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1X EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized)
1xRTT is a 2.5G development of CDMA technology for access to the Internet at high speeds over the CDMA mobile telephone network. With CDMA 1xRTT you don’t need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet; CDMA 1xRTT provides a direct dial up connection to the Internet. However, you will need an ISP or a content provider to supply an email service.
1xRTT (Single Carrier, Radio Transmission Technology)
1xRTT is a 2.5G development of CDMA technology for access to the Internet at high speeds over the CDMA mobile telephone network. With CDMA 1xRTT you don’t need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet; CDMA 1xRTT provides a direct dial up connection to the Internet. However, you will need an ISP or a content provider to supply an email service.
3G
3G is the third generation of mobile network technologies. The GSM and CDMA networks are classed as second generation while the defunct analogue network was the first of the mobile network generations. Technically there are 3G evolutions of both GSM and CDMA. These are known as 3GSM (or sometimes WCDMA) and 1X EVDO respectively.
With a 3G phone and access to the 3G network you can send and receive video calls, watch live TV, access the internet, receive emails and download music tracks, as well as the usual voice call and text messaging services found on a mobile phone.
The main difference between 3G and 2G networks is how quickly data can be sent and received. 3G networks can send data up to 40 times the rates of earlier digital networks, which means that in addition to audio, graphics and text, 3G customers can also send and receive video content, in 3G coverage areas.
3GSM
3GSM is the next generation of GSM mobile networks that delivers high speed multimedia, such as video content.
Telstra is already providing 3G services over its 1X EVDO and 3GSM networks, available in selected areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. Read more about 3GSM (www.telstra.com.au).
The rollout of Telstra’s Next G™ network delivers 3G coverage to 98% of Australians, utilising recent technology breakthroughs which enable 3GSM (Wideband CDMA) services on the 850MHz spectrum. At 850Mhz, 3GSM services can accessed over the existing Telstra CDMA footprint without the need for building extra base stations to deliver these newer and faster services.
The Next G™ network is based on an international standard enabled with a high speed data capability known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) which can provide typical user speeds of 550-1100 kbps. Telstra will continue operating the CDMA network and its broadband enhancements in tandem with the Next G™ network until the new network's coverage and services are equivalent.
‘Super 3G’ also known as ‘Long Term Evolution (LTE)’ is already on the horizon with an international standards group, the 3G Partnership Project, progressing “Super 3G” design standards. The standards are expected to be ready in 2006 with networks expected to be ready by 2008-2009.
A super-speed 4G technology will put Australian mobile users on a superior technology path with access to new services such as video-on-demand.
3.5G or 3½G - refer HSDPA
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Account
A registration within a website of Telstra or collection of websites within Telstra.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
ADSL is a broadband technology that provides access to the Internet at fast speeds. ADSL – sometimes shortened to simply ‘DSL’ - uses a data transmission technology that allows high speed data to be carried over everyday copper network phone lines. These data rates can enable the delivery of voice, data and video services.
With ADSL, you can still use your phone lines while you're on the internet. To get ADSL you will need to find out if the service is available in your area (www.bigpond.com) and purchase an easy to install high speed router or modem for your home or office. And sign-up with a broadband service provider.
ADSL2+
ADSL2+ is an enhanced version of ADSL that provides improved performance and even higher data speeds, up to 20 megabits per second.
Find out more about Telstra ADSL (www.bigpond.com) by visiting the BigPond website.
Analogue
A signal which varies continuously, not having discrete values. Analogue signals are copies or representations of other waves in nature. An analogue audio signal such as transmitted over a copper telephone line, is a representation of the pressure waves which make up audible sound that have been converted into an electrical representation.
Asynchronous
Asynchronous transmission is the most commonly used method of dial-up data transmission. When data blocks are transmitted, they are marked by a start bit at the beginning of each character and a stop bit at the end of the character. This ensures that the modem will recognise data as such and not be confused by line noise which has no stop and start bits.
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Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the width or capacity of a communications channel. Analogue bandwidth is measured in hertz and is a measure of the range of frequencies used to transmit a signal. Digital bandwidth is used to describe the amount of data than can be transmitted and is measured in bits per second. The size or bandwidth of the channel affects the speed of transmission of data. A broader channel means data transmits faster.
Base Station
The base station is the central or closest radio transmitter/receiver (tower) that maintains communications with a mobile radio or telephone within a given range.
BIT (Binary Digit)
A bit is the smallest unit of information that a computer recognises - essentially a '1' or a '0'.
Bits, Kbits, Mbits or Gbits (bits, kilobits, megabits or gigabits per second)
Units for measuring rate of digital information transfers. A kilobit per second is a rate of one thousand bits per second; megabit per second is a rate of one million bits per second; a gigabit, one thousand million bits. New optical fibre technologies can transfer information at the rate of one thousand gigabits, or one terabit, per second.
BlackBerry®
A wireless communications solution that provides email, phone, corporate data, internet, messaging and organiser features from the one handheld unit. Read more about the BlackBerry® product (www.telstra.com.au).
Blog
A blog (short for weblog) is an online journal or diary of an individual’s opinions and latest news that is updated regularly, in chronological order. Many blogs allow visitors to make comments, or “postings” in response to the blogger, or ask questions.
Blogs create mindshare amongst a community of people who have an interest in the subject or an affinity with the style of the blogger. Blogs typically have links to other related web content.
A moblog is a blog published to the internet from a phone or other mobile device. Moblogs postings usually include photos, and therefore are usually used in conjunction with camera phones.
Examples of corporate blogs: nowwearetalking.com.au and Microsoft
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a low power short-range radio link between electronic devices that enables links between computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices and connectivity to the Internet. This wireless technology also replaces the need for wires to connect electronic items such as your mouse or keyboard to your personal computer.
BPS (Bits per second)
BPS measures how fast binary digits can be sent through a channel - specifically, the number of 0s and 1s that travel down the channel per second.
BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless)
BREW can run on a number of CDMA phone types however is most commonly an application for CDMA Brew mobile handsets. It is a software function that can download and run small programs for playing games, sending messages, sharing photos, etc.
Broadband
Broadband (or wideband) is a communications channel for transmission of information over the Internet that has a bandwidth greater than 256 kilobits per second. Broadband can provide higher speed and higher volumes of multiple kinds of digital information than a standard dial-up Internet service using a telephone circuit.
Broadband or wideband can be any system that can carry multiple signals within its bandwidth, sometimes also called Wideband. In Internet terms, anything faster than a dial-up connection has over the years become known as broadband however more recently a commonly accepted definition has become a connection capable of data rates faster the 256 kilobits per second
Browser
The browser is a desktop computer application that provides an easy to use graphical interface or doorway that allows you browse and retrieve information over the internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer are the most widely used browsers that will give you access to the world wide web.
Byte
Equivalent to 8 bits or one character of data, a megabyte is approximately 1 million bytes (or equivalent to 1 million characters of information).
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Carrier
The service provider that provides your telecommunications services. Or, a signal that carries information on it over a communications link e.g. a radio carrier for an AM radio station.
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
A digital standard, designed for use in cellular mobile networks, which assigns a unique code to each user and spreads transmission of user channels across a wide band of radio frequencies. CDMA mobile technology based on the IS-95 standard was introduced in Australia from January 2000.
A CDMA mobile network can provide voice, data, fax and text messaging services.
Telstra’s national CDMA network covers more than 98 per cent of the Australian population, in both regional and metro areas. In November 2005, Telstra announced the phased replacement of the CDMA network with a national high speed 3G (3GSM) service to provide existing and enhanced services including voice and video calling, mobile internet services and wireless broadband. Telstra’s 3GSM network is also based on the same type of technology however from a different technology ‘family’ known as Wideband CDMA.
Telstra’s existing CDMA network will remain in place until the national 3GSM service has the same or better coverage and services. Read more in the Telstra media release:
* Telstra unveils 3G city-to-country delivering mobile 3G broadband (www.telstra.com.au)
Cell
The cell is the receiver/transmitter associated with a specific set of antennas on a tower/base station that a mobile phone connects to. It is the equivalent of the base station for a cordless phone. A cell can support a number of simultaneous calls.
Cell also refers to the radio frequency coverage area in the cellular system. A city or country is divided into cells, each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size depending upon terrain, capacity demands, etc. By controlling the transmission power, the radio frequencies assigned to one cell can be limited to the boundaries of that cell.
Cellular
This is the name for a mobile communications system that permits telephone communication between mobile users within a specified area. In cellular mobile systems, large geographical areas are divided into smaller areas or cells.
Cellular Phone
Another name for a mobile phone.
Chat
Interactive communication between Registered Members and a selected Expert for a specific period ot time, Chat within NWAT is very simliar to Forums
Convergence
The coming together of all communication devices. This will lead to single communication devices able to carry out a multitude of tasks across a multitude of platforms, from home, office, on the move, even on a mountain.
For telecommunications, convergence is the growing trend whereby all the different means of delivering communications, information and entertainment are coming together to be delivered by one multi-functioned hand-held device. Convergence is already happening with devices such as the BlackBerry solution and 3G mobile phones which can access the internet, send and receive emails, as well as make phone calls and send SMS. Devices to come onto the market here, such as DVB-H, typify the latest in convergence by also delivering radio and TV on multi-function mobile devices.
The humble telephone is fast becoming a thing of the past as it rapidly metamorphs to become a multi-faceted device that delivers communications, information and entertainment.
The next stage of convergence sees voice, video and data all together on our fixed and mobile personal computers and our multimedia devices. It’s happening now and the trend will continue to accelerate as the operating systems become ever closer entwined.
We will also begin to see much more of what is called integrated messaging. This can best be characterised as a central communication system where all our messages can be reached by whichever is the most convenient and efficient means at any time. We might retrieve a traditional voicemail or listen to an email converted to voice when away from our email/computer or when it is inconvenient to read an email.
Coverage
The geographic area of a wireless network in which you can make or receive calls with your mobile phone. To check Telstra coverage in a particular area, use the easy wireless network coverage search (www.telstra.com.au) on the Telstra website.
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Data transmission
The transmission of data - any information that you send such as emails, files, spreadsheets, pictures - between computers or over a telecommunications network.
Dead spot
A dead spot is an area within the coverage area of a wireless network in which there is no coverage or where transmission falls off. Dead spots are often caused by electronic interference, hills, tunnels or indoor parking garages.
Digital
Digital technology uses bits (computer information units such as 1’s and 0’s) to encode information. Unlike analogue signals, digital signals can be accurately regenerated thereby maintaining the quality of the sounds or pictures transmitted.
Digital TV
The digital transmission and processing of video signals provides a number of benefits over conventional analogue TV. These benefits include more TV channels, better picture quality and greater reliability.
Drop out
This is when a call on a mobile phone is prematurely cut off due to network congestion, loss of coverage (including for example driving into an underground carpark where there is no inbuilding coverage) or simply the phone’s battery going flat.
DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer)
Technology located at exchanges or in roadside cabinets that take the copper lines from a customer premises and convert signals on/off them into a high speed pipeline to the internet.
DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency)
DTMF is commonly known as tone dialling. You must have a DTMF enabled phone to access certain network services that rely on your phone sending tones (for example, MessageBank® and Easycall). Refer to your mobile phone's user manual to find out how you can turn this feature off and on.
DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld)
DVB-H is a new technology that allows simultaneous transmission of television, radio, video, audio and Internet content to mobile phones, PDAs, PCs and other handheld devices. Technically speaking, DVB-H is an adaptation of the digital terrestrial TV standard DVB-T which is widely used around the world, to the requirements of a battery-powered handheld device.
This service is not currently available in Australia, but was showcased by Telstra during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
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EME (Electromagnetic energy)
EME is the energy stored in an electromagnetic field. The earth and the sun are natural sources of electromagnetic energy (otherwise known as EME, or sometimes EMR which is short for electromagnetic radiation). Most radio communication systems use EME, including:
* radio and TV stations
* mobile phones
* base stations
* paging services
* cordless phones
* baby monitors
* police radio
* fire and ambulance services
* rural communications (e.g. the Royal Flying Doctor Service)
Telstra understands that some people are concerned about the possible health effects of electromagnetic energy from mobiles. These concerns are taken seriously and Telstra is committed to monitoring EME research closely and acting responsibly.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radio communications, telecommunications and online content. ACMA states that:
“The weight of national and international scientific opinion is that there is no substantiated evidence that using a mobile phone causes harmful health effects.
…To date, we are informed that, although subtle biological effects caused by radiation emitted from mobile phones have been reported in some laboratory studies, there remains no evidence that these effects may lead to adverse health outcomes.”
Read more about EME:
* Telstra website: Peace of Mind: Mobiles and your Health (www.telstra.com.au)
* ACMA fact sheets: Mobile Phone Towers and EME (emr.aca.gov.au)
EMS (Enhanced message service)
EMS technology allows you to send and receive words, pictures, animation and sound clips on your mobile phone.
ESN (Electronic Serial Number)
The ESN is the unique identifier of a CDMA mobile phone. See also: IMEI
Ethernet
A local area network (LAN) protocol, Ethernet uses a bus topology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. It is one of the most widely implemented LAN standards.
Ethernet aggregation
Lower cost, higher bandwidth, scalable Ethernet aggregation and concentration switch and Ethernet long-haul optical DWDM transport enabling faster high availability, high bandwidth consumer and business Ethernet and IP VPN services.
EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized)
See 1xEVDO.
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Forum
An Internet forum being is a web application for holding discussions and posting user generated content. A forum is a designated space for expression by registered members of NWAT.
Frame Relay
A simplified packet transport protocol used to connect local area networks (LANs) over large distances. Also, a packet switching technology used for voice, data and video signals which uses packets of varying lengths, or frames. Frame relay can be used with any data protocol.
FTTN Network (Fibre To The Node)
Infrastructure that delivers fibre optic cable to a connection point close to the recipient’s premises, to deliver broadband internet and potentially television services. Usually the connection from the FTTN point to the customer premises is via copper over which high speed internet service such as ADSL2+ is transmitted.
FTTP (Fibre To The Premises)
Fibre to the Premises is the name for delivery of your telecommunications services to your home or office on optical fibre. Fibre to the Premises delivers all your telephone, broadband and subscription TV services on the one high-speed fibre.
Optical fibre can support high data speeds required for multimedia services or downloading movies directly from the internet. See also Optical fibre.
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Global Roaming
See International Roaming
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
An 'always-on' data service (e.g. for Internet access) using packet switching rather than circuit switching. It is an evolution of and compatible with most current GSM and is regarded a second generation plus (2G+) mobile technology.
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) offers fast, convenient, always-on access to the internet, email and other online services.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
European digital standard for mobile phones based on time division multiple access (TDMA). TDMA allows multiple conversations to share a single radio channel by each transmitting digitised voice within its allocated timeslot. GSM is the second-generation mobile network used in Australia.
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HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access)
A new mobile telephone protocol sometimes referred to as a 3.5G or 3½G technology. HSDPA is an evolution of the 3GSM standard, and increases the data download speeds for mobile telephone devices.
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i-mode™
i-mode is NTT DoCoMo’s mobile internet service that delivers information and entertainment services like news, sport and movie session times onto a mobile phone. Delivered in Australia in partnership with Telstra, i-mode users can access a wide range of sites and online services. They can shop and email from their mobile phone, and with a 3G mobile phone, watch video clips with AFL and NRL video highlights, get movie trailers and news footage. I-mode users in Australia have access to over 200 i-mode sites on their mobiles including email, sports, movies, news, games, horoscopes and lots more. Read more:
* What is i-mode? (www.i-mode.com.au)
* DoCoMo on i-mode (www.nttdocomo.com)
IDSN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
ISDN is an international communications standard for sending voice, video, and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires. An ISDN service provides the equivalent of 2 lines which may be used for voice, data or a combination of both. ISDN supports data transfer rates of 2 x 64 Kbps (64,000 bits per second) over a copper cable for a Basic Rate service i.e. 128kbps total. While ISDN is about twice as fast as dial-up service, its use has been largely surpassed by ADSL.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
A unique international serial number used on digital mobile phones. An IMEI is 15 characters long and is usually found on a sticker on the back of the handset (or if you enter *#06# on your keypad). When you use your GSM phone, the IMEI number is transmitted. If your GSM mobile phone is lost or stolen, Telstra Mobile can block the IMEI from being used on the GSM network (Applies to voicecalls, SMS and WAP only). This means that calls will not be able to be made from your phone.
Infrared data port
This refers to a data port that uses infrared data association (irDA®) as the standard for wireless communications between computer and mobile phone devices. For example, to update the phone list on your irDA®-enabled PC from your mobile, you line up the infrared ports on each device and then transfer the phone information to your PC.
Integration
The bringing together of various communications and information services into one seamless experience. See also “Convergence”.
International Roaming
A service which allows Australian mobile phone users travelling in most overseas countries to make calls from their existing mobile, due to agreements between different countries.
Internet (or the Net, the web)
A global inter-network of computer networks, connected via Internet Protocol (IP) and the world's telecommunications infrastructure. IP enables applications such as email, the web, file transfer and other services to run across different networks and operating systems.
IP
Internet Protocol is a standard set of rules for the carriage of digital information such as voice, video, data and images, across a global network.
Iridium
A global mobile phone system of satellites. A useful means of mobile phone communication for people living, working or travelling in rural and remote Australia.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that connects individuals or organisations to the Internet. Can range in size from an individual operating dial-up access, to providers operating substantial network backbones and fast cable modem access (eg Telstra's Big Pond services).
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Kbps (Kilobits per second)
Kbps is the rate at which data is transmitted. Kbps stands for one thousand bits per second. Kilobit is a unit of information equal to 1,024 bits. 'Bit' is a combination of b(inary) and (dig)it. See also bit, byte, megabyte.
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mAh (Milli ampere hour)
mAh is a term of measurement used in batteries for their energy storage capacity. It is a measure of how much current in milliamps can be delivered from a battery over the period of 1 hour.
Megabyte
A megabyte equates to approximately 1 million bytes (equivalent to 1 million characters of written information).
Memory effect
The gradual shortening of the life of a battery if it is recharged before it is completely discharged. Memory effect most commonly occurs with nickel cadmium batteries, less so with nickel hydride batteries and even less with lithium ion batteries. To minimise the risk of memory effect, allow your mobile phone to become completely depleted of power before attempting to recharge it.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
Telstra Mobile's Multimedia Messaging Service allows you to take photos with your MMS enabled mobile phone and share them with friends and family. You can send either your picture messages to another Telstra Mobile MMS compatible phone or any to email address worldwide.
MNP (Mobile Number Portability)
MNP is a convenient facility which allows you to change carriers without changing your mobile phone number.
Moblog
A moblog is a blog published to the internet from a phone or other mobile device. Moblogs postings usually include photos, and therefore are usually used in conjunction with camera phones.
Modem
A (MODulator / DEModulator) modem is a device that enables your computer to be connected to the internet over a telephone line or wireless connection.
MP3
Also known as MPEG layer 3 - a compressed audio format that reduces file size greatly without much loss in quality. You may shrink down the original sound data from a music CD by a factor of 12, without losing sound quality. Factors of 24 and even more still maintain a sound quality that is significantly better than what you get by just reducing the sampling rate and the resolution of your samples. Basically, this is realised by perceptual coding techniques addressing the perception of sound waves by the human ear.
Mpeg
A group of people that generate standards for digital video (sequences of images in time) and audio compression. Read more at The MPEG Home Page (www.chiariglione.org)
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Network
A network ties things together and allows resource sharing. In the wireless industry, a network refers to the infrastructure that allows wireless signals to be transmitted.
Next G™
Telstra's nationwide mobile broadband network, launched on 6 October 2006. Telstra's Next G™ high speed mobile network provides Australians with 'internet through the air' - the ability to make and receive video calls, watch mobile TV, access sports, news and entertainment on the move, receive emails and download and play music, as well as make voice calls and send text messages from their mobile phones.
Next IP™ network
Cost effective scalable IP end-to-end IP network, supporting richer, faster, broadband and Ethernet services and voice services with guaranteed QoS, from copper, HFC and 3G access using multiple CPE devices. Telstra’s Next IP™ Network enables legacy network and service rationalisation leading to simplified networks and services and Capex and Opex cost reductions.
NGN (Next Generation Network)
Enables multiple services such as voice, video and data to be integrated and efficiently carried over the network.
NiCd (Nickel cadmium)
Nickel cadmium is a popular source of power and commonly used for mobile phone batteries due to the fact that they are robust, long lasting and rechargeable. If NiCd batteries are not completely discharged before recharging, their life may quickly be reduced by memory effect. See memory effect.
NiMH (Nickel metal hydride)
Nickel metal hydride is another popular source of power, suitable for use in multi-purpose portable devices and audio-visual equipment but particularly, mobile phone batteries. NiMH mobile phone batteries are an environmentally friendly, high capacity rechargeable battery that hold more power for their size than NiCd batteries. NiMH batteries are affected less by memory effect than the NiCd battery. See memory effect.
Number Portability
See MNP (Mobile Number Portability).
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Optical fibre
A strand of hi-tech glass that carries signals in the form of laser light pulses. An optical fibre pair can simultaneously carry many thousands of telephone conversations, or a mix of video and voice. An optical fibre cable may contain tens or even hundreds of fibres.
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packet
A packet is a unit of digital data that is organised for the most efficient transmission possible, through a communications channel. In a packet-switched network, such as the Internet, data is packaged and routed in 'blocks' or packets, each having a header with the network destination address. Packet switched networks are also described as 'connectionless' because the paths selected by routers can vary from moment to moment, as each router is updated with current network information.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
PCMCIA refers to the cable, including modem card, used to connect a mobile phone to a laptop computer for data transfer. Also known as people can’t remember computer industry acronyms.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
A small, portable device which is used to store personal data, some of which have inbuilt mobile phones.
Podcast
An audio or video recording posted on a website that can be downloaded and played later. Often syndicated to registered interested parties via RSS.
Predictive Text (T9 and text input)
This is a mobile phone feature that makes text messaging quicker and easier. The phone predicts the word you are typing, reducing the number of keystrokes that you need to make. Refer to your mobile phone's user manual to find out how you can turn this feature off and on.
Profile
Personal configuration settings and other data associated with an individual user within their Account.
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
Generic term for public telephone networks. Often referred to as 'fixed-line" the PSTN is the standard home telephone service, delivered over underground copper wires.
PUK (Personal Unblocking Key)
The PUK is used to "unblock" a blocked mobile phone SIM card. The code can be obtained by calling 125 111.
PUPs (Potential Unwanted Programs)
A host of Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) on the internet including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, keyloggers, diallers and more. PUPs reduce computer performance, damage or destroy data, steal user identities for nefarious purposes, and even replicate themselves, spreading their infection far and wide.
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Registration
Mobile registration takes place each time you turn on your mobile phone, make or receive a phone call or log onto a new base station.
Registration ((Website))
The act of signing up to services and interaction options within a Telstra website such as nowwearetalking.
Roaming
A service which allows people to use their mobile phone while in a service area of another carrier. See International Roaming.
Technology that provides feeds of information to mobile devices and internet browsers, often used to distribute information updates from news websites, weblogs and podcasting services. RSS feeds provide web content or summaries of web content together with links to the full versions of the content. This information is delivered in an XML file called an RSS feed, webfeed, RSS stream, or RSS channel. In addition to facilitating syndication, RSS feeds allow a website's frequent readers to track updates on the site using specialised software known as an aggregator.
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Service
A option available to you for use in accordance with Registered Users Accounts.
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)
A SIM is the smart card used in GSM digital mobile phones. It carries your identity so that you can access the network and receive calls. The SIM also stores personal information such as your phone directory and received SMS messages. The card can be plugged into any GSM compatible handset, personalising it to your specifications. In 3GSM phones this is called a USIM (or Universal SIM).
SMS (Short Messaging System)
The text based message service on mobile phones. Also known as “text messages”.
STB (Set Top Box)
Connects people’s television to Pay TV, or digital free-to-air TV. Sometimes referred to as a STU (Set Top Unit).
Subscription
Acceptance to receive information, communications or details about a particular service offered within Telstra online.
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Tag Cloud (Tag Cloud)
A Tag Cloud is a visual means of displaying the topics that are in the news. The cloud shows the tags which News Online is using the most. The bigger the type, the greater the number of stories being processed on that topic. Click on the tag name to go to that tag page.
Tags are key words or phrases that are used to group related information together (e.g. "broadband", "news", or "video" clips).
By assigning tags to items we are enabling keyword-based classification and quick searches of information.
As a member of nowwearetalking, you can save your favourite topics using the ‘Your tags’ and ‘Your articles’ tools. Tags can help you organise, remember certain information and makes it easier for you to move around nowwearetalking.
If you want to look for certain topics, just click that tag and you’ll find related nowwearetalking articles.
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
TDMA is a type of processing system used by digital communication systems to allow multiple users to use the same frequency or channel (in a turn taking fashion). Each user’s information is allocated its own time slot so that it only sends and receives on its ‘turn’. The signals from each transmission are then combined into a continuous stream at the other end.
Telstra Mobile Satellite™
Telstra Mobile Satellite is the portable, hand held voice and data service powered by Iridium©, which is great for mobile users in rural and remote Australia.
Third Generation (3G)
3G refers to the wireless communications that involve Internet access and data delivery to mobile phones with audio, moving colour images and sophisticated Internet services.
3G is the third generation of mobile network technologies. The GSM and CDMA networks are classed as second generation while the defunct analogue network was the first of the mobile network generations.
3G is the next generation of mobile networks that delivers high speed multimedia over the phone. With a 3G phone and access to the 3G network you can send and receive video calls, watch live TV, access the internet, receive emails and download music tracks, as well as the usual voice call and messaging services found on a mobile phone.
Technically, the main difference between 3G and 2G networks is how quickly data can be sent and received. 3G networks can send data up to 40 times the rates of earlier digital networks, which means that in addition to audio, graphics and text, 3G customers can also send and receive video content, in 3G coverage areas.
Telstra is already providing 3G services over its EVDO and 3GSM networks, available in selected areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. Read more about Telstra's 3G services (http://www.telstra.com.au/).
The rollout of Telstra’s Next G™ network delivers 3G coverage to 98% of Australians, utilising recent technology breakthroughs which enable 3GSM (Wideband CDMA) services on the 850MHz spectrum. At 850Mhz, 3GSM services can accessed over the existing Telstra CDMA footprint without the need for building extra base stations to deliver these newer and faster services.
The Next G™ network is based on an international standard enabled with a high speed data capability known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) which can provide typical user speeds of 550-1100 kbps. Telstra will continue operating the CDMA network and its broadband enhancements in tandem with the Next G™ network until the new network's coverage and services are equivalent.
“Super 3G” is already on the horizon with an international standards group, the 3G Partnership Project, progressing “Super 3G” design standards. The standards are expected to be ready in 2006 with networks expected to be ready by 2008-2009.
A super-speed 4G technology will put Australian mobile users on a superior technology path with access to new services such as video-on-demand.
Tri-band
Different mobile phone networks around the world may operate at different frequencies. If you want to use your mobile phone overseas such as the US you generally need a handset that supports multiple frequency bands. A tri-band mobile phone operates on three frequency bands - GSM900, GSM1800 and GSM1900 - so you can use it in Europe, Africa, Asia, nearly all of North America and Australia. Refer to the International Roaming page to check the frequency of International Carriers.
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U
ULL (Unconditional or Unbundled Local Loop)
The Local Loop is the copper wire that connects the Telstra exchange in your area to your house. Telstra is required to provide access to this wire to other operators – this connection is know as “Unconditioned or Unbundled Local Loop”. These other telecommunications providers then provide customers with their own services - like broadband and the plain old telephone service - by installing their own equipment in Telstra exchanges. The wire is quite literally disconnected from Telstra’s network at the exchange and transferred to other service provider’s equipment. Read more about ULL.
USO (Universal Service Obligation)
The Universal Service Obligation exists to ensure reasonable access to standard telephone services and payphones for all Australians regardless of where they live or work.
Telstra is the USO service provider, paid for by a subsidy the level of which is set by Government. This subsidy is funded by all carriers in the telecommunications industry. Telstra pays two thirds of the total USO levy, and argues it pays almost 90 per cent of the USO’s real cost.
* USO information on nowwearetalking
* USO information on the Telstra website (www.telstra.com.au).
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V
VDSL2
is simply the latest generation of this technology.
Very high speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL)
VDSL technology is the latest generation of ADSL - it allows data to be transmitted at very high speeds over a pair of copper wires between a Service Provider's broadband network equipment and a customer's house or business. VDSL is capable of transmitting several video channels plus high-speed Internet plus telephone calls all at the same time. The higher speed achieved comes at a trade-off though, with the length of the copper line - VDSL lines need to be not more than about 1km in length to achieve the high speeds. To achieve the shorter line length for all customers it is necessary to install equipment nodes closer to customer premises, with fibre optic cable taking the aggregated data from multiple customers from the node to the exchange.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A data network which uses the public telecommunications infrastructure, but maintains privacy through the use of a tunneling protocol and security procedures. A VPN gives a company the same capabilities as a system of owned or leased lines to which that company has exclusive access. However, costs are much lower because the VPN uses the shared public infrastructure rather than exclusive line access.
Visitor
User that has navigated to a Telstra website able to view common content within limited interaction and / or communications with the website or Telstra. A Visiting User has either got no Personal Account for the website or has one, although not yet logged in.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Voice calls over the Internet or a private IP network. Enables people to place telephone calls using their computer over broadband internet networks, instead of over traditional fixed-line telephone networks.
Just about anyone with access to broadband and appropriate equipment can make calls using VoIP. Essentially, voice is converted into data packages which are sent down the broadband pipe, automatically unwrapped at the other end and emerges as voice again.
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W
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
Provides technologies, guidelines, specifications and tools for universal web design. Visit http://www.w3.org/ for more.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN refers to networks of linked computers that can cover extensive, even global areas. WAN is the opposite of local area network. See LAN.
WAP (Wireless Access Protocol)
A protocol that enables mobile phones equipped with the appropriate browser to view specially written Web pages from the public Internet, on the phone’s screen.
Webcam (Web or Internet Camera)
A webcam is a video camera that is in some way connected to the World Wide Web, or internet. The most common types of webcams are personal video cameras connected to a home computer. When used with specific software, webcams allow users to share a moving image of themselves with others. This image may be made publicly available on the Internet, or shared only with specific users via a secure connection.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
Wireless internet access generally via a 802.11b/g bandwidth radio signal network. Wi-Fi is generally accessed from a laptop computer, without the need to plug-in via a modem to a land based internet connection.
Wireless Hotspots
Wireless Hotspots are any public area that has been fitted with wireless technology to enable users with compatible equipment to access the internet wirelessly, without the need to plug-in via a modem to a land based internet connection. Wireless Hotspots enable users to send and receive email, visit websites, research projects or connect directly to their offices, wirelessly.
Wireless Hotspots are available in many outdoor areas across Sydney and Melbourne CBD*s, and convenient Hotspot locations at selected Hotels, Starbucks, McDonalds restaurants and Qantas Club Lounges across Australia.
* There will be areas within the Sydney and Melbourne CBD where Wireless Hotspot Outdoor coverage will not be available. For example, due to customer equipment, physical structures and signal interference.
Read more about Telstra Wireless Hotspots (www.telstra.com.au).
WLAN (Wireless - Local Area Network)
Allows devices such as laptop or palmtop computers equipped with wireless cards to connect to the internet at designated sites, or ‘hotspots,’ using 802.11b technology at speeds of up to 2 Mb per second.
World Wide Web (www)
The World Wide Web is the network of information, graphics, text images, sound and video on the internet. This information is contained in “websites” that are collections of information on a topic, theme or area of interest, created by companies, organisations or individuals. The web is made accessible by means of a computer software system that provides links from one set of information, or “website” to another of related information, via the Internet. The World Wide Web is accessed via a computer with a modem that gains access to the web via a “browser” program such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
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X
xDSL
A technology that enables the copper telephone loop to carry high-speed data streams, providing access to the Internet. The 'x' denotes that there is more than one DSL technology (e.g. ADSL, HDSL and VDSL)
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Y
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Z
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