Early protocol for creation of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Flawed security. Extended by introduction of L2TP, which incorporated Microsoft`s PPTP and Cisco`s L2FA technology.

See PRI.

A mobile handset feature which selects the possible words from the combination of keystrokes used. Alternatives may then be picked until the correct word is found. Example: When typing EARN, the keystrokes would be 3276, and the suggested word for those keystrokes may be FARM, then by scrolling through alternative words which use those keystrokes EARN can be selected. Most words are automatically suggested correctly the first time, which dramatically decreases the time needed to type a text message.

Prepaid mobile phone plans typically are casual plans, with higher rates and credit must be paid up-front. Buying of mobile usage credit can be done with credit card or cash: online, in shops or over the phone. (Technically, Prepaid is a contract. It is merely a rolling contract per month and the only penalty for leaving early might be the loss of remaining credits.) See also Post-paid Mobile Contracts.

The routing of domestic long distance calls, calls to mobiles and international calls through a default (preselected) service provider. Alternate providers may be selected on a call-by-call basis, through use of override codes. Often a customer will nominate their preselected service provider to also bill their local calls and service charges, called Rebilling.

Also called ISDN10/20/30, this is a conversion of a single copper pair (ordinary telephone line) into thirty 64 kbps `B` channels which may be used for voice or data. There is an additional 64kbps `D` data signal channel created also.

Service specification designed to ensure that persons diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions, who depend on a reliable home telephone service, are able to call for assistance when needed. The timeframes for connecting a service or repairing a fault for a priority assistance customer is 24 hours in urban and rural areas and 48 hours in remote areas. Telstra, AAPT and Primus offer priority assistance services.

Network which is not accessible to unauthorised persons. An example of a private network is a company intranet, where users may access external networks (including the internet) but external users cannot access the company`s intranet.

The rules which define communications formats. Without proper formatting, communications between computer systems would be meaningless.

Providing a telecommunications service to a customer upon request. Provisioning includes ordering, authorisation and implementation.

Server placed between a `client` and a web server and represents itself to each end as being the other. It can be used in two ways. For the web server it can cache frequently accessed pages to reduce the web-server`s traffic. For security of the LAN clients it can present a single IP address to the Internet and prevent direct access to the rest of the LAN. [MicroUK]

Traditional switched telephone system using copper lines. PSTN services are used worldwide. Twisted pairs of copper telephone lines are connected from the customer premises to the local exchange. (These are also called local loops.) At the exchange the communications are electronically switched, in accordance with their destination. The network of these physical and switched connections are collectively called the Public Switched Telephone Network.

Also called Payphones, they are publicly available telephones which accept coins, debit cards or credit cards, and can be used for calling domestically and internationally. Call rates are high, compared to other telephones.

SIM Cards have a number of security features to prevent unauthorised use. One of these is the requirement to enter a PIN code (if enabled) into a phone when it is turned on. The PIN number is determined and set by the user of the SIM and only persons provided the PIN number are able to access the SIM. If the PIN code is entered incorrectly three times in succession, the phone will display "Enter PUK Code" or "SIM Blocked". The PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) Code is required to unblock the SIM to allow use. Each SIM has a unique 8 Digit PUK code.

Also called a Pin Unblocking Key. An 8-10 digit code used to unblock a SIM card which has been blocked. Service providers retain records of PUK codes.

The conversion of keystrokes on the handset into discrete pulses which represent dialled numbers. The direct current is interrupted for a certain number of intervals in accordance with the dialled number. This allows the carrier`s switching centre to connect the call to the chosen number. Pulse dialling has been superseded by tone dialling for efficiency reasons.

A fad technology, now passed in Australia. Allowed a users handset to be used as a 2-way radio with other compatible handsets. Talking was half-duplex: listening or talking, not both. (Mobiles and telephones are full-duplex: allowing talking and listening.) Superseded technology due to the availability of free intra account calling and free OnNet calling.

The service quality of a carrier`s network, including fault rates, connection times and call centre response times.

Generally, QoS in VoIP refers to the quality of a call connection, when compared to a traditional service. Qos is also a feature of modems and routers which enables IP traffic to be prioritised. Voice IP traffic is prioritised above all else, to reduce delays in the voice signals. A QoS router will greatly increase the quality of VoIP calls through an internal network. See VoIP also.

An english language keyboard (QWERTY are the first 6 letters on an english language keyboard). PDAs and other compact electronic devices often advertise whether they have a QWERTY keypad (QWERTY keyboard) as a feature, or use another type.

A telephone service provider takes over the collection and billing of services which they do not own or lease. Landlines: Where the service provider does not own or maintain the connection to the premises, rebill items are typically phone line rental and local call costs. Billable items, where the service may be typically owned or leased are: STD calls (long distance calls, NDD calls), Calls to Mobiles, and International Calls. Mobiles: Where the service provider is not a mobile carrier, rebill items are all charges which are not usage charges.

STD call (also called NDD - National Direct Dialled), which is not an intercapital call. Regional call rates and intercapital call rates have been phased out of common use, in favour of a single rate for any STD call.

One-way satellite broadband download link with an ISDN2 landline upload link. Capacities of upload speeds are being superseded by use of two-way satellite broadband.

Former government program aimed at providing greater access to affordable mobile telecommunications in areas without terrestrial services. Begun in 2001, ended 2004 or earlier.

Telephone user who is not a business customer.