Operator-assisted (or possibly a CVR-assisted) telephone directory service which provides the user the phone number of a residence or business. Number must be listed in the telephone directory.

A non-broadband internet connection to an ISP. The connection is made by a modem dialling the ISP through the traditional PSTN network.

The use of a 100 InDial Range with a PABX, which allows an outside caller to dial a phone number that will ring directly to a specific party instead of calling a main phone number. The PABX must be programmed to assign that number to a specific extension.

The representation of information using discrete elements called binary code. In everyday use (especially in voice communications) digital signals are used to represent analog information. Digital signals are useful because they can represent analog signals, can be easily handled by computer systems and networks (themselves, digital systems), can be compressed, and do not degrade with reproduction.

Use of an existing `subscriber line` (traditional phone line) to deliver digital data at broadband speeds. The local exchange (where the copper loop telephone line is connected) must be `enabled` with DSL technology.

Previously direct dialling was the event of dialling an intended party without the aid of an operator. Nowadays, Direct Dialling is still commonly used in two circumstances. IDD (International Direct Dialling) is connection to an international destination without the aid of an operator. IDD is still in use in vernacular because pricing structures quote IDD rates. The second common use for Direct Dialling is for Direct In Dialling (called `Direct Dialling In` by the Brits). Direct In Dialling is where a phone system (PABX) can recognise an incoming dialled number, bypass the main answering point (eg. the receptionist), and pass the call directly to the correct extension. DID usually requires a 100 number range.

Operator-assisted (or possibly a CVR-assisted) telephone directory service which provides the user the phone number of a residence or business. Number must be listed in the telephone directory.

A server which translates the URL of a website into its actual numeric IP address. When a browser requests a web page, the domain name server is consulted for the actual IP address. Humans use words to define web addresses, computers use numeric IP addresses.

A call within Australia.

The accidental disconnection of a phone call. Applies to both Fixed Line services (including VoIP) and Mobile Services. VoIP users also call partially missing words a `drop-out`.

Also called a Digital Subscriber Line Access Module or a Mux. This is a hardware interface between DSL lines and a network `backbone`. DSLAMs are located in the local exchange. DSLAMs also provide the interface for ULL supply of voice/internet connections - these internet connections are usually faster than normal ADSL connections.

Since 1993, Mobile digital networks in Australia have been built using a frequency (or band) of 900MHz. In 2000, the three digital carriers (Optus, Telstra, Vodafone) started to introduce a new technology, which uses a frequency of 1800MHz. Most 1800MHz base stations are not stand-alone - they are built on an existing 900MHz base stations. This is called a "Dual Band" base station - because it can transmit on two different frequencies. By rolling out GSM1800 sites, we are able to provide additional capacity to customers who have a dual band phone. The rollout of 1800 sites and cost is much less than building a brand new site. The equipment required to operate GSM1800 is located in the same shelters as the GSM900 equipment.

The ability of a mobile handset to operate on both the analog and digital networks; even to the extent of using the same frequency band.

The ability for both ends of a communication to send and receive data. Telephones are a Duplex communication because both parties can talk at the same time; 2-way radios are half-duplex because only one party can talk at any one time.

Mail composed and transmitted on a computer system or network. Email is technically merely text, but multimedia attachments often accompany it.

Designed to extend the PPP (Point to Point Protocol), the EAP incorporates traditional passwords, token keys, digital certificates and public-key authentications.

E-mail (electronic mail) is the exchange of computer-stored messages by telecommunication. Generally text messages, non-text files such as graphic images and sound files can be sent as attachments. E-mail was one of the first uses of the Internet and is still the most popular use. A large percentage of the total traffic over the Internet is e-mail. A popular protocol for sending e-mail is Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and a popular protocol for receiving it is POP3. Both Netscape and Microsoft include an e-mail utility with their Web browsers.

Telephone numbers for the Emergency Services: Police, Fire & Ambulance. These numbers are free to call and should only be used in situations which are life threatening or there is imminent risk to either property or the environment. Related: 000 - Emergency, 106 - Emergency for TTY, 112 - Emergency for Mobiles

Energy transfer in the form of electric and magnetic field fluctuations. These waves or particles propagate through space at the speed of light.

The process of encoding data. Data is often encrypted before it is transmitted over an unsecure medium, then decrypted at its destination using a process or key for that purpose.

The area serviced by a local phone exchange. These are often used when describing 1300, 13 or 1800 number call routing.

All CDMA phones have a unique Electronic Serial Number (ESN). When you activate the phone on the CDMA network, the ESN is linked to the CDMA service and phone number.

The unique hexadecimal serial number of a CDMA phone (and previously, analog mobile phones). The ESN is registered with a service provider as part of a mobile`s activation process. See also IMEI.

The amount charged by a service provider for the early termination of a contract. For Mobiles, this is usually the number of months remaining on the contract multiplied by the minimum monthly commitment of that contract. For Landlines, this is often the repayment of any previously granted bonuses and the payment of a nominated monthly amount multiplied by the remaining months of the contract period. Also called a Cancellation Fee, Contract Cancellation Fee, Contract Termination Charges, etc.

Ethernet is the most widely-installed local area network (LAN) protocol. Officially, Ethernet (at up to 10Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (at up to 100Mbps) are the two grades. Now the term Ethernet generally refers to Fast Ethernet, due to this being the prevalent type used. Ethernet is generally transferred using CAT-5 or CAT-5e cables (`the blue computer cables`), or over a wireless LAN link.