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

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

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

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

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a form of DSL, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verification of the identity of a user to a network, or a network to the user. Passwords, digital certificates, smart cards and biometrics can be used to authenticate a user. In the case of mobile phones, a user may be authenticated to the network to ensure that they are `activated` - with an account and credit on that network. Conversely, Mobile networks may authenticate themselves to a user`s mobile phone to ensure that the phone is locked to their network.