Usually managed by the user's hardware, abbreviated dialling is the simple application of a shortened number (or code) which may be used instead of dialling an entire number.  Speed dialling is the most common example of abbreviated dialling.

Merged entity, see ACMA.  (Not to be confused with the ACA - Australian Consumers' Association.)

CHOICE is a not-for-profit organisation which researches products and services on behalf of consumers in Australia.  They are the largest consumer organisation in Australia.

The ACCC is an independent body which provides general consumer protection and competition regulation across all industries.  It administers the Trade Practices Act.  The ACCC also regulates competition in the telecommunications industry through administration of the Telecommunications Access Regime (the ability to choose alternate providers of telecommunications services) and regulation of anti-competitive conduct.

The provision of a basic mobile or landline telephone service or other type of telecommunications service.

Also called SIM or 'Subscriber Identity Module' card. Provided by your mobile company to enable your mobile handset access to their network.

Monthly charge from a service provider for provision of that service.  Call charges are additional to this charge.  Also may be referred to as a Service Fee or Connection Fee.  Distinct from a Connection Charge, this is the charge for connection of an individual call.

The length of time a customer has access to a network, usually under a contract with the service provider.

A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring that those who are deaf or have a hearing, speech or communication impairment, can obtain access to the telephone and other telecommunication networks.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radio communications, telecommunications and online content.  Incorporates the former ABA (Australian Broadcasting Authority) and ACA (Australian Communications Authority).

Configuration of a mobile phone handset and associated account to allow use on a selected mobile network.

A once-off start-up fee payable when a mobile service is first connected to a mobile network.  Also called Connection Fee.

A technology for the delivery of digital data over existing copper telephone lines (twisted-pair copper subscriber lines).  Voice traffic may be carried over the line simultaneously through use of a filter.  The data rate is asymmetric (non-symmetric), with download rates exceeding upload rates.  For example:  a 1500/256 kbps ADSL connection would have download rates of up to 1500 kbps and upload rates of only 256 kbps.  See also xDSL.  See also SHDSL.  See also ADSL2+.

A technology for the delivery of faster ADSL.  Exchanges must be ADSL2+ enabled.  Speeds available start at 24000/3000 kbps and reduce with distance from the exchange, hardware used, quality of the copper pair used, etc.

A representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organisations.  Or, a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission.  In Australian telecommunications an agent is typically a person or company who has a contractual agreement with a Service Provider, whereby they will obtain commission or similar for bringing new customers to that provider.

Member organisation formed to represent the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector in Australia.  The AIIA has almost 500 member companies employing 100,000 Australians.

The amount of time you spend on your mobile. Some people call this "Talk Time,"(although this has another meaning - see below) even though it includes the time you spend listening, pretending to listen and saying "uh-huh" politely.

An alarm feature which can be set for a specific time and date or can used as a daily alarm. If the phone has a calendar feature, the alarm feature may be integrated with that (in some Motorola phones for example), so an alarm is simply a calendar event. Although some phones with a calendar feature also have a separate alarm feature.

A display capable of containing letters and numbers, but not graphics.

The AMPS network in Australia was the first mobile phone network.  This network was subsequently replaced by digital networks, such as GSM, and is no longer operational.  Security and capacity were limiting factors of the AMPS network.  The AMPS network is sometimes referred to as the 1G Mobile network; where 1G indicates 'First Generation'.

AMTA is an industry body representing and promoting the interests of organisations involved in the supply and provision of mobile telecommunications services and products.  Members include: mobile phone carriers and service providers, handset manufacturers, retail outlets and associated business such as those that provide network equipment and specialised consultancy services.

The technology originally used to transmit radio (including mobile phone) and TV communications.  Superseded in many communications areas today.  Digital communications are now being used in mobile telephony and TV delivery is broadcast using both analog and digital methods.

Transmission of the calling party's number to the called party.  Used for Caller ID, and forms part of the CLI information.

Mobile handset feature which alters power usage in the handset according to usage needs.  The aim of APC is to increase number of available battery hours.

Prefix added to a phone number to denote the location of that number.  In Australia, interstate calling often requires an STD area code.  Follow this link for a list of all Australian area code an prefixes.

High bandwidth, high speed (up to 155 Mbps), controlled-delay, fixed-size packet switching and transmission system for voice, video, and data.  Due to the nature of its dedicated connection, ATM has become a more expensive alternative to other digital data transfer systems.

A not-for-profit membership-based organisation of Australian telecommunications users.  ATUG states their aims as working for better choice, value and services in the telecommunications sector.  ATUG has lobbied for the de-regulation of the telecommunications industry, mobile number portability, broadband access and pricing, regional services and best practice procurement.  An organisation that provides assistance, advice and information to members to optimise their communications capabilities and costs, and to act as their voice to government, regulators and carriers.

Delivery of calls to a user through an alternate network (while that user is out of range from their pre-selected network).  Roaming is the common term.

Commercial term meaning Business-to-Business commerce, as distinct from Business-to-Consumer or Retail Business.

The electronic 'spine' of a telecommunications network which joins slower and dispersed network elements.  A common telecommunications backbone in Australia carries network traffic between Melbourne and Sydney and is a private, managed network.  Telstra, Optus and AAPT all have such networks.

The account number attached to a service(s).  Most often a customer will only have a single BAN from a service provider.  However, customers may elect to have several BANs; to designate between sites, for example.

The amount of data that can be sent over a network connection in a fixed period of time.  Bandwidth is measured in units of bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), or megabits per second (mps).  For example: Dial-up connections (considered 'slow') often transmit at 28 or 56 kbps; ADSL connections (considered 'medium-pace') have a range of connection speeds, 512 kbps is a common speed; ADSL2+ (considered 'fast') has speeds of up to 24 Mbps (that is 24,000 kbps).  Higher bandwidth connections are more suited to carrying video data.

Radio transceiver that sends and receives mobile phone signals.  In the US and Canada, the area covered by such a transceiver is a Cell - hence the term Cell Phones.
A carrier's coverage area is the geographical area covered by multiple Base Stations.

The expected duration for which a battery can last while the handset is in standby mode (eg. switched-on, but not in use).

The postal address for a telecommunications services account.  The billing address may differ to the physical address of the services.

Blocks of time, usually 1 second or 30 second blocks, which are used by a service provider to calculate the cost of a call.
Example:  If a mobile phone plan states that calls are billed per 30 seconds, then calls lasting 3 sec, 14 sec and 30 sec will all be billed the same; as one 30 second billing increment.  However, a 31 sec call will be billed as two billing increments.
Example:  If a mobile phone deal states that calls are to be billed in 1 second increments, then all calls are billed per second.  Typically, billing in 1 sec increments will be approximately 3.5% cheaper than billing in 30 second increments.

1 Second (or Per Second) Billing Increments
Call costs are calculated (in part, at least) using the number of seconds, multiplied by the billing rate.   Per second billing increment phone plans typically save approximately 3.5% more than a 30 sec billing increment plan.
 
30 Second Billing Increments
Call costs are calculated (in part, at least) by finding the number of billing increments used (in this case 30 seconds), and multiplying by the billing rate per increment.
For example: 30 second billing increment phone plans will charge the same amount for call durations 6 sec, 14 sec, and 30 sec.  They will also charge the same for calls which are 31 sec, 44 sec and 60 seconds.

The BlackBerry is a handheld wireless device providing e-mail, telephone, text messaging and web browsing and other wireless data access.  In Australia, BlackBerry operates mostly on the GPRS network.  However, BlackBerry will begin operating at higher speeds as networks are upgraded.

Call blocking is a feature which may be requested from a provider.  Typically, call blocking may be used to block the connection of nuisance calls.

A radio technology standard created for wireless transmission of signals over short distances between electronic devices.  Transfer speeds are up to 720kbit/sec and do not require line-of-sight.  Industry standard developed by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba; with later inputs by 3Com, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft and Motorola.  It is named after Harold Bluetooth, who united Scandinavian Europe in the 10th century, ending many years of war.

A measure of data transmission speed.  bps is literally the 'bits per second' which may be transferred over a network connection.  For example: Dial-up connections (considered 'slow') often transmit at 28 or 56 kbps; ADSL connections (considered 'medium-pace') have a range of connection speeds, 512 kbps is a common speed; ADSL2+ (considered 'fast') has speeds of up to 24 Mbps (that is 24,000 kbps).  Higher bandwidth connections are more suited to carrying video data.
Bits is a combination of the words 'binary' and 'digit.'  Each bit is assigned a digital 1 or a 0, and eight bits make up a byte.

Also called ISDN2, this is a conversion of a single copper pair into two 64 kbps 'B' channels which may be used for voice or data.  There is an additional 16kbps 'D' data signal channel created also.
ISDN2 is often used in regional areas for internet connections; either as the landline component of a satellite broadband connection or as a dial-up internet connection.

Broadband internet offers connection speeds far in excess of the capabilities of dial-up connection.
Technically, broadband is a term describing multiple channels of data over a single communication medium.
Broadband has the capacity to deliver to consumers a broad range of integrated services such as voice, high-speed data, text and graphics, video and interactive services.   There are many different types of broadband connection available, and they suit different kinds of users. ADSL - may be suitable if you have a landline connected.
Cable - may be suitable if you have Pay TV at home.
Satellite - may be suitable in remote areas or if you have a satellite dish.
SDSL - may be suitable if you host a website or upload large files.
Wireless - may be suitable if you don’t want a cable or landline connection.

The testing of a site for determining the availability of broadband services.  There are several online resources to check broadband availability.  Try www.whirlpool.net.au (external link) for xDSL, ADSL2+ and Cable connections.  Of course, every location has broadband availability through satellite broadband connections.

Program provides registered ISPs (Internet Service Providers) with incentive payments to supply higher bandwidth services in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia at prices comparable to those available in metropolitan areas.  Replacement scheme for the ended HiBIS (ended on 31 December 2005) and was begun on 1 January 2006.

A software application which facilitates interaction with the World Wide Web.  A browser uses HTTP to interact with Web servers online.  Also called a Web Browser.

Combining any or all telecommunication services from a single provider.  Bundled offers usually confer a discount on one or more services.

Business Card Typically used to depict a record in your contact database. This record may be transmitted to another phone using Infrared, Bluetooth or a data-Cable, if available and activated on both phones.

Use of a fibre optic cable (the same used for pay-TV connections) to deliver Internet connections at up to 10 Mbps.

Formed in 2006, through the merger of the ACIF and SPAN, the CAL is an industry body focussed on promoting the 'growth of the Australian communications industry and the protection of consumer interests by fostering the highest standards of business ethics and behaviour through industry self-governance'.

Calendar feature allows you to store scheduling and event information in your phone. Some phones also offer the ability to sound an alert to remind you of upcoming events.

A method of cheaper international call access where calls are routed via a remote location avoiding local service providers. 

The barring of outgoing calls, to selected numbers or groups of numbers, may be applied to both mobile phones and fixed services.  This is a network feature.

A call centre (or Call Center) is a business unit whose purpose is to handle inbound/outbound telecommunications traffic for a company.  A Contact Centre is more highly integrated and such a unit might handle various forms of correspondence between the company and its customers.

The saturation of the available simultaneous connections on a communications channel by users.  Applies to both Fixed Lines services and Wireless services (including Mobile services).

An additional feature of Directory Assistance services, whereby the caller can be connected to the desired number.  Charges often start in excess of $1AUD per use.  Available for both Mobile and Fixed Line services. Also see Flag fall

Often also called Call Forward, Call Divert is the ability to divert an incoming call to a designated number or service.  Usual call charges often apply (however some of these charges might be reduced or removed by some Mobile service providers).  Available to both Mobile and Fixed Line services.  Call diversion products typically offer many conditional options (eg. Divert All Calls, Divert on No Answer, Divert on Unreachable, Divert on Busy, etc.).

The accidental disconnection of a phone call.  Applies to both Fixed Line services (especially non-managed VoIP) and Mobile Services.  Also called Drop Out.

The ability to alert the user to the presence of a second incoming call to their current connection.  The user has the option to retrieve the second call, while maintaining their initial connection.  Either party may then be disconnected by the user, at their discretion.  This feature is available for both Fixed Services (although not all types of Fixed Services) and for Mobile Services.

Also referred to as CID.  This feature provides the caller's telephone number information whilst the call is ringing.  The CID information is usually contained between the first and second ringing tone.  CID may be blocked (on landlines) by the caller by dialling 1831 before the number, or by requesting a permanent block from the service provider.  This information is obtained by using the relevant parts of CLI (Caller Line Identification) information.

Canned messages are messages that are already there, sort of like a template, where you don't have to type the same messages over and over again. You can save your thumb some work and insert them quickly and easily into your SMS messages

Charging device for mobile handsets, which plugs into the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.  See mobile handsets, for their expanded definition.

This is a mobile handset feature. The ability of a phone to assign different ring types to different callers.

The per-minute charge for using a calling card. This rate is typically higher than the regular rate.

A mobile phone with a built-in camera that can take instant digital photos and send them to other phones or email address. While the quality of the images is below that of stand-alone digital cameras, they are still good enough for quick on-location use in field trips and social settings. Quality is expected to improve dramatically as technology further develops.

Often referred to as Rebillers or Resellers of telecommunications services.  These are service providers who are not carriers themselves.

Telecommunications Carriers are the owners/maintainers of a telecommunications network (either Mobile or Landline).  Not all Telecommunications Providers are Telecommunications Carriers; some are resellers of a Carrier's network.

A customer who has not entered into a service provision contract of more than one month's duration.  Typically, these contracts are of one month duration and are 'renewed' each month by the continued relationship of the two parties (customer and service provider).  This allows the customer to cancel the services at any given time.

In layman's terms: 'blue computer cable'.  Variously also called Cat 5, C5 Cable, Ethernet cable, and now updated to CAT-5e (capable of x10 speeds of CAT-5).  CAT-5 is composed of four twisted copper pairs and is capable of carrying network data communications at 100Mbps or up to four telephone lines.  Now also being used to deliver VoIP traffic and data communications over the same cable, thus avoiding the need for two cables to each workstation and thereby reducing cabling costs.

A spread spectrum digital transmission, operating at 800MHz and 1900MHz.  The ability to code the signal and spread its transmission over both frequencies allows for greater range of signal and hence greater coverage in regional areas.
Interestingly, 2G CDMA SMS may only be 160 characters in length.

A 3G wireless communications standard further evolved from CDMA technology.  Supports speeds ranging from 144Kbps to 2Mbps.

Area of coverage from/to a radio transceiver that sends and receives mobile phone signals.  In the US and Canada, the area covered by such a transceiver is a Cell - hence the term Cell Phones.  See also Base Station coverage.

The capability of your phone to display (on its screen) the location of the nearest Cell tower to your location.

US and Canadian term for a mobile phone.  Named for the coverage area of a base station transceiver: called a cell.  Also called Cell Phone.

Term to denote the switch of a customer between telecommunications service providers.

The provision of the calling party's number, called party's number, time of call, routing information, duration and other minor information between service providers.  Often billed as CLIP - Calling Line Identification Presentation.  Part of this information may be used to provide CND (Calling Number Display) to the called party.

Cellular Mobile Telephone Systems in which the coverage area is divided up into a large number of small areas, called cells, each of which has its own base station. 

The display of the calling party's number as the call is ringing.  CND is typically sent (as an inaudible signal) between the first and second dial tones of a call.  The caller may elect to have their CND information blocked on a per call basis (by prefixing the called number by 1831) or permanently blocked through their service provider.  Also called Calling Name Display, Caller ID (or CID) and CNI (Calling Number Identification).  CLI differs from CND and the others.  See also CLI (Caller Line Identification).

The telephony equipment premises which houses switching equipment for a local exchange or area code.  This building will typically house switching equipment, servers, storage systems, emergency power systems, and related devices that are used to run telephone systems.  CO is also used by PABX manufacturers to denote external lines (as opposed to internal lines: extensions).

Data transmission cable which has a single copper conductor in the center, surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation, with a braided metal conductor outer shield over the insulation, and covered by a plastic outer coating.  Used for the premises connection of the Cable TV and Cable Internet network in Australia.

An STD call over a short distance within a capital city offering cheaper rates than standard STD rates. Specifically, community call rates apply:
on calls within the Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, or Sydney charging districts and where the call is not a Local call;
between an Urban Fringe Charging Zone and its closest Inner Metropolitan Charging Zone;
between a Standard Zone and the Standard Zone containing its designated Community Service Town, if any, where the call is not a Local call or Preferential call.
The above conditions apply only to calls of 50km or greater in distance. A community call is charged at a concessional rate instead of the rate that would normally apply for a call of the same distance. 

Call in which three or more parties are joined in the same conversation.  Fixed services offer conference calling either through the use of PABX features or directly through the service provider.  Mobile carriers have now begun to offer conference calling between multiple mobile phone handsets.

A one-time fee for the set up your phone service.
Not to be confused with a Flag fall, which is the connection cost of an individual call.

For Telecommunications: an oral or written agreement between a Service Provider and a customer.  The customer may be an individual or a corporate entity.  The agreement states the terms and conditions for the supply or a product or service, for a specified price, for a specified period of time.

Also called a Contract Termination Cost, Contract Exit Fee, Contract Termination Fee.  See ETC (Early Termination Charges).

The duration of a contract, as stated in that contract.  Some contracts may also include a provision for automatic renewal of a contract term.

For Telecommunications:  As communications transmission and storage has become digitised, consolidation of various forms of communications (eg. voice, data and video) has become a possibility.  Convergence is the likely joining of two or more communications forms into a single user product.  The advantages for consumers are:  convenience and cost savings.  The advantages for service providers are:  cost savings (through reduced operational expenses and capital expenditure) and increased customer loyalty.

The Australian telecommunications network mostly remains a simple copper network.  This describes copper lines connected to premises from local exchanges and then switched through other exchanges, for ultimate delivery to another premises.  Telecommunications transmissions travel over these lines.  Today, there are other methods of telecommunications transmissions such as IP networks, satellite networks, wireless networks (including Mobile Phone Networks).

The dialling prefix used to reach international destinations.  To access IDD (International Direct dialling; dialling internationally without operator assistance) the access code 0011 must be used.  The format for IDD is: 0111 + country code + area code + local phone number.

The area of land (or in some cases water) that a particular mobile network is meant to accommodate - in other words, if you're within that area you should be able to make calls. It's often expressed in terms of a percentage of the population who could use mobiles outside their own homes, rather than actual geographic coverage.

For wireless communications (including mobiles):  The locations in which a user can connect to and use a wireless service from their service provider.  The term Coverage Area is most commonly used by mobile phone network carriers.  These providers all supply Coverage Maps, see below, for links.

Maps of coverage areas from each of the Mobile Network Carriers.  Telstra.  Optus.  Vodafone.  Hutchison 3.

The on-site hardware of a customer's telecommunications.  For example: PABX, PBX, telephone handsets, modems, routers, etc.