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Tech Talk1-9, A-C, D-F, G-I, J-L, M-O, P-S, T-V, W-Z
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3GThird Generation Mobile Telephony Third-generation mobile systems combine high-speed access with Internet Protocol (IP)-based services.
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project The format used by all smartphone manufacturers for cellphone video clips. This format is supported by Apple Computer’s QuickTime 6.5 to playback cellphone video clips on your computer. | Back to top
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Access These encompass all Weekday, Weekend, Off-peak and Peak airtime Minutes.
Airtime Means the monetary value of outgoing calls you can make.
Anytime Airtime Minutes These encompass all Weekday, Weekend, Off-peak and Peak airtime Minutes.
APN Access Point Name.This is used when accessing GPRS networks.
Bluetooth Bluetooth is a low-power radio technology being developed with the objective of replacing the wires currently used to connect electronic devices such as personal computers, printers and a wide variety of handheld devices such as palm top computers and mobile phones.
Bundled SMS A comprehensive package from MTN offering lower SMS tariffs.
Cable Modems The cable modem has been developed to allow you to connect to your portable computing device using only your cellphone and no internal modem. There are a few different makes on the market catering to a wide range of cellphones.
Card Phones The card phone is shaped like a data card and slots directly into your laptop. It will have space to insert a SIM card and an aerial. There is no screen, buttons or battery. The power is supplied from the laptop. The main use is for data, but they can be used for voice with the correct accessories (duplex soundcard / handsfree kit). A recent example of a card phone is the Nokia Card Phone 2.0.
Call Barring An MTN Service. Allows you to control the types of calls that can be made from your SIM card. These include:
National outgoing calls
National incoming calls
Incoming calls whilst roaming internationally
Cardphones Like PCMCIA cards these devices slip into the PCMCIA slot on most laptops. But unlike PCMCIA card modems, cardphones carry their own SIM cards allowing them to directly connect to a GSM network.
CLI Calling Line Identity. An MTN Service
CLIP Caller Line Identity Presentation. An MTN Service
CLIR Caller Line Identity Restriction. An MTN Service
Connection Fee The cost to get connected to the MTN network. This varies between certain Price Plans and Service Providers.
CSD Circuit Switched Data. A technology that enables the transmitting of data across a cellular network. | Back to top
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Decryption and Encryption The conversion of data into a form, called ciphertext, that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood.
Diginet A Diginet line provides a secure, dedicated connection from MTN's premises to the corporate LAN, adding to security by helping to prevent unauthorized access. Authentication of the end user is done by the corporate network infrastructure.
Directory Enquiries and Call Connect An MTN Service If you're looking for a phone number, simply contact Directory Enquiries… wherever you are, whatever the time. Now you have access to any registered phone number in the Cyprus. You have the option of taking that number down yourself, or having the operator connect you directly to that number. A text message may also be sent to your mobile number with the number you requested.
Data Cards Cellular Data Cards are based on PC Card technology, which was formerly known as PCMCIA cards. The data card contains a modem that links a cellular phone to a data terminal, converting the data from the computer into the right format to be sent across the GSM network. Because both the cellular phone network and the computer are digital, the functionality of the Data Card can be replaced by software or built directly into the phone. Generally, data cards are only required nowadays when connecting an older phone to a laptop. Most new phones have a software modem or internal modems.
Data Phones Has it's own internal modem required for communicating to a computer. No additional software or hardware is required, as they just connect to the laptop/palmtop via a serial cable or infrared. Recent examples of data phones include the Nokia 6210 and the Ericsson R320.
Domain On the Internet, a domain consists of a set of network addresses. This domain identifies a unique place and is, in fact, equivalent to a unique address on the Internet. In the Internet's domain name system, a domain is a name with which name server records are associated that describe sub-domains or hosts. For example, "whatis.com" could be a domain with records for "www.whatis.com" and "www1.whatis.com," and so forth.
Dual Band Dual band refers to the capability of GSM network infrastructure and handsets to operate across two frequency bands. The first dual band GSM network infrastructure and dual band capable handsets were available from Motorola in 1997, with the first dual band 900/1800MHz European networks implemented the same year. Dual band technology enables a network operator with spectrum at both 900MHz and 1800MHz to support the seamless use of dual band handsets across both frequencies. By supporting seamless handovers between 900MHz and 1800MHz, dual band networks can provide major
e-Commerce - Electronic Commerce e-commerce is the broad definition of the new phenomenon of remote commercial transactions using telecommunications and the Internet. People are increasingly shopping for goods and services through the Internet, with suppliers developing specialist web sites that allow potential customers to ‘browse’ as if they were in a department store. The location of the supplier is irrelevant, they can be in the same country or many thousands of miles away. The take-up of e-commerce was inhibited by fears about the security of Internet transactions but advances in the encryption process have largely addressed these concerns and the e-commerce market is set to flourish. A key element in the success of e-commerce will be the forging of alliances and partnerships between the different operators, Internet Service Providers (ISP), content providers and vendors.
EDGE - Enhanced Data for Global Evolution The technology that gives GSM networks the capacity to handle 3G mobile telephony services. EDGE enables the transmission of large amounts of data at 384 kilobits per second.
Enhanced Voicemail An MTN Service A system that allows you to create a mini-communication network with your cellphone. It is standard Voicemail with enhancements to make messaging more effective, convenient and cost effective. | Back to top
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GPRS General Packet Radio Service GPRS is an enhancement to the current GSM network of MTN. It enables the true convergence of cellphone and Internet Technologies to enable true wireless Internet, and to create a platform for unprecedented growth in data usage.
GPS Global Positioning System GPS refers to satellite-based radio positioning systems that provide 24 hour three-dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on or near the surface of the Earth (and sometimes off the earth). The NAVSTAR system, operated by the U.S. Department of Defence, was the first GPS system widely available to civilian users. Applications include hand-held telematics, fleet tracking and vehicle management systems - wireless communication devices designed for automobiles providing drivers with personalised information, messaging, entertainment and location-specific travel and security services. GPS technology is used in a wide range of applications, including maritime, environmental, navigational, tracking and monitoring.
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication. The leading standard for mobile communication worldwide, utilised on five continents by over 200 million mobile users.
Handheld PC's Similar to laptop computers, only smaller, cheaper and less powerful. They still allow you to communicate with e-Mail, fax and Internet and may have word processors, spreadsheets and organisers - everything you need in a compact mobile office. Handheld PC's are manufactured by many companies, including Psion, Compaq, Palm and Hewlett Packard.
HSCSD High Speed Circuit Switched Data is a new data service which offers up to three times the throughput speeds of existing cellular data.
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identification. Each cellphone has a unique serial number that is used to identify it.
IP Internet Protoco. These refer to the numbers assigned to all computers and electronic equipment that are or need to connect to the Internet.
Inclusive airtime Minutes These are the minutes that you get included with you package. They can be divided into Off-peak, Peak minutes.
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network - A highly flexible type of telephone service which allows dialing on digital lines with multiple bi-directional channels.
IVR Interactive Voice Response. | Back to top
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JavaTM JavaTM is a relatively recent computer programming language developed by Sun. It embodies many of the newer software development productivity and security features, such as object-oriented design and reuse. JavaTM is designed to operate on any computer and interprets the program as it runs. This gives added benefits of high security, small program size traded-off by slower execution speed. It has been very popular for use with web browsers for these reasons, but is also finding its way into mainstream products from PC office applications to embedded controllers. There are four levels of Java capability which are supersets of each other: Java Card (used on Smartcards), Embedded JavaTM (used in controllers with little or no user display), Personal JavaTM (used in handheld organisers etc) and the full JavaTM.
LAN Local Area Network A typical network system as found in offices whereby connectivity is achieved by way of cables.
Laptops (Notebooks) Laptop or notebook computers are now commonplace and are becoming more and more popular as they increase in power and decrease in cost. Today's laptops can do everything a desktop computer can do, yet they are portable. For the mobile person who needs access to complex applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and Internet browsing, the laptop or notebook computer is the ideal tool. | Back to top
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Mini-browser / Micro-browser Software found on 32K SIM cards, developed by MTN, which allows you to access WML enabled websites much the same way as WAP, except you don't need a WAP handset.
MMS-Multimedia Messaging Service MMS is a universally accepted standard that lets users of MMS supportive mobile phones send and receive messages with formatted text, graphics, photographic imagery and audio and video clips.
Monthly Subscription The cost to remain connected to the MTN network on a monthly basis. This varies between all Price Plans.
MO Mobile Originated This applies when sending an SMS from your cellphone.
Mobile Another name for Handset or Cellphone.
Mobile to Mobile Calls charged at a rate from one cellphone to another cellphone.
MSISDN Technical term for your cellphone number, which is stored on your SIM.
MT Mobile Terminated This applies when your cellphone has received information through the mobile network.
MTN Mobile Telephone Networks.
Network The network is a sophisticated technology which links you into cellular communication via your cellphone. The network provides the airtime and it is this which enables you to make and receive calls.
Network Lock Mobile Terminated This applies when your cellphone has received information through the mobile network.
Off-peak airtime Minutes This 22h00 - 07h00 daily. | Back to top
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PCMCIA Card Personal Computer Memory Card International Association A credit card-size memory or I/O device that connects to a personal computer, usually a notebook or laptop computer. Probably the most common example of a PCMCIA card is the 28.8 Kbps modem for notebook computers. The PCMCIA was organized in 1989 to promote standards for both memory and I/O integrated circuit cards. The PCMCIA 2.1 Standard was published in 1993. As a result, PC users can be assured of standard attachments for any peripheral device that follows the standard. A PCMCIA card has a 68-pin connector that connects into a slot in the PC. The PCMCIA standard is most commonly applied to portable PCs but it can also be used on desktop computers. The PCMCIA card is not to be confused with another credit-size electronic card, the smart card.
PDA Personal Digital Assistant. An electronic device similar to a computer, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Peak airtime Minutes These are 07h00 - 22h00 daily.
PIN Personal Identification Number This is your Personal Identification Number and it is linked to your SIM card. Each time you switch your cellphone on you will need to enter this number. It works the same way as a bank autoteller PIN, and prevents unauthorised use access to your cellphone. Your pre-programmed PIN is 00000. You should change this for security reasons. If you key in your PIN incorrectly 3 times, your SIM card will be blocked, and you will need to key in your PUK number or call your Service Provider.
Pre-paid With a fixed monthly Contract, you select one of MTN's tailored Price Plans. You can choose a Price Plan with either bundled or unbundled airtime minutes and services.
PUK Personal Unblocking Key To unblock your SIM card, you will need to key in your 8 digit PUK number. You will receive your PUK number from your Service Provider. For your own security, if you enter your PUK number incorrectly 10 times, your SIM card will be destroyed.
SIM Subscriber Identification Module. Your SIM is the 'engine' or 'brain' that drives your cellphone. It connects you to the MTN network and without it your cellphone will not work. If you are still unsure how to insert your SIM card, consult your cellphone guide. Your SIM card is transferable to other GSM cellphones provided they accept the same size card. You will still be connected to the MTN Network with the same cellphone number. Your call charges are tracked through your SIM card, no matter which cellphone it is in. Remember to look after your SIM card carefully. Call your Service Provider immediately if your SIM card is lost, stolen or damaged.
SMS Short Message Service A service allowing text messages of up to 160 characters (depending on your cellphone model) to be sent.
Software Modems Because the cellular phone and the computer are digital, no electronics are required to interface the two. Nokia currently provides a software modem for the 3110/8110I and for the 5110/6110 called Nokia Cellular Data Suite. With the software modem you can connect the cellphone to the computer using either a serial cable or via infrared.
Smart Phones Traditionally the mobile phone has been exclusively a device for voice telephony, the paradigm being the PSTN fixed phone. As GSM networks evolved to deliver new mobile data driven applications, users increasingly demanded new functionality on their mobile terminals to enable them to use these new services effectively. Optimised for narrowband communications and offering limited display capabilities, traditional GSM phones were unable to satisfy these demands. The solution was the development and commercialisation of ‘smart phones’, new GSM terminals with enhanced display capabilities and new functionalities which enabled users to access their email, faxes and company intranets easily and quickly. The paradigm ceased to be the PSTN phone and became the palm top or laptop computer. Smartphones have larger displays, often a QWERTY or touch-sensitive keypad, and specialised built-in software linked to specific services and applications.
Startup airtime Valid to Pay as you Go customers only. This is the airtime you receive to begin using your pre-paid account.
Subscriber Agreement Form This is a contractual agreement between the Service Provider and the Customer wherein the Customer agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions as laid out in the Agreement.
Symbian Formerly Psion Software, Symbian is a joint venture between Psion, Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola to promote the EPOC operating system for wireless information devices. Symbian’s main product is EPOC (derived from epoch – the beginning of an era), a 32-bit operating environment which has already been proven in the Psion Series 5 palmtop computer. EPOC comprises a suite of applications, customisable user interfaces, connectivity options and a range of development tools. Symbian and its partners are working to facilitate key mobile standards, including Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Bluetooth and Java. The addition of the Starfish TrueSync technology to Symbian's EPOC combines two technologies which have been specifically developed to accommodate the constraints of mobile computing and telecommunications devices while providing intuitive, powerful applications and connectivity with desktop and mobile devices. The three most popular platforms produced by Symbian are the Series 60 being used by Nokia, Siemens and Samsung, the Series 90 that Nokia uses, and the UIQ which is used by Sony Ericsson. | Back to top
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Telematics / Telemetry Telematics is a wireless communications system designed for the collection and dissemination of data. Applications include vehicle-based electronic systems, mobile telephony, vehicle tracking and positioning, on-line navigation and information services and emergency assistance. Static applications include stock control (automatic ordering), and monitoring of utilities meters.
Timeslots Measures of time which carry data for CSD and HSCSD.
Tri-Band Specific to handsets, a tri-band cellular phone will operate on three different frequencies, depending on the available network. Outside America, the GSM frequencies used are 900MHz and 1800MHz. ‘American GSM’, or PCS, operates at 1900MHz. The introduction of tri-band phones is a further step towards true worldwide roaming.
UMTS - Universal Mobile Telecommunications System UMTS is the European member of the IMT2000 family of third generation cellular mobile standards. The goal of UMTS is to enable networks that offer true global roaming and can support a wide range of voice, data and multimedia services. Data rates offered by UMTS are: vehicular - 144 kbit/s; pedestrian 384 kbit/s; in-building 2Mb/s. These new 3G networks will build on the success of GSM, and on the GSM operators - existing investment in infrastructure. The first stage of service and network evolution is from today's GSM systems, through the implementation of GPRS, to commercial UMTS networks expected from 2001. Many of the original goals of UMTS are being met by the evolving GSM standard such as global roaming and personalised service features. The major differentiators of UMTS are: a new air interface operating at around 2GHz which will offer superior performance to GSM in terms of higher data rates and capacity, and a packet-based network architecture which supports both voice and data services.
Voicemail An MTN Service. A personalised answering service available to all MTN Subscribers. This service takes messages when you are busy on another call, unable to answer a call or when the cellphone is switched off.
VoIP - Voice Over Internet Protocol The technology for transmitting ordinary telephone calls over the Internet using packet-linked routes. | Back to top
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WAPWireless Application Protocol The development of WAP is being driven by the WAP Forum, initially founded by Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson and Unwired Planet. Since its inception the WAP Forum has grown dramatically and now comprises over 80 members drawn from the world's leading telecommunications and software companies. WAP is a technology designed to provide users of mobile terminals with rapid and efficient access to the Internet. WAP is a protocol optimised, not only for use on the narrow-band radio channels used by second generation digital wireless systems, but also for the limited display capabilities and functionality of the display systems used by today's mobile terminals. WAP integrates telephony services with micro-browsing and enables easy-to-use interactive Internet access from the mobile handset. Typical WAP applications include over-the-air e-commerce transactions, online banking, information provisioning and messaging. WAP will enable operators to develop innovative services to provide differentiation in competitive market environments.
W-CDMA Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access The 3G network standard being adopted by American cellphone /mobile networks.
WiFiWireless Fidelity The 802.11a,b,g standard used by computers and soon-to-be introduced cellphones / smartphones.
WIG Wireless Internet Gateway. Microbrowser based GSM technology that gives WAP and SAT terminals access to WML-based applications.
WLANWireless Local Area Network. A 802.11a,b,g wireless internet or WiFi standard used by most WiFi-enabled computers and soon-to-be cellphones / smartphones.
WML Wireless Markup Language. This programming language is used for writing content that is to be displayed on mobile handsets. | | Back to top |
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