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Glossary
 
802.11b also known as Wi-Fi -- an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients. It applies to wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission, allowing wireless functionality comparable to Ethernet. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and Infrared.
access fee A 3% federal excise tax carriers are allowed to charge wireless subscribers for the right to connect with the local telephone network. Wireless subscribers are charged a monthly access fee whether they use the telephone or not.
activation The process of configuring a wireless telephone so it can be identified on a wireless network, and it can make and receive calls.
activation fee A one-time charge per line that will appear on your first monthly billing statement.
additional minutes The amount you pay per minute for minutes or megabytes of service you use beyond your monthly allotment.
ADN Abbreviated Dialing Number -- Another term for "speed dial number" that can be programmed into your phone or smart card memory. You can add people to the phone book on your phone by entering the names and numbers online from the Communication/Phone book section of My . The entries are automatically saved to your phone.
ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line -- See DSL for definition
AIM AOL Instant MessengerTM -- A two-way messaging service that allows you to talk with your friends, family, and co-workers while you're on the go. By using your mobile phone, you can talk to the online community or other mobile phones using AIM.
airtime expiry Term used in EasySpeak prepay service which refers to the date when the time allocated for using airtime credited to account is up. Same as balance expiry .
ANSI American National Standards Institute
any key answer A feature on some phones that lets you answer your phone by pressing any key.
AOL Instant MessengerTM (AIM) The AOL Instant MessengerTM Service (AIM) is a two-way messaging service that allows you to talk with your friends, family, and co-workers while you're on the go. By using your mobile phone, you can talk to the online community or other mobile phones using AIM. Buddies can be logged in on any system -- phone, handheld, computer, etc.
APN Access Point Name -- UNIVERSE Wireless Services offers a Private APN Service which provides a secure link between the UNIVERSE Wireless Services wireless network and your corporate network, protecting proprietary applications and data deployed to remote employees. APNs use 30% less bandwidth for security than Virtual Private Network (VPN).
authentication A practice used by wireless carriers to reduce fraudulent use of a telephone by confirming the identity of the telephone prior to call completion. The wireless telephone's Electronic Serial Number (ESN) is used for authentication.
authorized users The account holder and those authorized by the account holder to make changes on a UNIVERSE Wireless Services account.
auto dial number abbreviated ADN -- Another term for "speed dial number" that can be programmed into your phone or smart card memory. You can add people to the phone book on your UNIVERSE Wireless Services phone by entering the names and numbers online from the Communication/Phone book section of My UNIVERSE Wireless Services. The entries are automatically saved to your phone.
balance expiry Term used in EasySpeak prepay service which refers to the date when the time allocated for using airtime credited to account is up. Same as airtime expiry .
BAN Billing Account Number-- for individual plans, the BAN is your 10-digit UNIVERSE Wireless Services number. For multiline or FamilyTime plans, the BAN is the 10-digit UNIVERSE Wireless Services number of the primary account holder.
bandwidth The transmission capacity of a computer channel or communications line, or the amount of information that a communications system can carry. Bandwidth is expressed in cycles per second (Hertz), the bandwidth being the difference between the lowest and the highest frequencies transmitted.
Bandwidth is also expressed in bits per second (bps) or bytes per second (Bps).
base station The central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with a mobile telephone. Most countries require several hundred base stations, in order to give approximated full coverage for mobile subscribers.
base station controller/base station system/base transceiver station The heart of a cellular mobile phone system is a network of distributed transmitting/receiving radios in fixed locations called base transceiver stations (BTS). A base station controller (BSC) is used to control groups of BTSs, provide mobility management for mobile stations, anchor airlink protocols and provide connection to a mobile switching center (MSC). The composite collection of one or more BTS and the associated BSC will form a base station system (BSS).
battery life The amount of time the battery holds power after one standard charge. Battery life is usually spoken of in terms of "talk time" and "standby time". Talk and standby times and other specifications are provided by the manufacturer and are approximate. Actual performance varies based upon features or services used, network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, customer use, and other factors.
baud rate The rate at which data is transferred.
BG border gateway -- The border gateway or BG provides interconnection between GPRS networks across inter-PLMN backbones.
bill cycle The schedule on which your invoice is generated. Also, in cases where customers have a "bucket" of minutes, the date on which the bucket "resets", and starts counting over.
bit The smallest or basic unit in the digital representation of information, a bit can be thought of a binary digit taking the value of 1 or 0.
bits per second Also known as BPS -- Transmission rate for data.
BlackBerry Designed for corporate environments, this end-to-end wireless e-mail solution with integrated phone brings new meaning to connectivity.
BlackBerry Enterprise Server Integrates with your corporate e-mail systems in a Microsoft Exchange or Lotus DominoTM environment.
BlackBerry Web Client An Internet-based e-mail interface that can retrieve e-mail from up to 10 e-mail accounts. The Web Client will redirect e-mail wirelessly to a BlackBerry handheld.
Bluetooth™ The code name for a new wireless technology being developed by Ericsson, Intel, Nokia, Toshiba and IBM, that enables data connections between devices such as desktop computers, wireless telephones, electronic organizers, and printers in the 2.4 GHz range
bookmark A URL or Internet address of a particular location or page on the Web. Browsers provide means of assigning such addresses easily recognizable names and of storing them in interactive lists for ease of access and reuse.
border gateway The border gateway or BG provides interconnection between GPRS networks across inter-PLMN backbones.
BPS bits per second -- Transmission rate for data.
broadband A high-speed, high-capacity transmissions channel. Broadband channels are carried on coaxial or fiber-optic cables that have a wider bandwidth than conventional telephone lines, giving them the ability to carry video, voice, and data simultaneously. Broadband is often used to send different types of signals simultaneously.
browser A software application that enables its user to access and interact with much of the information available on the Internet or World Wide Web.
BSC/BSS/BTS The heart of a cellular mobile phone system is a network of distributed transmitting/receiving radios in fixed locations called base transceiver stations (BTS). A base station controller (BSC) is used to control groups of BTSs, provide mobility management for mobile stations, anchor airlink protocols and provide connection to a mobile switching center (MSC). The composite collection of one or more BTS and the associated BSC will form a base station system (BSS).
bucket Home airtime minutes that are included as part of the monthly access charge.
BuddyTime™ An optional add-on service that offers unlimited national mobile-to-mobile calling between UNIVERSE Wireless Services phones on the UNIVERSE Wireless Services network and unlimited domestic text messaging for $10.00 per month.
byte A byte is a sequence of bits (usually 8) which represents a single character, such as a letter of the alphabet, a decimal digit, or a punctuation mark.
cache A dedicated bank of high-speed memory or a reserved section of regular memory used to improve performance. The cache provides a temporary storage area for instructions and data that perform closer to the CPU's speed. Generally, the larger the cache, the faster the performance, since there is a greater chance that the instructions or data requested are already in the cache. Sometimes, caches are created and never cleared; cache and semaphore buildups are primary reasons for server "slowness" and restarts.
Call Center UNIVERSE Wireless Services Call Centers are staffed with Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) who provide information to UNIVERSE Wireless Services customers on matters ranging from rate plans and activation to "questions about my bill," and wireless-equipment technical support (handsets, RingTones, wireless accessories, etc.). UNIVERSE Wireless Services's Call Centers are located in Albuquerque, Bellingham, Bethlehem, Fort Lauderdale, Kansas City, Salem, Tampa, and Wichita
call forwarding Have your calls automatically forwarded to another number. Note: Airtime rates, roaming and long distance charges (if any) may apply to each portion of a forwarded call.
call waiting Lets you place a call on hold to mute conversation or make/receive another call. Note: Airtime rates, roaming and long distance (if any) apply for both calls.
caller ID Lets you see who's calling before you pick up the phone. Note: Due to public telephone network limitations, caller ID may not always be available.
caller ID pictures Graphics you can assign to phone numbers to know who is calling with just a glance! UNIVERSE Wireless Services offers you the ability to send caller ID pictures to selected phones. Note: Due to public telephone network limitations, caller ID may not always be available.
camera phone A wireless phone with a camera function. Some cameras are integrated with the phones, other are small attachments. You can take photos with your camera phone and send them using t-zonessm to any e-mail address or UNIVERSE Wireless Services phone, or view them on your phone's color display.
Club t-zones A special place, accessible only from your t-zones phone, where you can download RingTones and pictures, track your favorite bands, get updates on new smash movies, and be the first in line to get the latest news.
carrier A term loosely applied to any telecommunications operator providing voice and/or data services. Also used as a shortened form of "carrier signal".
carrier signal A signal transmitted at a pre-determined frequency to act as a "carrier" for voice or data. The carrier signal is modulated by voice or data input so as to "carry" the information to its destination where the modulation process is reversed to recover the original information.
CDMA code division multiple access -- Wireless communication transmission standard, allowing multiple voice conversations to be carried concurrently on the same frequency.
CDPD cellular digital package data -- A data transmission technology used to send data to and from cellular devices. CDPD can achieve data transfer rates up to 19.2 Kbps.
cell The basic geographic unit of a wireless system and the basis for the industry term cellular. An area (city, county, rural area, etc.) is divided into cells, each of which is equipped with one or more low-powered radio transceivers. Cell size can vary depending on terrain, vegetation, urban attenuation, demand for capacity and other factors. By controlling the transmission power and the radio frequencies assigned from one cell to another, a computer at the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) monitors the movement of the wireless telephone and transfers the call from one cell site to another.
cell site An alternative name for a base station transceiver or its site.
cellular A wireless technology that re-uses frequencies by dividing the recurring spectrum into small, geographic cells.
cellular digital package data also known as CDPD -- A data transmission technology used to send data to and from cellular devices. CDPD can achieve data transfer rates up to 19.2 Kbps.
CIF Refers to the resolution size of the images a camera phone captures. CIF is 352 x 288 pixels resolution. CIF resolution is recommended for phone-to-phone use. See also VGA.
circuit switched data Also known as CSD -- Data communication over a dedicated channel or circuit assigned on a per call basis. CSD calls are often metered and priced by the minute like voice calls.
circuit switching The process of establishing and maintaining a phone circuit or connection between two communications points so that the users have exclusive use of the communications path until the connection is released.
client Any computer connected to a network that requests services (files, print capability) from another member of the network. 'Client' also refers to the software that makes this connection possible.
Club t-zones A special place, accessible only from your t-zones phone, where you can download RingTones and pictures, track your favorite bands, get updates on new smash movies, and be the first in line to get the latest news.
code division multiple access also known as CDMA -- Wireless communication transmission standard, allowing multiple voice conversations to be carried concurrently on the same frequency.
command A directive from the user to a computer to perform an immediate action.
communicator A new category of electronic devices, which are characterized by the ability to function as full-featured mobile handset, wireless data device, and PDA in a single integrated and compact unit.
conference calling Lets you add a third person into any conversation. Note: The initiator of the call will be charged airtime, roaming and long distance (if any) to all calls during a conference call. Some devices do not support conference calling.
cookies In computing and the Internet, the collective name for files stored on your computer's hard drive that hold information about your browsing habits, user preferences, the last page you visited, login or registration information, "shopping cart" information, and other information a Web designer decides to save for future use. Cookies are usually set to expire after a predetermined time.
coverage area The geographical area served by all cells within a wireless system. Some coverage areas are called expanded coverage areas because they encompass multiple wireless systems. UNIVERSE Wireless Services's Interactive Map tool shows you UNIVERSE Wireless Services's ever-expanding coverage.
CSD Also known as circuit switched data -- Data communication over a dedicated channel or circuit assigned on a per call basis. CSD calls are metered and priced by the minute like voice calls.
Customer Care Customer Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for activation, service, and billing questions. It's always free to call domestically; dial 611 from your UNIVERSE Wireless Services phone or 1-800-937-8997 from any other phone. Or e-mail customercare@UNIVERSE Wireless Services.com.
D-AMPS Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System -- Earlier designation of American standard for digital mobile telephony used primarily in America, Australia and parts of Russia and Asia.
data transfer Data transfer is the amount of information/data received or sent from a wireless device to or from the network.
database A set of related files that is created and managed by a database management system (DBMS). A DBMS can manage any form of data including text, images, sound, and video
deactivation The process of removing a subscriber from the wireless system, and releasing the SIM and MSISDN for use by future subscriber. Deactivation does not always result in the closing of the customer's account because other telephones on the same account may remain in service, or the customer's account balance may be greater than zero
decryption
This refers to the act of decoding encrypted information so that it can be understood.
DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications -- A standard for cordless telephony.
detailed billing All UNIVERSE Wireless Services bills provide accurate and detailed records of all calling activity.
dial up A configuration where a modem and the Public Switched Telephone Network are used to establish a non-dedicated connection to the Internet or other network. Non-dedicated implies that the connection is established as needed, and then released when service is no longer required.
digital Transmission method for wireless service. Voice conversations are converted to binary code, then transmitted and reconstructed for the receiver on the other end. Allows for much greater transmission capacity, as well as increased security for conversations.
Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System Also known as D-AMPS -- Earlier designation of American standard for digital mobile telephony used primarily in America, Australia and parts of Russia and Asia.
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications Also known as DECT -- A standard for cordless telephony.
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Also known as DSSS -- A wireless LAN technology, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum uses a radio transmitter to spread data packets over a fixed range of the frequency band, spreading its signal continuously over a wide frequency band.
DNS, DNS server domain name server -- A system of computers which converts domain names and APNs into their corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and supplies the information to routers and other Internet elements on request. When you request the home page for http://www.UNIVERSE Wireless Services.com, the DNS translates the domain name into the IP address: 192.168.2.59. The DNS makes navigating and using the Internet easier for everyone. See IP and IP Address
domain An Internet domain consists of a set of network addresses organized into levels for purposes of identification, routing, and information delivery. The top level generally identifies a type of organization (e.g. ".com" for commercial, ".org" for non-commercial , and ".net" for communications network) or a geographic location such as a country. The second level identifies a unique place within the top level grouping and is equivalent to a unique address on the Internet.
domain name server Also known as DNS -- A system of computers which converts domain names and APNs into their corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and supplies the information to routers and other Internet elements on request. When you request the home page for http://www.UNIVERSE Wireless Services.com, the DNS translates the domain name into the IP address: 192.168.2.59. The DNS makes navigating and using the Internet easier for everyone. See IP and IP Address
downlink Most data-communication connections are bi-directional. The direction toward the remote user is referred to as the "downlink". The direction away from the remote user is referred as the "uplink".
driver A driver is a program that controls a device; it acts as a translator between the device and programs that use the device.
DSSS A wireless LAN technology, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum uses a radio transmitter to spread data packets over a fixed range of the frequency band, spreading its signal continuously over a wide frequency band.
dual band Dual band mobile phones can work on networks operating on two different frequency bands. Often urban areas operate on 1800, while suburbs use the 900 band. Dual band phones are especially useful if you travel abroad. Some phones, known as tri-band phones, are able to switch between GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 allowing you full coverage in Europe, America and Asia.
EasyPay The quick and easy way to automatically pay your bill. Sign up with EasyPay and your monthly payment will be automatically deducted from your credit card or bank account. You will continue to receive a monthly statement by mail. Since funds are transferred no earlier than 3 days before your bill's due date, there is plenty of time to review your statement and call us with questions or comments. No stamps, no checks, and no late fees means no worries. Best of all, EasyPay is FREE.
EasyTalk UNIVERSE Wireless Services's prepaid wireless plan, available only through UNIVERSE Wireless Services retail stores.
electronic serial number Also known as ESN -- Each wireless telephone is assigned a unique electronic serial number, which is automatically transmitted to the base station each time a call is placed. The MTSO authenticates the ESN to determine if the telephone is activated or stolen.
encryption The process by which communication or subscriber information is combined with the appropriate GSM algorithm, which can only be decoded by a system with the appropriate Ki information. Provides the security for all transmissions over the GSM network.
Enhanced VoiceMail This service is included free on all plans $34.99 and higher. It has all the capabilities of our standard VoiceMail service, plus more messages, a personal greeting, broadcast messaging, and the ability for callers to dictate text messages to operator by voice. Note: You can receive up to 500 free minutes of messages per month. Additional minutes of messages charged at airtime rates. You will be charged $0.50 for each operator-assisted message.
error detection & correction Refers to various techniques used to detect and correct errors that may be introduced when digital data is copied, moved or transmitted to another device. Detection and correction technologies generally require that the data be expanded to include additional information which can noticeably impact the rate at which the effective information is delivered.
ESN electronic serial number -- Each wireless telephone is assigned a unique electronic serial number, which is automatically transmitted to the base station each time a call is placed. The MTSO authenticates the ESN to determine if the telephone is activated or stolen
ethernet The most widely used LAN access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard. Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN meaning that all devices on the network segment share total bandwidth.
Extensible Markup Language abbreviated XML -- W3C's standard for Internet markup languages. WML is one of these languages.
extranet An extranet is an external extension of a company's intranet that allows limited, external access to defined portions of the intranet.
FamilyTime™ Share your wireless minutes and services with up to five different phones, each with its own phone number and line of service. Our FamilyTimeTM plan, featuring unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, is great for families who call one another most of all. It's perfect for keeping in touch with the people who mean the most to you.
FAQ frequently asked questions
FCC Federal Communications Commission -- Goverment agency responsible for regulation of the communications industry.
FDMA frequency division multiple access -- a technique used for dividing a band of radio frequencies into individual channels that can be assigned to calls over wireless networks. AMPS, GSM, and TDMA networks all rely on FDMA in varying degrees.
FEC forward error correction -- a technique used in data communications to aid in detecting and correcting transmission errors. FEC methods require that redundant information be added to help compensate for possible losses and is most often used in situations where it is impractical to retransmit information damaged in transit.
firewall A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network or computer. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. They are also used to prevent unauthorized access to computers using Wi-Fi networks.
forfeiture A term used in UNIVERSE Wireless Services's EasySpeak prepay service, referring to the act of debiting unused balance at balance expiry. See balance expiry.
forward error correction Also known as FEC -- a technique used in data communications to aid in detecting and correcting transmission errors. FEC methods require that redundant information be added to help compensate for possible losses and is most often used in situations where it is impractical to retransmit information damaged in transit.
frequency In communications, frequency represents the number of times an signal waveform repeats per second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
frequency band A frequency band is a continuous range of frequencies over which a signal waveform or carrier is allowed to vary.
frequency division multiple access Also known as FDMA -- a technique used for dividing a band of radio frequencies into individual channels that can be assigned to calls over wireless networks. AMPS, GSM, and TDMA networks all rely on FDMA in varying degrees.
Ga, Gb, Gf, Gi, Gn, Gp, Gr, Gs Each of these designates an interface between a particular pair of components in a GPRS network. For example, Gb denotes the interface between the SGSN and a Base Station Subsystem, or BSS. Such interfaces general comprise hardware, software, protocols and control mechanisms required to move GPRS traffic from point in the system to another.
Gaussian minimum shift keying Also known as GMSK -- The radio signal modulation technique used in GSM-based communications today.
General Packet Radio Service Also known as GPRS -- refers to a new, packet-based wireless communication service that promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for wireless phone and mobile computer users. The higher data rates as well as the "always connected" mode of operation will open the door to many new, non-voice applications and services. GPRS was designed as an enhancement to GSM communications, but will probably be adapted and adopted by at least some network operators using technologies other than GSM.
GHz Gigahertz -- One billion hertz. A hertz is the international unit for measuring frequency, equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. The standard U.S. electrical power frequency is 60 Hz and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.
Gigahertz abbreviated GHz -- One billion hertz. A hertz is the international unit for measuring frequency, equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. The standard U.S. electrical power frequency is 60 Hz and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.
global system for mobile communications also known as GSM -- T-Mobile's wireless network uses GSM technology, which is the international digital radio standard created by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Developed to allow users to roam freely among markets, GSM has become the globally accepted standard since the first systems began commercial operation in 1991. In the United States, GSM-based PCS 1900 has been accepted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standard for the PCS frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1900 MHz. The GSM system accounts for approximately 55 percent of the world's wireless market, and 65 percent of the total digital wireless market. GSM's proven feature-rich, dominant digital technology and use of SIMs (also known as "smart cards") provide customers with integrated voice, high speed data, fax, paging, and text message capabilities. With full digitally encrypted wireless communications, voice and data calls are private and confidential. GSM technology offers excellent sound quality, too; independent laboratory and field-test reports validate GSM's near-wireline parity.
GMSK Gaussian minimum shift keying -- The radio signal modulation technique used in GSM-based communications today.
GPRS General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) refers to a new, packet-based wireless communication service that promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for wireless phone and mobile computer users. The higher data rates as well as the "always connected" mode of operation will open the door to many new, non-voice applications and services. GPRS was designed as an enhancement to GSM communications, but will probably be adapted and adopted by at least some network operators using technologies other than GSM.
GPRS support node Also known as GSN -- Contains the functionality required to support GPRS.
GPRS tunneling protocol Also known as GTP -- IP packets travelling across the GPRS backbone (the data highway within the boundaries of a particular GPRS network) are enclosed in an additional protocol "wrapper" that contains information linking the destination IP address with the IMSI or mobile subscriber identifier. This is invisible in the Internet world but essential inside the GPRS network where dynamic IP assignments are used. The technique of adding a wrapper with additional routing information is called 'tunneling', and the particular protocol used for this purpose is the GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP).
GSM global system for mobile communications -- T-Mobile's wireless network uses GSM technology, which is the international digital radio standard created by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Developed to allow users to roam freely among markets, GSM has become the globally accepted standard since the first systems began commercial operation in 1991. In the United States, GSM-based PCS 1900 has been accepted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standard for the PCS frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1900 MHz. The GSM system accounts for approximately 55 percent of the world's wireless market, and 65 percent of the total digital wireless market. GSM's proven feature-rich, dominant digital technology and use of SIMs (also known as "smart cards") provide customers with integrated voice, high speed data, fax, paging, and text message capabilities. With full digitally encrypted wireless communications, voice and data calls are private and confidential. GSM technology offers excellent sound quality, too; independent laboratory and field-test reports validate GSM's near-wireline parity.
GSN GPRS support node -- Contains the functionality required to support GPRS.
GTP GPRS tunneling protocol -- IP packets travelling across the GPRS backbone (the data highway within the boundaries of a particular GPRS network) are enclosed in an additional protocol "wrapper" that contains information linking the destination IP address with the IMSI or mobile subscriber identifier. This is invisible in the Internet world but essential inside the GPRS network where dynamic IP assignments are used. The technique of adding a wrapper with additional routing information is called 'tunneling', and the particular protocol used for this purpose is the GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP).
handset A carryover term from wired telephony, the part of the telephone containing the transmitter and receiver, held in the hand, and used to speak and listen. In wireless, (especially in handheld, portable devices) the handset is the telephone.
HDML Handheld Markup Language -- Invented by phone.com, predecessor to WML. A variation of HTML used to write Websites that are compatible with wireless devices. See also WML and HTML.
Hertz abbreviated Hz -- a unit of measurement for frequency of a cyclical waveform or repeating signal which is equal to one cycle per second. The unit of measurement is named after Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (1857-1894); a German physicist who was the first to produce radio waves artificially.
high speed circuit-switched data Also known as HSCSD -- A circuit-linked technology for higher transmission speed by combining several GSM channels at the same time. This may allow speeds up to 58 bps, far faster than original GSM (9.6bps). For upload HSCSD is limited to half the speed. This technology is the predecessor of GPRS, which may deliver up to 115kbs.
HLR home location register -- a database that resides within a cellular network to hold current details about a subscriber, the equipment in use, the service(s) required, the user's identification encryption code, and the users "Home" cell, and what network the subscriber was last known to be using.
home location register Also known as HLR -- a database that resides within a cellular network to hold current details about a subscriber, the equipment in use, the service(s) required, the user's identification encryption code, and the users "Home" cell, and what network the subscriber was last known to be using.
host A computer connected directly to the Internet that provides services to other local and/or remote computers. It functions as the beginning and end of data transfers. A host is also a computer to which an expansion device attaches. When a LAN card is installed in a PC, that PC is the host to that adapter.
HotSpotsm T-Mobile HotSpot provides high-speed Wi-Fi wireless Internet access in convenient public locations. Unlimited HotSpot plans start at just $19.99 per month.
HSCSD high speed circuit-switched data -- A circuit-linked technology for higher transmission speed by combining several GSM channels at the same time. This may allow speeds up to 58 bps, far faster than original GSM (9.6bps). For upload HSCSD is limited to half the speed. This technology is the predecessor of GPRS, which may deliver up to 115kbs.
HTML Hypertext Mark-up Language -- a standardized set of symbols and rules that, when applied during the design and set-up of a Web page, define how that page will be interpreted by a browser and appear to a viewer.
hypertext The term 'hypertext' refers to contents of a document within which individual items of information can be linked to other document sources by an orderly system of cross referencing. Today the term invariably refers to computer files available on the Internet or World Wide Web which are formatted and cross linked in prescribed ways so as to be commonly accessible and consistently presented though use of an Internet browser.
Hz Hertz -- a unit of measurement for frequency of a cyclical waveform or repeating signal which is equal to one cycle per second.
I-Analyst™ A subscription service suited for larger businesses with multiple users, who need customized account management information. See I-Billing.
I-Billing I-Billing allows quick, easy and flexible control of monthly wireless expenditures for business users. T-Mobile I-Billing is a single source electronic billing and management tool for your corporate liability wireless usage. I-Billing allows business accounts to review their monthly bill while accessing account usage reports, charts and graphs. Both new and existing T-Mobile business accounts can register for I-Billing service online. Two service options are available, I-StatementTM and I-AnalystTM.
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers -- A membership organization based in New York that includes engineers, scientists, and students in electronics and allied fields. It has more than 300,000 members and is involved with setting standards for computers and communications.
IEEE 802.11 IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and Infrared.
IMEI international mobile equipment identity -- The serial number of a GSM handset
IMSI international mobile subscriber identifier -- A GSM term used to uniquely identify a subscriber to a specific carrier and country.
included services Services included with your voice plan. These include: Text messages, built-in paging, caller ID, conference calling, call waiting and call hold, Customer Care, access to directory assistance, emergency calls, and detailed billing.
initial balance Airtime balance added to account at activation (includes promotional amounts).
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers abbreviated IEEE -- A membership organization based in New York that includes engineers, scientists, and students in electronics and allied fields. It has more than 300,000 members and is involved with setting standards for computers and communications.
international mobile equipment identity abbreviated IMEI -- The serial number of a GSM handset.
international mobile subscriber identity abbreviated IMSI -- A GSM term used to uniquely identify a subscriber to a specific carrier and country.
Internet The Internet, or simply the 'Net' as it is commonly known, is a data communications network that ties together many smaller networks and individual servers, making it possible for users to access information on hundreds of thousands of participating computer sites.
Internet card A card that fits into the card slot on your PC, laptop, or PDA and allows you to connect to the Internet wirelessly.
Internet protocol abbreviated IP -- A method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on a network or over the Internet. IP provides the basis of the Internet.
Internet service provider abbreviated ISP -- An agency or company that provides a connection to the Internet. ISPs normally provide several means of access to their customers, including dial-up modem, DSL, and ISDN.
interworking function, interworking unit An interworking unit (IWU), sometimes called an interworking function (IWF), is a wireless network component that enables communications between a computing device transmitting data over a wireless network and one normally accessible via dial-up modem over the public telephone network. The IWU provides a data bridge between a digital wireless network and the public telephone system.
intranet An intranet is a localized or enterprise-internal collection of file and application servers networked together and accessed with the aid of tools and applications originally designed for the Internet. Thus, for example, intranet users may use browsers to access information stored on the intranet servers.
IP Internet protocol -- A method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on a network or over the Internet. IP provides the basis of the Internet.
IP address The unique number identifying a computer on the Internet, such as: 192.168.2.59. IP addresses are made up of 4 numbers between 1 and 256. Each number is separated by a dot. The IP address for http://www.T-Mobile.com is 192.168.2.59. The IP address is also known as the IP number.
ISP Internet service provider -- An agency or company that provides a connection to the Internet. ISPs normally provide several means of access to their customers, including dial-up modem, DSL, and ISDN.
I-Statement™ A free service geared for smaller businesses with basic account management needs. See I-Billing.
iTAP Software that allows easy text input on any device with a numeric keypad. On a mobile handset, this simplification of text entry makes text messaging, e-mailing, mobile instant messaging, connecting to the Web, and performing wireless transactions easier and quicker.
IWF An interworking function, sometimes called an interworking unit (IWU), is a wireless network component that enables communications between a computing device transmitting data over a wireless network and one normally accessible via dial-up modem over the public telephone network. The IWF provides a data bridge between a digital wireless network and the public telephone system.
IWU An interworking unit, sometimes called an interworking function (IWF), is a wireless network component that enables communications between a computing device transmitting data over a wireless network and one normally accessible via dial-up modem over the public telephone network. The IWU provides a data bridge between a digital wireless network and the public telephone system.
J2ME Java 2 Platform Micro Edition, is a highly optimized, reduced size version of the Java 2 Platform designed for deployment on small devices such as cell phones and pagers. It includes both a set of APIs and a virtual machine and is designed in a modular fashion allowing scalability between a wide range of devices.
Java A programming language from Sun Microsystems designed primarily for writing software for the World Wide Web. Java applets are an interpretive, dynamic language and are downloadable over the Internet. According to Sun Microsystems, "Java is a simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, robust, secure, architecture-neutral, portable, multithreaded, dynamic, buzzword-compliant, general-purpose programming language".
Kb kilobit -- a term denoting 1024 bits
KB kilobyte -- a term denoting 1024 bytes, roughly equal to 8 kilobits
kbps kilobits per second -- a measure of data transfer speed
KHz kilohertz -- a unit of measurement for frequency equal to 1000 Hertz
kilobit abbreviated Kb -- a term denoting 1024 bits
kilobits per second abbreviated kbps -- a measure of data transfer speed
kilobyte abbreviated KB -- a term denoting 1024 bytes, roughly equal to 8 kilobits
kilohertz abbreviated KHz -- a unit of measurement for frequency equal to 1000 Hertz
LAN local area network -- A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area, such as an office, a building, or campus. A LAN consists of servers, workstations, a network operating system, and a communications link.
landline Traditional telephone service provided on copper circuits or other circuits which are land-based (either aerial, buried, or trans-oceanic)
lawful interception gateway Also known as LIG, the lawful interception gateway provides a mechanism whereby designated security or law enforcement agencies can intercept GPRS traffic, much as "wiretap" facilities are provided in voice networks. Legal authority to use this mechanism as well as safeguards to protect privacy will vary from country to country.
LIG The lawful interception gateway provides a mechanism whereby designated security or law enforcement agencies can intercept GPRS traffic, much as "wiretap" facilities are provided in voice networks. Legal authority to use this mechanism as well as safeguards to protect privacy will vary from country to country.
LNP local number portability The ability of subscribers to switch local or wireless carriers while retaining the telephone number from the original carrier.
local area network abbreviated LAN -- A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area, such as an office, a building, or campus. A LAN consists of servers, workstations, a network operating system, and a communications link.
local service area Much like a "home calling area", a customer can get unlimited access in all locations within a specific local area (e.g. Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, etc.). Usage outside of the customer's local service area is rated at $0.15/minute.
Mb Megabit -- a term denoting approximately one million bits. There is some argument as to whether a megabit should signify one million bits or 1,048,576 bits since the latter number more closely adheres to the binary arithmetic that lies at the heart of computer technology. On the other hand "mega" has long signified one million in the decimal system and is most widely understood in this way.
MB Megabyte -- a standard measure of data size. A megabyte is equal to 1024 kilobytes (KB).
Mbps megabits per second -- the rate of transfer of data as measured in megabits.
megabit abbreviated Mb -- a term denoting approximately one million bits. There is some argument as to whether a megabit should signify one million bits or 1,048,576 bits since the latter number more closely adheres to the binary arithmetic that lies at the heart of computer technology. On the other hand "mega" has long signified one million in the decimal system and is most widely understood in this way.
megabits per second abbreviated Mbps -- the rate of transfer of data as measured in megabits.
megabyte abbreviated MB -- a standard measure of data size. A megabyte is equal to 1024 kilobytes (KB).
megahertz abbreviated MHz -- In wireless communications, a unit of radio frequency measurement equal to one million Hertz. In computers, megahertz is used to mean one million clock cycles per second.
MegaTonessm Advanced polyphonic RingTones that sound like real music, not just electronic beeps.
MHz megahertz -- In wireless communications, a unit of radio frequency measurement equal to one million Hertz. In computers, megahertz is used to mean one million clock cycles per second.
MMS multi-media messaging service -- similar to text messaging, but with higher bandwidth capabilities. This technology is used to send text, audio, and graphics to mobile phones.
mobile station abbreviated MS -- A mobile transceiver or mobile radio enabled device operating within a mobile network. Originally this term referred just to cell phones or handsets, but now includes mobile radio modems or any device containing a mobile radio modem as well.
mobile station ISDN abbreviated MSISDN -- mobile station ISDN (integrated services digital network) number (commonly known as mobile number). In this practice, the number to dial to set a call toward the corresponding subscriber. A subscriber may have several MSISDNs, corresponding to different services.
mobile telephone switching office abbreviated MTSO -- The central switching system that monitors and controls all wireless system operations, including placement of calls, tracking the location, movement and handoff of phones traveling within the system, and tracking billing information.
mobile to mobile minutes Minutes used on calls between T-Mobile phones. Both the caller and the receiver must be T-Mobile subscribers and on the T-Mobile network. Note: Service in North and South Carolina, Iowa (area codes 319, 563 and 712), Wisconsin (area code 608) and Michigan (area code 906) is provided by T-Mobile roaming partners so calls will not be rated as MTM in these areas.
modem A device which converts digital signals generated by a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines, and then convert the same analog signal into a digital signal so that it may be used by the receiving computer. The term modem is short for modulator-demodulator.
modulation A process by which information (e.g. voice, music, data) is added to a carrier signal, such that the signal receiver can extract the information via a process called de-modulation. Three commonly used modulation techniques are Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and Phase Modulation (PM).
monthly access The dollar amount that customers pay for access to the network each month.
MS mobile station -- A mobile transceiver or mobile radio enabled device operating within a mobile network. Originally this term referred just to cell phones or handsets, but now includes mobile radio modems or any device containing a mobile radio modem as well.
MSISDN mobile station ISDN (integrated services digital network) number (commonly known as mobile number). In this practice, the number to dial to set a call toward the corresponding subscriber. A subscriber may have several MSISDNs, corresponding to different services.
MTSO mobile telephone switching office -- The central switching system that monitors and controls all wireless system operations, including placement of calls, tracking the location, movement and handoff of phones traveling within the system, and tracking billing information.
multi-band Certain "multi-band" mobile stations can operate over two or more of the frequency bands commonly used by network operators (800MHz , 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz). The selection of frequency band may be automatic, or user-controlled. In the United States, only the 800 and 1900 bands are used for cellular services, while 900MHz service is found in Asia and 1900 MHz service predominates in Europe.
multi-media messaging service abbreviated MMS -- similar to text messaging, but with higher bandwidth capabilities. This technology is used to send text, audio, and graphics to mobile phones.
multi-mode Certain "multi-mode" handsets can operate over more than one wireless technology (GSM, CDMA, TDMA, and AMPS). Dual mode AMPS/CDMA phones and AMPS/TDMA phones are still generally available from the original cellular network operators who continue to offer AMPS services in tandem with the newer digital network technologies.
multiple access Techniques used in wireless telecommunication systems that permit sharing of limited radio frequency resources among a large numbers of potential users, not all of whom will require simultaneous access. The key assumption is that not all users will require simultaneous access. All the common wireless technologies, including CDMA, FDMA, GSM, and TDMA, apply these techniques.
My Bill Detailed billing information available online in My T-Mobile.
MyT-Mobile Web page where a customer can get information on their bill, send text messages, and manage their account.
NAT (network address translation) The translation of an Internet Protocol address used within one network to a different IP address known within another network.
netmask A system for designating hierarchies of networks and sub-networks within the Internet has evolved that uses netmasking to simplify routing and local network administration. The purpose of a netmask is to specify which part of an IP address specifies a specific host and which part designates a subnet to which the host belongs.
network Two or more computers connected together in order to share resources.
NSS (network switching subsystem) The network switching subsystem (NSS) refers to that part of a GSM network primarily responsible for interconnection to the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN), collecting charging information, maintaining subscriber profile and service information, wide area mobility management etc. The principal components are the MSC, or switch, the Home Location Register (HLR) and the Visitor Location Register (VLR).
off peak The time after the business day that wireless carriers may offer airtime at reduced rates.
optional services Services you may wish to add to your voice or data plan, such as Roadside Assistance, BuddyTimesm, and Text Messaging upgrade.
OSI open systems interconnection -- a standard description or "reference model" for how messages should be transmitted between any two points in a telecommunication network. Its purpose is to guide product implementers so that their products will consistently work with other products. The reference model defines seven layers of functions that take place at each end of a communication. Although OSI is not always strictly adhered to in terms of keeping related functions together in a well-defined layer, many if not most products involved in telecommunication make an attempt to describe themselves in relation to the OSI model. It is also valuable as a single reference view of communication that furnishes everyone a common ground for education and discussion.
OTA over the air -- T-Mobile handsets are activated differently than traditional cellular telephones. Physical programming of a PCS telephone (usually performed in the retail store where purchased) is not necessary; instead, the programming is done over the air, electronically.
outage A total and complete interruption of service.
over the air abbreviated OTA -- Physical programming of a PCS telephone (usually performed in the retail store where purchased) is not necessary; instead, the programming is done over the air, electronically.
overage Your plan includes a number of minutes. If you use more, you pay an overage fee per minute. Data plans include a set amount of data transfer. If you use more, you pay an overage fee per megabyte of data.
packet When a quantity of data is to be transmitted over a network, it is sometimes divided into groupings of sequential bits called packets. Communications and error control information is then added to the packet prior to actual transmission. At the data destination, the extra control information is removed and the original information is reconstructed from the individual packets.
packet data protocol abbreviated PDP -- the primary protocol(s) used for packet data communications on a packet data network, for example TCP/IP on the Internet.
PAN personal area networks -- A personal network between your devices, for example between your computer and your mobile phone. Bluetooth is one technology enabling this.
past due customer A customer is considered past due when any dollar amount is carrying past 30 days or more.
PCC Prepaid Customer Care
PCMCIA (personal computer memory card international association ) card A credit-card sized device that was originally designed as a platform for add-on memory for portable computers, but later expanded to include a wide range of peripherals including pagers and radio modems.
PCS personal communication service -- commonly known as digital wireless service
PCS Message Center The service sends short text messages to handsets on the network. Users can send a single, 140-character text message to up to 10 people at once. You can also send text messages to subscribers via e-mail using the address.
PDA personal digital assistant -- A compact electronic device whose primary purpose is to store personal database information such as appointments, addresses, and notes. PDA devices may be marketed with phone functionality and the ability to access information on the Internet (either or both WAP and HTML browsers).
PDC personal digital cellular -- A Japanese standard for digital mobile telephony (800 MHz and 1500 MHz bands).
PDF portable document file
PDP packet data protocol -- the primary protocol(s) used for packet data communications on a packet data network, for example TCP/IP on the Internet.
PDP context In order to use a GPRS network, the MS and the network must negotiate a set of parameters that support the flow data traffic to and from the MS in an orderly fashion. Among the parameters that must be set are: the identifier of the external packet data network the MS wishes to communicate with, a PDP address recognized in that network (for example, an IP address for service over the Internet), the address of the GGSN, QoS and so forth. The set of these parameters taken together is called a PDP context. Individual parameters may change over the life of the context as the MS moves about the network. Likewise an MS may have several contexts active at one time so as to be able to simultaneously set up and maintain sessions in more than one network, for example the Internet and a corporate intranet.
peak
The time of the business day (usually between 8:00 am and 7:00 p.m.) when a wireless system carries the most traffic and customers can expect to pay the full-service rate
personal identity number abbreviated PIN -- A password of several digits used in relation with smart cards.
phase-shift keying abbreviated PSK -- is a method of modulating a carrier signal by rapidly changing or shifting the signal wave phase as a method of sending information. Patterns of 1's and 0's can be sent via prescribed phase shifts.
PHS (personal handyphone system) Digital mobile telephone system according to Japanese standard (1900Mhz).
Picture Messagesm Similar to a text message, but sent using the multi-media messaging service (MMS) for higher bandwidth capabilites. You can take a picture with your camera phone and send it wirelessly from your phone to any e-mail address.
PIM personal information management -- applications that provide an individual with support for organizing and storing personal and business related information. These applications may take the form of schedulers (e.g.: Outlook), address books, notepads, to do lists, etc.
PIN personal identity number -- A password of several digits used in relation with smart cards.
PIN unlocking key abbreviated PUK -- An 8-digit number used when a subscriber has erroneously entered in their PIN three times. This code is unique to a SIM or smart card (versus a handset).
Ping Packet Internet Grouper -- A diagnostic utility program that checks to see if a server is available and is functioning. The Ping command also returns a Web site's IP Address; you can obtain IP Address by issuing a Ping command from the Run dialog in the Windows Start Menu.
pooling plan A rate plan where two or more lines share a set pool of minutes. UNIVERSE offers FamilyTime plans as well as small business pooling plans.