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.

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.