Denotes a business run from a home or small office.

Unsolicited, bulk e-mails (or SMS messages). Also called Junk Emails.

Feature of a handset which dials a preprogrammed number automatically. Some handsets activate speed dial by use of a unique button on the handset, others use the prolonged holding of a button as their speed dial activation. Speed dialling is most often used for calling frequently used numbers. Emergency numbers may also be useful.

Telecommunications technique which segments a signal, sends the components over multiple frequencies, and then re-assembles the signal at the destination. Allows for higher data transmission rates and increased security capabilities.

The STD zone defined by a group of telephone numbers, for call charging purposes, that are not in an extended charging zone.

Rental charge for the provision of a handset. This is usually $2.95 per month. Higher rentals are often charged for a handset which is CND enabled (eg. with a digital display).

Often used when describing mobile handsets and cordless handsets. This is the time a handset battery can maintain a standby status - without active use (making and receiving calls, accessing phonebooks, etc.).

Direct-dialled long distance call. Also called NDD (National Direct Dialled) calls.

Method of encoding and sending data such that it can be processed as a continuous stream. Streaming is used especially over the internet, where audio and video files may be played without the need to download the file fully first. Instead, the download can proceed while the file is being viewed.

The copper lines between a customer premises and the local exchange. A Subscriber Loop describes the same. These lines are also called `twisted copper pairs` and can be thought of as a copper `loop` - one line to the premises and another line back to the exchange. Other names are PSTN line, telephone line, copper pair, standard telephone service line, POTS, etc.

See Slamming

Selects communication channels between users. Switches are faster than Routers (which are more autonomous). Electronic switches are used in telephone exchanges - hence the term PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1.544Mbits per second; consisting of 24 channels, operating at 64Kbits per second. Each channel can carry voice or data traffic.

Often used when describing mobile handsets and cordless handsets. This is the time a handset battery can maintain an active status (making and receiving calls, accessing phonebooks, etc.).

Total Business Connect

IP controls the data, TCP organises the transmission of the data and its assembly at the destination. Together TCP/IP control the movement of data across the internet.

Splitting of customers` communications into varied frequencies and into different timeslots. Multiplexing of multiple signals onto a single channel on a single frequency. Used for GSM and some CDMA technologies.

Amalgamating the terms: TELephone and COmpany, a Telco is a telecommunications service provider or wholesaler. To operate in Australia, a telecommunications company must be registered with the TIO as a telecommunications provider. As of 2007, there are over 300 registered telephony providers and 800 ISPs.

Phone call where three or more parties are connected by a audio telecommunications link. Also called Conference Calls. (Videoconferencing is sometimes called teleconferencing, but is defined separately here for clarity.)

Fee applicable when a party to a contract terminates that contract. Generally this is the outstanding minimum amount agreed to in the contract. Usually this means the minimum monthly commitment multiplied by the remaining months, but sometimes an additional fee is nominated in the contract also. Also called a cancellation fee or a contract cancellation fee.

Independent body for complaint resolution and arbitration from customers of telecommunications service providers. The TIO also manages complaints relating to some ACIF Codes.

Independent regulatory body which applies a Code of Practice to 190 premium rate service numbers and the industry surrounding them. See their website: www.TISSC.com.au for more information. Or call the complaints hotline on: 1300 139 955.

Routing of incoming calls to selected destinations based on the current time of day. Most often used by call centres to direct call traffic according to economic reasoning.

Charges beyond any Flagfall, connection fee or minimum call charges. These are usually per minute charges, billed in 1 second increments. The Toll is the charge applied according to the duration of the call. See also Toll-Free.

Local charging zone. Calls are toll-free because they have no charge in accordance with the duration of the call. See also, Toll Calling Charges, above.