Communications platform in orbit around the earth. These satellites send and receive communications signals. Satellites are very useful for their enormous coverage capabilities. There are three types, found at various heights above the earth: LEO (Low Earth Orbit, MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) and GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit).

Internet connection using a satellite communications link. Two-way satellite broadband uses a satellite download link and upload link. One-way satellite broadband uses a satellite download link and a landline upload link (usually an ISDN2). Satellite broadband setup charges and running costs were subsidised in regional and rural areas through the HiBIS scheme, and are now subsidised using the Broadband Connect scheme.

Mobile phones which operate from satellites rather than land-based base stations. Coverage in remote areas is the primary use of these services, since usage costs are typically considered expensive. Also called Sat Phones. Sat Phones are often kept for emergency use in remote areas.

The size of the mobile phone or PDA handset`s screen area.

Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) The main difference between ADSL and SDSL is that SDSL has the same upstream data transfer rate as downstream (symmetrical), whereas ADSL always has smaller upstream bandwidth (asymmetrical).

Also called Symmetric DSL. Download and upload speeds match, unlike ADSL. Operation is over a single copper pair, like ADSL, unlike HDSL. Traditional voice communications are unavailable, unlike ADSL, but SDSL is becoming popular for VoIP communications.

Computer hardware and software combined to `serve` information requests to its clients (PCs). Information might be data, files, emails, webpages, or other network services from client computers.

The physical address where the services are connected. A Billing Address may differ from the service address.

Monthly charge from a provider for provision of service. Call charges are additional to this charge. See also Access Fee.

The contract between a mobile service provider and customer. The `service` being supplied is connection and access to a telecommunications network. The service plan should describe all rates, charges and fees.

A company which provides telecommunications connection and service to a customer. The telecommunications service provider may be the actual carrier or a reseller of those services.

Prescribed terms and conditions which accompany a telecommunications service offer. Contains details of the service provider`s required conduct and a customer`s rights and obligations.

A SmartCard used (for mobile phones) to hold GSM encrypted security information and user information. The card holds the user`s phone number, PIN number, some or all phonebook contents and SMSs.

Switching telecommunications service provider without the customer`s knowledge or permission. This action is reversible and has been largely curtailed in Australia.

A government-run distribution portal for 1800, 13 or 1300 numbers. Often a smart number spells a mnemonic word. (eg. 1800-746-637 spells 1800-PHONES). Here are some websites which allow conversions of numbers into possible words:

Telstra product which enables landlines to have up to three distinct ringtones. By nominating up to 15 numbers per ring tone, customers can know which group a caller belongs to.

Communication of alphanumeric text messages from one mobile handset to another. (PC-to-SMS and email-to-SMS services are also available.)

SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol TCP/IP based protocol used to transfer e-mail messages over the internet. Often messages are finally retrieved from an email server using either POP or IMAP, because SMTP is not efficient at queuing emails.

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.).