13, 1300 and 1800 services. They are defined as toll-free because the caller is not charged dependent on the duration of the call. 13 and 1300 numbers do attract a Flagfall charge, but no toll. 1800 numbers do not attract any charges and are sometimes called Freecall Numbers.

Also called DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency), is the conversion of keystrokes on the handset into discrete tones; one tone for each number dialled. This allows the carrier`s switching centre to connect the call to the chosen number. DTMF can also be used to interact with telephone systems such as telephone banking. Tone dialling has superseded Pulse dialling because it is more efficient and user friendly.

Minimum cost of a contract. Minimum monthly commitment multiplied by the remaining months. This amount does not include any additional penalties which may arise from early termination of the contract. See also Early Termination Fees.

Tone dialling handset. See tone dialling, above.

Amount of data or voice signals travelling through a communications channel at one time.

Transfer of a communications signal from one point to another.

Digging a narrow trench from the street (or pit) to a premises, to allow placement of phone lines or optic fibre. If a customer (especially a customer using residential premises) needs more phone lines into their premises, they may be asked to pay the costs of trenching. Notes: The customer also takes on the responsibility of informing the Telco when the trench is ready to accept the new lines, and the customer may take on the responsibility of backfilling the trench after placement of the new phone lines. It is important to note that the company who provides the trenching service is not affiliated with the telecommunications carrier, and that the customer is responsible for coordination between the two.

Typical term for STD calling. The term trunk is used here to denote that the call has gone over a long distance line (between exchanges) before being terminated.

The main connections between exchanges. Previous usage was intended to denote connections between exchanges which are located a long way apart - giving rise to the term STD, which denotes a long distance call.

Equipment used for communication with people who are deaf or who have a hearing, speech or communication impairment. A device, which attaches to a telephone handset, allowing deaf people to communicate by typing messages to each other. Also called a TDD.

Twisted copper pairs (or Copper Pairs) are the physical connections of PSTN lines, between premises and exchange. Subsequent to this, ISDN2 (BRI), ISDN 10/20/30 (PRI) and ULLs all use a single copper pair for transport of signal. Also called a Subscriber Line or Local Loop.

Internet connection using a satellite for both the download and upload links.

A dedicated copper pair from the MDF at the customer`s premises to a MUX, or similar, in the local exchange.

Alternate name for 3G services. (The transmission standard is WCDMA.)

A call to a `local` number (by definition, contained within the same area code or billing area), which is charged at a flat rate. Calls over the PSTN network are untimed local calls. (The introduction of ISDN services by Telstra allows for charging of local calls on those services.)

Network connection terminology used to represent a link to a higher part of a network.

A UPS is used as a backup supply of AC voltage. These discretionary supplies are most often used only for essential services. (DC battery supplies are commonly used in telephone systems.)

Short for Universal Serial Bus [connect the computer to external memory and peripherals], a USB is an external bus standard that allows the transfer of data at rates up to 12 Mbits per second and USB2 480Mbits per second. A USB port is used to connect peripheral devices, such as mice, printers and keyboards among others, to your computer.USB is an external interface standard, or connector, for communication between a computer and external peripherals and devices. USB is intended to replace existing serial ports, parallel ports, keyboard and monitor connectors and can be used with keyboards, mice, monitors, printers and removable hard drives. USB works at 1.5 and 12 Mbps (Megabits per second) with specific consideration for low cost peripherals. USB 2.0, sometimes referred to as `Hi-Speed USB`, is a much faster enhanced version - working at 480 Mbps.

The obligation under the Telecommunications Act 1999 to ensure that standard telephone services, payphones and prescribed carriage services are reasonably accessible to all Australians on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.

A carrier or Carriage Service Provider responsible for fulfilling the Universal Service Obligation (USO).

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

Provision of voice communications over a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection. Sometimes referred to as `Direct Connection` to a service provider`s network, via use of a ULL. Typically this connection can also supply a high-speed internet connection simultaneously.

See VoIP

A recorded message service where callers may be diverted. The caller is charged as though they are connected to the number called. For mobile services, the called party may also be charged. (See also Message Bank.) For landlines, voice mail may be provided by the service provider as a virtual service, through a PABX voicemail facility, or through an answering machine. For mobiles, voicemail is applied by the service provider or the carrier.

Part of the voicemail system where a users messages are kept and managed. This may refer to a PABX voicemail system or to a mobile phone`s voicemail facility.