Buzzwords explained
A
Access Line - A circuit that connects a subscriber to a switching centre.
Access Network - That portion of the network between the customer's premises and the telephone company's point of presence also referred to as "the last mile" or the "local loop". The access network today is primarily twisted-pair copper wiring, but can consist of fibre or may be provisioned via wireless connections.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) - A technology that transforms a normal telephone line into a high-speed digital line that enables access to telephony services and the Internet at the same time.
B
Bandwidth - The capacity of a telephone line to carry signals. The necessary bandwidth is the amount of spectrum required to transmit the signal without distortion or loss of information. The bandwidth capability of an Internet connection will highlight the upload and download capabilities when logged onto the Internet.
Bits Per Second (bps) - Basic unit of measurement for serial data transmission capacity; abbreviated as Kbps, or kilobit/s for thousands of bits per second; Mbps or megabit/s for millions of bits per second; Gbps, or gigabit/s for billions of bits per second; Tbps or terabit/s or trillions of bits per second. i.e. It is the number of pieces of information (bits) transmitted or received per second.
Bluetooth - This technology provides seamless wireless short-range communications of data and voice between both mobile and stationary devices. For instance, it specifies how mobile phones, computers and PDAs interconnect with each other, with computers, and with office or home phones without the need to connect the devices with cables.
Broadband - A service or connection allowing high speed data transmission. Broadband is typically an 'always on' service and is generally defined as bandwidth between greater than 512Kbit/s, sometimes 2 Mbit/s. This group of technologies is often referred to as: DSL or xDSL, capable of transforming ordinary phone lines into high-speed digital lines, capable of supporting fast Internet access. ADSL, HDSL (High speed data rate Digital Subscriber Line) and VDSL (Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line) are all variants of xDSL.
Broadband.gov.ie - An important and confidential consumer advice website that has been developed by the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources to outline the broadband options available, allow comparisons between alternatives, and assist consumers in deciding which product(s) best suits their needs. More information: www.broadband.gov.ie.
Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) - The BCI is responsible for a number of areas regarding television and radio services in Ireland further to the provisions of the Radio and Television Act 1988 and the Broadcasting Act 2001. The areas include; Licensing, Codes and Rules, Monitoring, Development and Research. The Commission members were appointed on the 2nd December 2003 by the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources. More information: www.bci.ie
Browser - A program that allows you to 'browse' internet webpages from your computer. Examples of browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator and Firefox.
Bundling - The tying of one service or product to the supply of others including some situations where the supply of services are linked through the use of discounts.
Byte - A computer readable group of eight sequential bits. Typically used to measure memory and storage capacity (one megabyte is one million bytes or 8 million bits).
C
Cable - The general name for copper-based media to transport electrical voice, data and video signals. Also known as the "Copper Pair".
Cable Modem - This is a type of modem that allows people to access the Internet via their cable television service. In general, cable modem can transfer data at rates higher than common telephone line modems used for dial-up subscriptions.
Call barring - The ability to block specified call types from being dialled from your telephone.
Call diversion - When a telephone call is re-routed to another number that has been pre-programmed by the person accepting the call. This is usually done when the person is unavailable to answer telephone calls at their usual location.
Call waiting - When the caller is notified that the number dialled is engaged and the person whom you are calling is made aware that you are waiting. This is usually done by having a discreet tone on the line as the person you are calling is on the initial call. The person making the second call receives a message telling them that the number they have called is engaged, but the person knows that another call is being received, which they may opt to switch to.
Call card - A service that allows calls made from a telephone to be billed to a different telephone or credit card account. This can be a convenient way of using one phone, but ensuring that the calls made are not billed to the account holder of the phone you are using.
Calling Line Identity (CLI) - A facility that enables identification of the number from which a call is being made. This means that when the phone rings, the person can see the number that is calling them, if their handset has an electronic display.
Carrier pre-selection (CPS) - The facility offered to customers which allows them to opt for certain defined classes of call to be carried by an operator selected in advance (and having a contract with the customer), without having to dial a routing prefix or follow any other different procedure to invoke such routing.
ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) - ComReg is responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications (telecommunications, radio-communications and broadcasting transmission) and postal sectors. ComReg was established on the 1 December 2002, and was formerly known as the ODTR. ComReg is currently led by Commissioners:
John Doherty (Chairperson), Mike Byrne and Alex Chisholm.
More information: www.comreg.ie/about_us/default.asp?S=2&NavID=19&M=False
Copper line (or metallic line) - The main transmission medium used in telephony networks to connect a telephone or other apparatus to the local exchange generally by means of ducts and poles. See "Ducts".
Customer premises equipment (CPE) - Equipment on consumers' premises which is not part of the public telecommunications network and which is directly or indirectly attached to it.
D
Dial-up - Dial-up access is a way of connecting a computer to the Internet using a modem and the telephone line. Dial-up access is usually slower than DSL equivalents. See "DSL".
DECT - Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. This is a cordless phone digital standard used in Europe. Digital cordless phones generally offer a clearer sound quality than analogue equivalents.
Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources (DCMNR) - A Department of the Government of Ireland with key roles and functions in the area of communications. The remit of the DCMNR also covers other resources of national importance including Broadcasting, Energy and Natural Resources. The Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources is Mr. Eamon Ryan TD. More information www.dcmnr.gov.ie.
Digital technology - This enables information of all types to be transmitted in digital form over networks - it is faster than analogue systems.
Direct Access - A situation where a customer is directly connected to a telecommunications operator by a wire, fibre-optic or radio link to connect that customer to the public telecommunication network.
Directory Enquiry service (DQ) - Directory information service which is operator assisted and involves the operator looking up entries on a database. For an additional per minute charge, a Directory Enquiries service provider will connect your call directly to the number you have requested, and may also text the number you have requested to you (if you have the facility to receive text messages). See "SMS".
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line - See "Broadband".
Ducts - The tubes through which cables are laid in the ground. Ducts are generally reserved for particular utilities, and mean that cabling for different technologies is separate and identifiable.
E
E-Commerce - The action of buying online or establishing an online store-front. Also, using technology to speed up and make more efficient the transaction of commerce at all stages of the process from production to delivery. As most restrictively defined, electronic commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services, and the transfer of funds, through digital communications. However EC also includes all inter-company and intra-company functions (such as marketing, finance, manufacturing, selling and negotiation) that enable commerce and use electronic mail, EDI, file transfer, fax, video conferencing with a remote computer.
E-Mail - Also known as "Electronic Mail" - Messages sent from one person to another via computer. E-mail can also be sent automatically to a large number of addresses via a mailing list. Examples of e-mail applications include Microsoft Outlook.
ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Based in France, ETSI is officially responsible for standardization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within Europe. These technologies include telecommunications, broadcasting and related areas such as intelligent transportation and medical electronics. www.etsi.org.
Encryption - The process of scrambling a message, such as a digital phone signal, to prevent it from being read by unauthorised parties.
F
Fibre Optic Cable - A transmission medium that uses glass or plastic fibres rather than copper wire to transport data or voice signals.
Fixed Wireless Access - Also known as "FWA" - This is a radio link to a premises that uses wireless technology to replace the copper pair (traditional telephone cabling) to connect subscribers to the telephone network. This means that rather than having telephone lines providing connection to the telephone network, a wireless solution is used instead.
Flat-Rate - A method of pricing in which a fixed rate is charged for a given service, regardless of usage.
FRIACO - This refers to tariff options that allow Flat-rate Internet access.
FWA - Fixed Wireless Access.
G
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) - system for data communication over mobile networks.
GSM (Global System for Mobile) - This is the most widely used digital mobile phone system worldwide. GSM mobile subscribers can use a single mobile phone throughout Europe, most of Asia, and parts of North and South America and have every call billed to one account. See "Roaming" More information www.gsmworld.com
Gigabit (Gb) - One billion bits.
H
I
ICT - Information & Communications Technologies.
Indirect access - Where a customer's call is routed and billed through operator A's network even though the call originated from the network of operator B. CPS is an example of indirect access.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - A network based on the existing digital PSTN which provides digital links to customers and end to end digital connectivity between them. ISDN2 provides a maximum bandwidth of 128kbit/s.
Interconnection - The connection of one telecommunication carrier's network to another or the connection of a piece of telephone equipment to the nationwide telephone network.
Internet - A global network of networks, accessed by users with a computer and a modem via a service provider. It is a computer network stretching across the world that links the user to businesses, government agencies, universities, and individuals. The Internet provides computer with the ability to connect with other computers for communicating, disseminating and collecting information.
Internet Protocols (IP) telephony - The two-way transmission of audio over a packet-switched IP network. When used in a private intranet or WAN, it is generally known as "voice over IP", or "VoIP". When the transport is the public Internet or the Internet backbone from a major carrier, it is generally called "Internet telephony". However, the terms IP telephony, Internet telephony and VoIP are often used interchangeably. See "VoIP".
Internet service provider - Also know as an "ISP" - A Service Provider which provides access to Internet services. ISPs may use differing technologies to allow access, for example, Cable Modem, DSL and Fixed-Wireless Access.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - An international communications standard for sending voice, video, and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires. ISDN supports data transfer rates of 64 Kbps (64,000 bits per second).
ITU - The International Telecommunications Union - An international organisation within which governments and the private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland www.itu.int.
J
K
L
Landline - A traditional fixed line telephone service. This term is used usually to differentiate a fixed line service from a mobile service.
Local area networks (LANS) - A network allowing the interconnection and intercommunication of a group of computers, primarily for the sharing of resources and exchange of information (eg. e-mail).
Local access - Connection between the customer's premises and the local PSTN exchange.
Local loop - The access network connection between a customer's premises and the local exchange. This usually takes the form of a pair of copper wires.
Local loop unbundling (LLU) - Requires those operators designated as having significant market power) to make their local networks (ie the telephone lines that run from a customer's premises to the local telephone exchange) available to other telecommunications companies.
M
MAN - Metropolitan Area Network.
MBit/s - Mega (million) bits per second. A measure of the speed of transfer of digital information.
Mobile number portability (MNP) - A facility which enables customers to change their service provider whilst retaining their existing telephone number.
Modem - An abbreviated term for "modulator-demodulator". A modem converts digital signals into analogue signals (and vice versa), enabling computers to send and receive data over the telephone network.
MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
N
Narrowband - A service or connection allowing only a limited amount of information to be conveyed, such as for telephony. This compares with broadband which allows a considerable amount of information to be conveyed. Data speed are generally up to 128kbits, usually via an analogue telephone line.
Number portability - Number portability between operators enables a customer to transfer from one operator to a second operator and retain the same number (provided the customer remains at the same address).
Numbering Scheme - A scheme for the allocation and re-allocation of numbers, codes and prefixes. The Numbering Scheme specifies which number ranges are allocated for which type of telephony service which encompasses all public numbering capacity available behind the number ranges 01 to 09, including access and other codes and prefixes.
O
OAO - An 'Other Authorised Operator' (other than Eircom) which operate telecommunications systems.
Off-peak - This is part of the day when telephone subscribers will be charged less than at peak times to make telephone calls. By making calls during 'Peak' times, increased charges will apply. See "Peak".
P
Payphone - A telephone which requires prepayment for calls via coins, calling cards, phonecard, or credit/debit cards.
PC - Personal Computer.
Peak - This is part of the day when telephone subscribers will be charged more than at Off-peak times to make telephone calls. By making calls during "Peak" times, increased charges will apply. See "Off-peak".
Premium Rate Service (PRS) - services, including recorded information and live conversation, run by independent service providers. All calls to these companies are charged at a higher rate than ordinary calls to cover the companies' costs in providing the content of the call and the operator's cost for the special network facilities needed.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) - The telecommunications networks of the major operators, on which calls can be made to all customers of all PSTNs.
Q
R
Radio Spectrum - the range of wavelengths used, for example, for broadcasting radio, terrestrial television and satellite television. Usable wavelength ranges from about 100 KHz to about 400 GHz.
RegTel (The Regulator of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services) - The Independent Regulator of the content and promotion of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services. RegTel operates through a strict Code of Practice which must be observed by all complanies or individuals offering Premium Rate Service in Ireland. RegTel is a non profit organisation and is financed by a levy places on the industry. More information: www.regtel.ie
Resellers - Service Providers who do not have their own network.
Roaming - The term 'roaming' usually refers to the use of a mobile phone outside of the "home" service area defined by a service provider i.e. typically when using your mobile phone when abroad. Higher per-minute rates are usually charged for calls made or received while roaming. Other fees may also apply.
S
Service Provider - A provider of electronic communication sevices to third-parties.
SIM - Subscriber Identity Module - It is a smart card inserted inside all GSM phones. It identifies the user account to the network, handles authentication and provides data storage for basic user data and network information.
Slamming - The practice of changing a customer's chosen carrier for communications services without the customer's express permission.
SME - Small and Medium Enterprise.
SMS - This is a "Short Message Service" - available on digital GSM networks allowing text messages of up to 160 characters to be sent and received via the network operator's message centre to your mobile phone, or from the Internet, using a so-called "SMS gateway" website. If the phone is powered off or out of range, messages are stored in the network and are delivered at the next opportunity. Using SMS services is also known as "Text Messaging".
Splitter - A device which separates a local loop into two independent channels, so that different services can be run on it without interference.
Switch - Relates to a telecommunications network comprising at least one exchange and capable of routing signals and messages from one line to all other lines comprised in the network.
T
Tariff - A statement by a communications company that sets forth the services offered by that company, and the rates, terms and conditions for the use of those services.
Third generation mobile systems - Also known as '3G' - A European 3G mobile communications system will provides an enhanced range of multimedia services (eg high speed Internet access). See "3G".
U
Unbundling - Unbundling is the term used to describe the access provided by local exchange carriers so that other service providers may buy or lease portions of its network elements, such as interconnection loops to serve subscribers. See "Interconnection".
Universal Service Obligation (USO) - A specific requirement placed on an operator which has been designated to provide certain services to all specified persons. For example, Eircom is currently required to provide basic voice telephony and certain other established telecommunications services to anyone who may reasonably request them.
Universal Service - The provision of a defined set of services to all end-users regardless if their geographical location and, in light of specific national conditions, at an affordable price. i.e. It is a basic level of telecommunications services which should be available to all customers.
Universal Service Provider - An operator which has been designated to comply with specific obligations designed to ensure that a basic level of telephony service is available to everyone in the licensed area upon request (also referred to as a 'USP').
V
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) - The generic name for the transport of voice traffic using Internet Protocol (IP) technology. The VoIP traffic can be carried on a private managed network or the public Internet (see Internet telephony) or a combination of both. Some organisations use the term 'IP telephony' interchangeably with 'VoIP'.
W
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) - It is a set of communication protocol standards to make accessing online services from a mobile phone simple.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A wireless LAN is one in which a mobile user - typically with a laptop computer - can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) Connection.
WLL (Wireless Local Loop) - WLL is a system that connects subscribers to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using radio signals as a substitute for copper wires for all or apart of the connection between the subscriber and the switch. In Ireland this is also known as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
WWW (World Wide Web) - An Internet application that uses hypertext links between remote network servers for accessing and displaying multimedia information.
