional wired phone service. Voice, video and data transmission technology that relies on wires. Also referred to as Wireline.

LCD

Stands for Liquid Crystal Display. A flat panel screen used to display numbers and/or characters. Often used on wireless devices.

Li-Ion

(Lithium-Ion Battery) Lighter weight battery than earlier types, having relatively longer cycle life and generally do not suffer from memory effect.

Liquid Crystal Display

(LCD) A flat panel screen used to display numbers and/or characters. Often used on wireless devices.

Lithium-Ion Battery

(Li-Ion) Lighter weight battery than earlier types, having relatively longer cycle life and generally do not suffer from memory effect.

LMDS

(Local Mulitpoint Distribution Service) Located in the 28 GHz and 31 GHz bands, LMDS is a broadband radio service designed to provide two-way transmission of voice, high-speed data and video (wireless cable TV).

LNP

(Local Number Portability) The ability of subscribers to switch local or wireless carriers and still retain the same phone number, as they can now with long-distance carriers. Wireless carriers did not have to offer LNP until March 2002 and sought further postponement of this deadline.

Local Mulitpoint Distribution Service

(LMDS) Located in the 28 GHz and 31 GHz bands, LMDS is a broadband radio service designed to provide two-way transmission of voice, high-speed data and video (wireless cable TV).

Local-State Governmental Advisory Committee

(LSGAC) An FCC-established group that is working on an antenna-siting solution. The LSGAC will advise carriers and communities on antenna siting.

Local Call

A call made to a location inside your local coverage area.

Local Number Portability

(LNP) The ability of subscribers to switch local or wireless carriers and still retain the same phone number, as they can now with long-distance carriers. Wireless carriers did not have to offer LNP until March 2002 and sought further postponement of this deadline.

Local Service Footprint

The geographical area that a customer may call without incurring toll charges, also known as "local service area," or "local calling area."

Local Calling/ Coverage Area

The geographical area that a customer may call without incurring toll charges.

Locked/unlocked Cell Phone

Some cell phones use a microchip (SIM card) that stores subscriber data. A locked phone will only recognize a SIM card from the carrier that the phone was purchased from. If a cell phone is unlocked, it will recognize a SIM card from any carrier. The "lock" is a software setting that keeps the cell phone "loyal" to one carrier. Carriers often 'lock' a phone onto their network if the phone is provided to the consumer at a heavily discounted cost as part of a packaged plan. Phones sold at full retail value without an attached plan are generally not locked.

Long-distance Call

A call made to or received from a location outside the local coverage area. Calls made or received while outside the local coverage area.

Low Earth Orbit

A term used to describe the orbital altitude range (500 to 2000 km above the surface of the Earth) of certain communications satellites.

LSGAC

(Local-State Governmental Advisory Committee) An FCC-established group that is working on an antenna-siting solution. The LSGAC will advise carriers and communities on antenna siting.

mAh

Stands for Milliampere-Hours. The unit used to measure the capacity of a wireless phone battery. A larger mAh number potentially indicates longer battery life.

Major Trading Area

(MTA) Usually composed of several contiguous basic trading areas. A service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC. There are 51 MTAs in the United States.

Memory Effect

The life of a battery may be gradually shortened if it is recharged before it is completely discharged. Memory effect most commonly occurs with Nickel Cadmium batteries are less of a problem with Nickel Hydride batteries and even less with Lithium Ion batteries.

Metropolitan Statistical Area

(MSA) One of 306 geographic regions, primarily urban areas, in the United States that are used as license areas in the cellular frequency band. Originally, two wireless operators were licensed in each MSA.

MHz

One million waves per second

Microcell

A cell having a very small coverage area, which could be as small as one floor of an office building, one part of an airline terminal, or one corner of a busy intersection. These cells are typically used when coverage and/or capacity is strained and the use of a normal sized cell would cause interference or would be impractical to install. These cells transmit with extremely low power outputs.

Microwaves

A subset of radio waves that have frequencies ranging from around 300 million waves per second (300 MHz) to three billion waves per second (3 GHz).

Middleware

The "mix-and-match" communications software that acts as a universal translator between diverse radio frequency technologies and protocols. Middleware resides on a remote client and a communications server, located between the client and the applications server. The software eases computing and communicating with corporate information and encourages applications development, making wireless data more attractive to corporate customers.

Milliampere-Hours

(mAh) The unit used to measure the capacity of a wireless phone battery. A larger mAh number potentially indicates longer battery life.

MMS

(Multimedia Messaging Service) A new version of SMS that is designed to be able to send photos, video and audio clips as well as text.

Mmultiple Band

(or Multi-Band) A phone that has Multi Band (or Multiple Band) capability can switch between several frequencies. Dual-band, Tri-Band and Quad-Band are all Multi-Band devices.

Mobile Identification Number

(MIN) Uniquely identifies a mobile unit within a wireless carrier's network. The MIN often can be dialed from other wireless or wireline networks. The number differs from the electronic serial number (ESN), which is the unit number assigned by a phone manufacturer. MINs and ESNs can be checked electronically to help prevent fraud.

Mobile

Also known as a Cellphone. (Another word for cellphone) a cellular phone or a cell. A mobile is a type of handset.

Mobile Satellite Service

Powerful communications transmission service provided by satellites. A single satellite can provide coverage to the whole United States.

Mobile Telephone Switching Office

(MTSO) The central switch that controls the entire operation of a cellular system. It is a sophisticated computer that monitors all cellular calls, tracks the location of all cellular-equipped vehicles traveling in the system, arranges handoffs, keeps track of billing information, etc.

Modem Pools

Racks of modems used to deliver reliable cellular data communications.

MSA

(Metropolitan Statistical Area) One of 306 geographic regions, primarily urban areas, in the United States that are used as license areas in the cellular frequency band. Originally, two wireless operators were licensed in each MSA.

MTA

(Major Trading Area) Usually composed of several contiguous basic trading areas. A service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC. There are 51 MTAs in the United States.

MTSO

(Mobile Telephone Switching Office) The central switch that controls the entire operation of a cellular system. It is a sophisticated computer that monitors all cellular calls, tracks the location of all cellular-equipped vehicles traveling in the system, arranges handoffs, keeps track of billing information, etc.

MTSO

Mobile Telephone Switching Office

Multi Band

(or Multiple band) A phone that has Multi Band (or Multiple Band) capability can switch between several frequencies. Dual-band, Tri-Band and Quad-Band are all Multi-Band devices.

Multi-structure Wireless Facility

A wireless facility where all necessary equipment is placed on multiple structures throughout a geographic area (e.g. micro-cell or a distributed antenna system).

Multimedia Messaging Service

(MMS) A new version of SMS that is designed to be able to send photos, video and audio clips as well as text.

Multimedia Messaging Service

(MMS) A new version of SMS that is designed to be able to send photos, video and audio clips as well as text.

Multipath Propagation

Signal distortion when a signal is reflected from nearby surfaces on its way to a receiver.

Multiplexing

When multiple phone calls are carried in the same frequency band at the same time. In wireless, major multiplexing methods include TDMA and CDMA.

Mutual Compensation

The concept that carriers must pay when they terminate traffic on the networks of carriers with which they are interconnected.

Mutually Exclusive Applications

Two or more applications for the same spectrum use rights.

NACN

(North American Cellular Network) An organization of cellular providers that facilitates cellular calls across the country to be linked for seamless roaming.

NAM

(Number Assignment Module) The NAM is the electronic memory in the cellular phone that stores the telephone number and an electronic serial number. Phones with dual- or multi-NAM features offer users the option of registering the phone with a local number in more than one market.

NAMPS

(Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System) Combines cellular voice processing with digital signaling, increasing the capacity of AMPS systems and adding functionality.

NANC

(North American Numbering Council) The FCC advisory group formerly responsible for administering the North American Numbering Plan that oversees assignment of area codes, central office codes and other numbering issues in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and part of the Caribbean. NANC administration responsibility was transferred to Lockheed Martin.

Narrowband PCS

The next generation of paging networks, including two-way, acknowledgment and "wireless answering machine" paging.

Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System

(NAMPS) Combines cellular voice processing with digital signaling, increasing the capacity of AMPS systems and adding functionality.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

(NTIA) The federal government's executive branch advisory committee for telecommunications.

National Emergency Numbering Association

(NENA) NENA's mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system.

NENA

(National Emergency Numbering Association) NENA's mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system.

Network Fee

A fixed amount paid each month to receive wireless service from your provider. Also referred to as a system access fee.

Network

Any system that was designed to provide one or more access paths for communication between users at different geographic locations. Communication networks may be designed for voice, text, data, fax and video. They may feature limited access (private networks) or open access (public networks), and will rely upon whatever analog or digital switching and transmission technologies are appropriate.

NiCd

(Nickel Cadmium Battery) A rechargeable battery that typically lasts for 700 charge and discharge cycles. If not completely discharged before recharging, the NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect that may reduce the life of the battery. Non-Ionizing Radiation: Levels of electromagnetic radiation that is too low to strip electrons away from their normal locations in atoms and molecules.

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery

(NiMH) A rechargeable battery that is capable of holding more power that a NiCd battery and suffers much less from memory effect. It is also typically more expensive than a NiCd battery.

Nickel Cadmium Battery

(NiCd) A rechargeable battery that typically lasts for 700 charge and discharge cycles. If not completely discharged before recharging, the NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect that may reduce the life of the battery. Non-Ionizing Radiation: Levels of electromagnetic radiation that is too low to strip electrons away from their normal locations in atoms and molecules.

NiMH

(Nickel Metal Hydride Battery) A rechargeable battery that is capable of holding more power that a NiCd battery and suffers much less from memory effect. It is also typically more expensive than a NiCd battery.

NMT

(Nordic Mobile Telephone) An older analog cellular protocol used in Europe and elsewhere.

Node

A low-capacity wireless transmitter/receiver typically placed on utility or light poles as part of a DAS network.

Nordic Mobile Telephone

(NMT) An older analog cellular protocol used in Europe and elsewhere.

North American Numbering Council

(NANC) The FCC advisory group formerly responsible for administering the North American Numbering Plan that oversees assignment of area codes, central office codes and other numbering issues in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and part of the Caribbean. NANC administration responsibility was transferred to Lockheed Martin.

North American Cellular Network

(NACN) An organization of cellular providers that facilitates cellular calls across the country to be linked for seamless roaming.

NTIA

(National Telecommunications and Information Administration) The federal government's executive branch advisory committee for telecommunications.

Number Pooling

Increasingly popular tactic for conserving phone numbers. Numbers are returned by all carriers to a central authority, which puts them in a pool, from which carriers receive numbers in lots of 1,000, not 10,000 as was originally done. Smaller lots of numbers reduce their cost and maximize the availability of new numbers to meet public demand.

Number Portability

A term used to describe the capability of individuals, businesses and organizations to retain their existing telephone number(s) –– and the same quality of service –– when switching to a new local service provider.

Number Assignment Module

(NAM) The NAM is the electronic memory in the cellular phone that stores the telephone number and an electronic serial number. Phones with dual- or multi-NAM features offer users the option of registering the phone with a local number in more than one market.

OBRA 93

(Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993) The first legislation authorizing the FCC to auction spectrum.

Off-Peak

Periods of time during which carriers (providers) offer discounted airtime charges. Each carrier designates its own off-peak hours, usually after normal business hours during the week, and weekends.

OHG

(Operators Harmonization Group) A worldwide organization of operators and manufacturers dedicated to achieving a uniform standard for third-generation wireless systems.

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993

(OBRA 93) The first legislation authorizing the FCC to auction spectrum.

Operators Harmonization Group

(OHG) A worldwide organization of operators and manufacturers dedicated to achieving a uniform standard for third-generation wireless systems.

OTASP

(Over-The-Air Service Provisioning) The ability of carriers to add new types of services to a customer's handset by using the wireless network instead of requiring the customer to bring the phone to a carrier's location for reprogramming.

Over-The-Air Service Provisioning

(OTASP) The ability of carriers to add new types of services to a customer's handset by using the wireless network instead of requiring the customer to bring the phone to a carrier's location for reprogramming.

Overlay Area Code

A solution to the scarcity of new phone numbers, overlays involve issuance of new 10-digit phone numbers for use alongside an area's existing seven-digit numbers, which have a different area code.

PAN

Wireless Personal Area Network

Partitioning

Dividing a spectrum license into two or more geographic areas.

PCIA

(Personal Communications Industry Association) A trade group representing PCS, SMR, private radio and other wireless users and carriers.

PCS

(Personal Communications Service) (1) A second-generation digital voice, messaging and data cell phone system in the 2GHz range. PCS is supported mostly by GSM. PCS systems use a different radio frequency 1900 MHz (1.9 GHz band) than cellular phones and generally use all digital technology for transmission and reception. "Digital PCS" is a redundancy, as all PCS are digital, but the phrase is used in marketing to distinguish PCS from cellular. (2) This is a digital mobile wireless service that offers voice communications and/or added capabilities, such as email, text messaging, voice mail, call waiting, etc. PCS provides customers with improved voice quality and security as compared to analog services. (3) a marketing term that describes a wide variety of digital wireless service offerings operating at 1900 MHz.

PCS Phone

A wireless telephone that uses radiofrequency signals in the 1850-1990 megahertz (MHz) portion of the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum. PCS stands for portable communication system.

PCS

Personal Communications Service

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant. A handheld device with organization and basic computing functions.

PDC

(Personal Digital Cellular) The Japanese cellular standard.

Peak

Highest-usage period of the business day when a cellular system carries the most calling traffic.

Penetration

The total number of subscribers for a carrier divided by the population that it serves expressed as a percentage.

Per-second Billing

Airtime for each call is calculated and billed to the second and not to the minute.

Per-minute Billing

When calls are billed by the minute, any call that uses a portion of a minute is rounded up and billed as a whole minute. For example, if you make a call that lasts 2 minutes and 2 seconds, you are billed for a 3-minute call.

Personal Digital Cellular

(PDC) The Japanese cellular standard.

Personal Digital Assistant

(PDA) A handheld device with organization and basic computing functions.

Personal Communications Industry Association

(PCIA) A trade group representing PCS, SMR, private radio and other wireless users and carriers.

Personal Communications Service

(PCS) A second-generation digital voice, messaging and data cell phone system in the 2GHz range. PCS is supported mostly by GSM. PCS systems use a different radio frequency 1900 MHz (1.9 GHz band) than cellular phones and generally use all digital technology for transmission and reception. "Digital PCS" is a redundancy, as all PCS are digital, but the phrase is used in marketing to distinguish PCS from cellular.

PIN

Stands for Personal Identification Number.

PIN Unblocking Key

(PUK) If a GSM or GAIT subscriber enters the wrong PIN three times in a row, then the wireless mobile phone is locked until the PUK is entered.

Pixels Picture Element

The smallest unit that makes up an image on a screen. The more pixels there are, the higher the resolution of the image.

Polyphonic Ringtone

A second-generation ringtone that can accurately reproduce complex music using several notes simultaneously.

Predictive Text Input

A feature available on certain cellphones that allows subscribers to write text messages with the help of an integrated dictionary. After only two or three letters are entered, the dictionary will offer the user possible word matches from which to choose.

Project 25

A joint government/industry standard setting effort to develop technical standards for the next generation of two-way communications equipment.

PSAP

(Public-Safety Answering Point) The dispatch office that receives 911 calls from the public. A PSAP may be local fire or police department, an ambulance service or a regional office covering all services.

PSC

Personal Communications Services

PSTN

(Public Switched Telephone Network) Traditional landline network that mobile wireless systems connect with to complete calls.

PTT

(Push to talk) a two-way mobile technology that works like a walkie-talkie.

Public Utility Commission

(PUC) The state regulatory body charged with regulating utilities, including telecommunications.

Public-Safety Answering Point

(PSAP) The dispatch office that receives 911 calls from the public. A PSAP may be local fire or police department, an ambulance service or a regional office covering all services.

Public Switched Telephone Network

(PSTN) Traditional landline network that mobile wireless systems connect with to complete calls.

PUC

(Public Utility Commission) The state regulatory body charged with regulating utilities, including telecommunications.

PUK

(PIN Unblocking Key) If a GSM or GAIT subscriber enters the wrong PIN three times in a row, then the wireless mobile phone is locked until the PUK is entered.

Pull SMS

The ability to request services (e.g. ringtones or games) from a wireless handset via Wireless Internet. The service requested is sent back to the handset via SMS.

Push SMS

The ability to request services (e.g. ringtones or games) from a wireless handset via sending a preset SMS code to a predetermined number. The service requested is sent back to the handset via SMS.

Push to talk

(PTT) a two-way mobile technology that works like a walkie-talkie.

Quad-band

(1) A quad-band phone allows you to roam almost anywhere globally. It covers the 850 Mhz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency ranges.  (2) A phone that has Multi Band (or Multiple Band) capability can switch between several frequencies. Dual-band, Tri-Band and Quad-Band are all Multi-Band devices.

Radiation

The emission and transmission of energy through space or through a material medium.

Radio waves

Term used for the transmitting and receiving of cellular telephone, television, radio and Wi-Fi signals.

Radio Frequency

(RF) The spectrum of electromagnetic energy between audio and light: 500 KHz to 300 GHz.

Radio-Frequency Fingerprinting

A process that identifies a cellular phone by the unique "fingerprint" that characterizes its signal transmission. RF fingerprinting is one process used to prevent cloning fraud, because a cloned phone will not have the same fingerprint as the legal phone with the same electronic identification numbers.

Radio Charging

A wireless charging method used to charge items with small batteries and low power requirements, such as watches, hearing aids, medical implants, cell phones and wireless keyboards and mice.

Rate Center

The geographic area used by local exchange carriers to set rate boundaries for billing and for issuing phone numbers.

Repeater

Device that receives a radio signal, amplifies it and retransmits it in a new direction. Used in wireless networks to extend the range of base station signals, expanding coverage more economically than building additional base stations. Repeaters typically are used for buildings, tunnels or difficult terrain.

Reverse Link

The portion of a telecommunications path from a satellite to the ground. Also referred to as downlink.

RF

(Radio Frequency) The spectrum of electromagnetic energy between audio and light: 500 KHz to 300 GHz.

Ringtone

The sequence of sounds and tones emitted by a cellphone when there is an incoming call. A tone can range from a simple beep to tunes and polyphonic ringtones. (Polyphonic Ringtone): A second-generation ringtone that can accurately reproduce complex music using several notes simultaneously.

Roaming Agreement

An agreement between two or more wireless telephone companies outlining the terms and conditions under which the participating companies will provide wireless service to each others subscribers. Roaming agreements commonly are used where no one company can offer complete national and international coverage.

Roaming

(1) A service offered by mobile communications network operators, which allows a subscriber to use his/her cellphone while in the service area of another provider. Roaming requires an agreement between operators of technologically compatible systems in individual markets to permit customers of either operator to access the other's systems. (2) When you use a cell phone outside of your carriers service area. when traveling outside of the "home" service area defined by a service provider. Higher per-minute rates are usually charged for calls made or received while roaming. Long distance rates and a daily access fee may also apply.

Round-Up Calls/Billing

When calls are billed by the minute, any call that uses a portion of a minute is rounded up and billed for the whole minute. For example, if you make a call that lasts 3 minutes and 2 seconds, you are billed for a 4-minute call.

S-Band

The frequency spectrum near 2 GHz used for land based microwave and some mobile satellite communications.

SAR

(Specific Absorption Rate) A measure of the rate at which RF (Radio Frequency) energy is absorbed by the body.

SDMA

(Space Division Multiple Access) A variation of TDMA and CDMA that potentially will be used in high-bandwidth, third-generation wireless products.

Search Area

A geographic area in which a wireless carrier seeks to place a new wireless facility to provide new or improved service.

Service Charge

The amount customers pay each month to receive wireless service. This amount is fixed, and to be paid monthly regardless of how much or how little customers use their wireless phones.

Service Plan

The rate plan you select when choosing a wireless phone service. A service plan typically consists of a fixed amount of minutes per month. Service plans are designed to provide the most cost-effective rates for different types and amounts of usage by the cellular subscriber.

Short Message Service

(SMS) The transmission of short alphanumeric text-messages to and from a mobile phone, fax machine and/or IP address. Messages must be no longer than 160 alphanumeric characters and contain no images or graphics. Once a message is sent, it is received by a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which must then get it to the appropriate mobile device.

Short Message Service Center

(SMSC) The hardware device submitting the messages. Currently, SMSC devices support binary formats.

Short Message Service

(SMS) A wireless service that involves using the keypad to compose, then send and receive a written note on a cellphone. Also referred to as text messaging.

SID

(System Identification) A five digit number that indicates the service area which a cellphone is in.

SIM - Card

(Subscriber Identity Module - Card) (1) A small printed circuit board that must be inserted in any GSM-based mobile phone to allow your phone to access the global network. It contains subscriber details, security information and memory for a personal directory of numbers. The card can be a small plug-in type or sized as a credit-card but has the same functionality. The SIM card also stores data that identifies the caller to the network service provider. The SIM card is transferable to other GSM phones. (2) A portable memory chip used in GSM phones to hold your phone numbers and other information. Can be removed and inserted into other GSM phones, allowing you to transfer your cell phone number, phone book, text messages and other data to a different (SIM based) phone.

Simple Network Paging Protocol

(SNPP) A sequence of commands and replies where pages are delivered to individual paging terminals. The most obvious benefit is the elimination of the need for modems and phone lines to produce alphanumeric pages, and the ease of delivery of pages to terminals in other cities or countries.

Simulcast

A signaling technique that broadcasts the same signal over multiple sites in a network.

Single-structure Wireless Facility

A wireless facility where all necessary equipment is contained on a single structure (e.g. monopole; also known as a macro site).

Sleep Mode

Designed to conserve battery life, this mode automatically turns off a terminal after it has been unused for a specified period of time. The unit is reactivated when the keypad is touched. (Some have complained because you do not know when it goes into sleep mode and you can miss calls -some phones allow you to turn off this feature).

Smart Antenna

An antenna system that focuses its beam on a desired signal to reduce interference. A wireless network employs smart antennas at its base stations in an effort to reduce the number of dropped calls, improve call quality and improve channel capacity.

Smart Card

A plastic card containing important data about a person's identity to allow access to a network or premises. Also, a card containing subscriber information, often inserted into GSM phones for roaming in different countries.

Smart Phone

(1) A class of wireless phone handsets with many features, and often a keyboard. What makes the phone "smart" is its ability to handle data, not only voice calls. (2) A handheld device that integrates various cellphone and PDA capabilities together. A smartphone may allow users to store information, access email, install programs along with sending and receiving cellular phone calls.

Smartphone

A handheld device that integrates various cellphone and PDA capabilities together. A smartphone may allow users to store information, access email, install programs along with sending and receiving cellular phone calls.

SMiShing

Stands for not being a real URL at the time of writing. This phenomena, which McAfee Avert Labs are dubbing "SMiShing" (phishing via SMS), is yet another indicator that cell phones and mobile devices are becoming increasingly used by perpetrators of malware, viruses and scams.

SMR

(Specialized Mobile Radio) Dispatch service ("walkie-talkie-type" service used by taxis, delivery trucks, etc.). SMR providers in the United States operate in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands.

SMS

(Short Message Service) A wireless service that involves using the keypad to compose, then send and receive a written note on a cellphone. Also referred to as text messaging.

SMS

(Short Message Service) The transmission of short alphanumeric text-messages to and from a mobile phone, fax machine and/or IP address. Messages must be no longer than 160 alphanumeric characters and contain no images or graphics. Once a message is sent, it is received by a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which must then get it to the appropriate mobile device.

SMSC

(Short Message Service Center) The hardware device submitting the messages. Currently, SMSC devices support binary formats.

SNPP

(Simple Network Paging Protocol) A sequence of commands and replies where pages are delivered to individual paging terminals. The most obvious benefit is the elimination of the need for modems and phone lines to produce alphanumeric pages, and the ease of delivery of pages to terminals in other cities or countries.

Soft Key

A key below the phone's main display panel that performs special functions.

Soft Handoff

When two base stations -- one in the cell site where the phone is located and the other in the cell site to which the conversation is being passed - both hold onto the call until the handoff is completed. The first cell site does not cut off the conversation until it receives information that the second is maintaining the call.

Space Division Multiple Access

(SDMA) A variation of TDMA and CDMA that potentially will be used in high-bandwidth, third-generation wireless products.

Specialized Mobile Radio

(SMR) Dispatch service ("walkie-talkie-type" service used by taxis, delivery trucks, etc.). SMR providers in the United States operate in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands.

Specific Absorption Rate

(SAR) A measure of the rate at which RF (Radio Frequency) energy is absorbed by the body.

Spectrum Assignment

Federal government authorization for use of specific frequencies or frequency pairs within a given allocation, at specific geographic locations.

Spectrum Cap

A limit to the allocated spectrum designated for a specific service.

Spectrum

(1) The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used in the transmission of sound, data and television. (2) the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. (3) a characteristic series of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by a substance. (4) the components of a sound or other phenomenon arranged according to frequency, energy, etc. (5) a scale extending between two points; a range. (6) a band of colors produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction, e.g. in a rainbow. (See also: Electromagnetic Spectrum)

Spectrum Allocation

Federal government assignment of a range of frequencies for a category of use or uses. For example, the FCC allocated the 1900 MHz band for personal communications services. Allocation, accomplished in FCC proceedings, tracks new technology development. However, the FCC can shift existing allocations to respond to changes in spectrum demand.

Spread Spectrum

Initially devised for military use, this radio transmission technology "spreads" information over greater bandwidth than necessary to resist jamming and other interference.

Standby Time

The length of time a cellphone can be switched on, without being used, until its battery is drained.

Stratospheric Platform

Blimp-like platform for wireless telephone service in urban areas.

Strongest Signal

The concept that a wireless 911 call should be routed to the cell site with the strongest link to the phone, regardless of which carrier holds the caller as a customer. A shortcoming is that strength of the call's setup link isn't always equal to that of the link the cell assigns for voice traffic because the latter can be weaker.

Subscriber Profiling

Compiling subscriber usage information (such as frequency of calls, locations called to or from and monthly airtime usage), to identify potentially fraudulent use or to identify customers likely to terminate service. This information can also be used to target customers when marketing a carrier's product and service offerings.

Subscriber Fraud

Securing wireless service with intent to avoid payment. This is different from bad debt, which occurs when a known person or company has a payment obligation overdue and the debt cannot be collected.

Subscriber Identity Module

(SIM) A card inserted into a GSM/TDMA or GSM-only handset containing subscriber-related data. The card contains 18 digits for GSM markets and 20 digits for TDMA markets.

Subscriber Identity Module - Card

(SIM) (1) A small printed circuit board that must be inserted in any GSM-based mobile phone to allow your phone to access the global network. It contains subscriber details, security information and memory for a personal directory of numbers. The card can be a small plug-in type or sized as a credit-card but has the same functionality. The SIM card also stores data that identifies the caller to the network service provider. The SIM card is transferable to other GSM phones. (2) A portable memory chip used in GSM phones to hold your phone numbers and other information. Can be removed and inserted into other GSM phones, allowing you to transfer your cell phone number, phone book, text messages and other data to a different (SIM based) phone.

Switch

A mechanical, electrical or electronic device that opens or closes circuits, completes or breaks an electrical path, or selects paths or circuits.

System Access Fee

A fixed amount paid each month to receive wireless service from your provider. Also referred to as an access fee or network fee.

System Identification

(SID) A five digit number that indicates the service area which a cellphone is in.

TACS

(Total Access Communication System) European analog cellular.

Talk Time

(1) The length of time a cellphone can be involved in an active conversation before the batteries need recharging. (2) The battery capacity of a cellular portable or transportable is usually expressed in terms of so many minutes of talk time or so many hours of standby time. When you're talking, the phone draws additional power from the battery. See Standby Time.

TCU

(Telematics Control Unit) The embedded vehicle control unit that communicates with the automobile controls, GPS satellite and customer service center to provide Telematics features to a driver.

TD-CDMA

A 3G proposal combining elements of TDMA and CDMA.

TDMA

(Time Division Multiple Access) A method of digital wireless communications transmission allowing a large number of users to access a single radio-frequency channel without interference. Each user is given a unique time slot within each channel. SMS Mobile Originate has now gone live on several TDMA networks around the world including Telecom New Zealand, Midwest Wireless USA, Algar Telecom Brazil and Cellcom Israel. Other TDMA network operators such as AT&T Wireless in the U.S. have launched SMS nationally.

TDMA

(Time division multiple access) (1) is a channel access method for shared medium networks. It allows several users to share the same frequency channel by dividing the signal into different time slots. The users transmit in rapid succession, one after the other, each using his own time slot. This allows multiple stations to share the same transmission medium (e.g. radio frequency channel) while using only a part of its channel capacity. TDMA is used in the digital 2G cellular systems such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), IS-136, Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) and iDEN, and in the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard for portable phones. It is also used extensively in satellite systems, and combat-net radio systems. For usage of Dynamic TDMA packet mode communication, see below. (2) TDMA frame structure showing a data stream divided into frames and those frames divided into time slots.TDMA is a type of Time-division multiplexing, with the special point that instead of having one transmitter connected to one receiver, there are multiple transmitters. In the case of the uplink from a mobile phone to a base station this becomes particularly difficult because the mobile phone can move around and vary the timing advance required to make its transmission match the gap in transmission from its peers.

Telecommunications Relay Service

(TRS) 711 Enables telephone conversations between people with speech or hearing disabilities and people without speech or hearing disabilities.

Telecommunications

The transmission of words, sounds, or images, usually over great distances, in the form of electromagnetic energy, for example by telegraph, telephone, radio, or television.

Telecommunications Industry Association

(TIA) The United States' telecommunications standards making body.

Telematics Control Unit

(TCU) The embedded vehicle control unit that communicates with the automobile controls, GPS satellite and customer service center to provide Telematics features to a driver.

Telematics

The integration of wireless communications, vehicle monitoring systems and location devices.

Telephone Transmission Tower

A telephone base station located on top of a tall, free-standing structure.

Telephone Network

The system of wires, fiber-optic cables, satellites, and transmission towers that transmit telephone messages from caller to receiver.

Telephony

Originally meaning voice (analog) communication by telephone (land line), this term has come to encompass virtually all telecommunications, because virtually all telecommunications can be done over or while connected to a telephone line.

Termination Charges

Fees that wireless telephone companies pay to complete calls on wireline phone networks or vice versa.

Text Messaging

A wireless service that involves using the keypad to compose, then send and receive a written note on a cellphone. Also referred to as SMS. (SMS) Stands for Short Message Service.

Third Generation

(3G) A new wireless standard promising increased capacity and high-speed data applications up to two megabits. Third generation wireless employ wideband frequency carriers and a CDMA air interface. Networks must be able to transmit wireless data at 144 kilobits per second at mobile user speeds. Implemented in Europe as UMTS and CDMA2000 in North America, its goals are high-quality multimedia and advanced global roaming (in house, cellular, satellite, etc.).

TIA

(Telecommunications Industry Association) The United States' telecommunications standards making body.

Time Division Multiple Access

(TDMA) A method of digital wireless communications transmission allowing a large number of users to access a single radio-frequency channel without interference. Each user is given a unique time slot within each channel. SMS Mobile Originate has now gone live on several TDMA networks around the world including Telecom New Zealand, Midwest Wireless USA, Algar Telecom Brazil and Cellcom Israel. Other TDMA network operators such as AT&T Wireless in the U.S. have launched SMS nationally.

Time division multiple access

(TDMA) (1) is a channel access method for shared medium networks. It allows several users to share the same frequency channel by dividing the signal into different time slots. The users transmit in rapid succession, one after the other, each using his own time slot. This allows multiple stations to share the same transmission medium (e.g. radio frequency channel) while using only a part of its channel capacity. TDMA is used in the digital 2G cellular systems such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), IS-136, Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) and iDEN, and in the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard for portable phones. It is also used extensively in satellite systems, and combat-net radio systems. For usage of Dynamic TDMA packet mode communication, see below. (2) TDMA frame structure showing a data stream divided into frames and those frames divided into time slots.TDMA is a type of Time-division multiplexing, with the special point that instead of having one transmitter connected to one receiver, there are multiple transmitters. In the case of the uplink from a mobile phone to a base station this becomes particularly difficult because the mobile phone can move around and vary the timing advance required to make its transmission match the gap in transmission from its peers.

Total Access Communication System

(TACS) European analog cellular.

Traffic

The volume or flow of voice and data communication over a wireless network.

Transceiver

Equipment to handle the broadcast and reception of radio signals with network or subscriber equipment.

Travel Charger

A device which charges the cellphone battery while the battery is connected to the phone, by plugging the charger into the cellphone and into an electrical outlet.

Tri Band

 A phone that has Multi Band (or Multiple Band) capability can switch between several frequencies. Dual-band, Tri-Band and Quad-Band are all Multi-Band devices.

Tri-Band

A network infrastructure or wireless phone designed to operate in three frequency bands: 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800MHz.

Tri-Mode

Phones that work on three modes GSM, TDMA and analog.

Triangulation

The process of pinning down a caller's location using three or more radio receivers, a compass and a map.

TRS

(Telecommunications Relay Service ) 711 Enables telephone conversations between people with speech or hearing disabilities and people without speech or hearing disabilities.

Trunking

Spectrum-efficient technology that establishes a queue to handle demand for voice or data channels.

UMTS

(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) The goal of UMTS is to enable networks that offer true global roaming and can support a wide range of voice, data and multimedia services. A new-generation technology for rapidly moving data and multimedia over wireless devices. The European implementation of the 3G wireless phone system, UMTS provides service in the 2GHz band and offers global roaming and personalized features; designed as an evolutionary system for GSM network operators, multimedia data rates offered by UMTS are: vehicular - 144 kbit/s; pedestrian 384 kbit/s; in-building 2Mb/s.

Universal Wireless Communications Consortium

(UWCC) An industry group supporting TDMA and WIN technology.

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

(UMTS) The goal of UMTS is to enable networks that offer true global roaming and can support a wide range of voice, data and multimedia services. A new-generation technology for rapidly moving data and multimedia over wireless devices. The European implementation of the 3G wireless phone system, UMTS provides service in the 2GHz band and offers global roaming and personalized features; designed as an evolutionary system for GSM network operators, multimedia data rates offered by UMTS are: vehicular - 144 kbit/s; pedestrian 384 kbit/s; in-building 2Mb/s.

Uplink

The portion of a telecommunications path from the ground to the satellite, also referred to as the Forward Link.

UWC-136

A third-generation wireless standard proposal based on TDMA technology that was developed by the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium and is one of the 3G candidates submitted to the International Telecommunication Union by the United States. UWC-136 represents an evolutionary path for both the old analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and the second-generation TIA/EIA-136 technologies, which were designed specifically for compatibility with AMPS. UWC-136 radio transmission technology proposes a low-cost incremental, evolutionary deployment path for both AMPS and TIA/EIA operators. The technology is tolerant of the frequency band in which it is deployed: 500 MHz to 2.5 GHz.

UWCC

(Universal Wireless Communications Consortium) An industry group supporting TDMA and WIN technology.

Visitor Location Register

(VLR) A network database that holds information about roaming wireless customers.

VLR

(Visitor Location Register) A network database that holds information about roaming wireless customers.

Voice Recognition

(1) The capability for cellphones, PCs and other communications devices to be activated or controlled by voice commands. (2) A feature that allows cell phones to be operated by spoken words.

Voice Activation

A safety feature that allows a subscriber to dial a phone by voice instead of physically punching in the numbers.

Voice Activated Dialling

A feature that allows the user to dial a telephone number by speaking.

WAP

(Wireless Application Protocol) (1) A standard for web sites and information services to deliver simple web page layouts to mobile phones. (2) An open standard for communication between handsets and the Internet. WAP is a wireless communications environment for delivering web data to wireless terminals with minimal screen display. An initiative started by Unwired Planet, Motorola, Nokia and Ericsson to develop a standard for wireless content delivery on the next generation of mobile communicators. WAP strips all but graphics for display on small screens, such as mobile phones. A mini-browser is an integral part of WAP enabled phones. WAP enabled phones first appeared in Europe at the end of 1999.

Wavelength

The distance covered by one cycle of a wave.

WCDMA

(Wideband CDMA) A 3G mobile services platform, based on modern, layered network-protocol structure, similar to the protocol structure used in GSM networks. WCDMA has been designed for high-speed data services and more particularly, internet-based packet-data offering up to 2Mbps in stationary or office environments, and up to 384Kbps in wide area or mobile environments. The third generation radio standard that will offer voice, data, motion-video and other multimedia capabilities, and increases data transmission rates in GSM systems by using CDMA instead of TDMA. WCDMA has become the Direct Sequence (DS) mode in the ITU's 3G specification, which includes the 1X Multi-Carrier mode (1X MC) and 3X Multi-Carrier mode (3X MC). 1X MC (formerly known as cdma2000) and 3X MC comprise the 3G upgrade path for carriers already using CDMA (cdmaOne).

WCS

(Wireless Communications Services) The variety of services available using frequencies in the 2.3 GHz band for general fixed wireless use.

Web Browsing

The action of accessing or searching the Internet from a computer, including a cellphone. When done on a cellphone, it is also known as the trademark Mobile Browsing.

Wideband CDMA

(WCDMA) A 3G mobile services platform, based on modern, layered network-protocol structure, similar to the protocol structure used in GSM networks. WCDMA has been designed for high-speed data services and more particularly, internet-based packet-data offering up to 2Mbps in stationary or office environments, and up to 384Kbps in wide area or mobile environments. The third generation radio standard that will offer voice, data, motion-video and other multimedia capabilities, and increases data transmission rates in GSM systems by using CDMA instead of TDMA. WCDMA has become the Direct Sequence (DS) mode in the ITU's 3G specification, which includes the 1X Multi-Carrier mode (1X MC) and 3X Multi-Carrier mode (3X MC). 1X MC (formerly known as cdma2000) and 3X MC comprise the 3G upgrade path for carriers already using CDMA (cdmaOne).

Wideband Packet CDMA

(WPCDMA) A technical proposal from Golden Bridge Technology that wraps WCDMA and cdma2000 into one standard.

WiMax

A high-performance version of Wi-Fi, WiMax (or 802.16) offer the bandwidth of Wi-Fi at ranges measured in miles rather than feet. Many industry observers feel that WiMax could be the future of wireless networks, boasting speeds rivaling those of wired gigabit Ethernet networks.

WIN

(Wireless Intelligent Network) The architecture needed to match the capabilities of the wireline intelligent network. In addition to transparent roaming, selective call screening, short message service and pre-paid billing are features that a WIN can provide.

Wireless

Broadband Transmission facilities that have bandwidth or capacity greater than that of a voice line. Capable of carrying numerous voice, video and data channels simultaneously.

Wireless Telephone Base Station

The combination of antennas and electronic equipment used to receive and transmit wireless telephone signals. Sometimes called a base station.

Wireless Transport Layer Security

(WTLS) The security layer of the WAP which provides privacy, data integrity and authentication for WAP services. WTLS, designed specifically for the wireless environment, is needed for the client and server to be authenticated in order for wireless transactions to remain secure and also because the connection needs to be encrypted. For example, a user making a transaction with a bank over a wireless device needs to know that the connection is secure and private and not subject to a security breach during transfer. WTLS is needed because mobile networks do not provide complete end-to-end security.

Wireless Backhaul

Communication

Getting data to a point from which it can be transmitted to the satellite. Backhaul is also used to get non-live audio and video material to distribution points at major broadcast news organizations.

Wireless Network

An integrated connection of wireless facilities that allow customers to send and receive calls and/or transfer data.

Wireless Facility

The antenna(s) and other equipment necessary to provide wireless service for a particular site. A wireless facility is also known as a cell site or tower.

Wireless Data

Wireless data allows you to send digital information on a cellular phone.

Wireless Bitmap

(WBMP) Directed to hand held phones or personal digital assistants (PDA) that have Web access, you use the Wireless Markup Language (WML) to encode the page and its text. An image can be included in the form of a WBMP file -- initially, supported only in black-and-white -- that you can convert from a Graphics.

Wireless Markup Language/Script

(WML/WMLScript) The languages used to create WAP pages. WML is similar to the way HTML is used to create web pages and WMLScript is based on JavaScript. Both are adapted and optimized for a wireless environment (compression to save bandwidth).

Wireless Application Protocol

(WAP) (1) A standard for web sites and information services to deliver simple web page layouts to mobile phones. (2) An open standard for communication between handsets and the Internet. WAP is a wireless communications environment for delivering web data to wireless terminals with minimal screen display. An initiative started by Unwired Planet, Motorola, Nokia and Ericsson to develop a standard for wireless content delivery on the next generation of mobile communicators. WAP strips all but graphics for display on small screens, such as mobile phones. A mini-browser is an integral part of WAP enabled phones. WAP enabled phones first appeared in Europe at the end of 1999.

Wireless Intelligent Network

(WIN) The architecture needed to match the capabilities of the wireline intelligent network. In addition to transparent roaming, selective call screening, short message service and pre-paid billing are features that a WIN can provide.

Wireless Communications Services

(WCS) The variety of services available using frequencies in the 2.3 GHz band for general fixed wireless use.

Wireless Device

Any device that can communicate with other devices without being connected by a wire. A cellphone is a wireless device.

Wireline

Traditional wired phone service. Voice, video and data transmission technology that relies on wires. Also referred to as Land Line.

WML

Wireless Markup Language

WML/WMLScript

(Wireless Markup Language/Script) The languages used to create WAP pages. WML is similar to the way HTML is used to create web pages and WMLScript is based on JavaScript. Both are adapted and optimized for a wireless environment (compression to save bandwidth).

World Phone

A quad band cellphone that works all around the world, assuming your provider has a roaming agreement with the country you are in.

WPCDMA

(Wideband Packet CDMA) A technical proposal from Golden Bridge Technology that wraps WCDMA and cdma2000 into one standard.

WTLS

(Wireless Transport Layer Security) The security layer of the WAP which provides privacy, data integrity and authentication for WAP services. WTLS, designed specifically for the wireless environment, is needed for the client and server to be authenticated in order for wireless transactions to remain secure and also because the connection needs to be encrypted. For example, a user making a transaction with a bank over a wireless device needs to know that the connection is secure and private and not subject to a security breach during transfer. WTLS is needed because mobile networks do not provide complete end-to-end security.