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Term / Abbreviation
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Definition
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ADSL
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This stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It's the technical magic that allows ordinary copper telephone lines to transmit data at broadband speeds of up to 9 Mbps (Millions of bytes per second).
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AOM
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Always on Mail. This is the push Email solution we are offering to our partners. Gamma Telecom are offering both the Personal Edition and the Corporate Edition. Personal Edition allows the user to connect to Internet based public email services that support POP3 or IMAP4, Corporate Edition allows the user to connect via "Push Connector" PC resident software to a corporate email server.
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API
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An application programming interface (API) is the interface that a computer system, library or application provides in order to allow requests for services to be made of it by other computer programs, and/or to allow data to be exchanged between them.
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A-GPS
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This stands for Assisted Global Positioning System. It's how your mobile talks to both GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and local base stations to find out where it is.
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Barring
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We can 'bar' or put a block on a mobile making or receiving calls, like Premium Rate or international calls, for example. For more on barring, call the Customer Support number on your handset.
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Bandwidth
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The amount of network space needed to make sure a call, message or chunk of data gets from A to B in one piece, without getting lost or distorted along the way.
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Base stations
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These are dotted around the UK to make up our network. Base stations (or cell sites) receive and transmit the signals from your mobile, as well as linking it to the fixed-line network.
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BSC
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The Base Station Controller (BSC) is the functional entity within the GSM architecture that is responsible for RR (Radio Resource) allocation to a MS (Mobile Station), frequency administration and handover between BTS (Base Transceiver Station) controlled by the BSC. The BSC function may be physically located with the BTS.
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BSO ID
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Business Service Order ID. Unique transaction identifier returned in response to each SpConnect provisioning request.
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CDR
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A Call Detail Record (CDR) (also Call Detail Recording) or Station Message Detail Recording (SMDR) is a record containing information about recent system usage, such as the identities of sources (points of origin), the identities of destinations (endpoints), the duration of each call, the amount billed for each call, the total usage time in the billing period, the total free time remaining in the billing period, and the running total charged during the billing period. The format of the CDR varies among telecom providers and call-logging software. Some software allows the CDR format to be configured by the user.
CDRs may be output to a file, may be sent as packets on a network, or may be output from a serial port on a piece of telecom hardware. Where CDRs are stored by a telecom service provider, the records for a particular account can sometimes be downloaded at the request of the subscriber who holds that account. If the telecom provider supplies users with itemized bills, a CDR will show up in each bill, in a format similar to that of an itemized long-distance telephone bill supplied by a conventional telephone company.
In a telephone exchange, a CDR contains information about all the calls passing through the exchange. The CDRs are generated by Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) and processed by the Billing support system (BSS). A CDR may contain more than one type of call traffic. For example, fixed line voice traffic and fixed line data traffic may be placed in the same file, but will be identified separately for rating purposes.
Call accounting software or communication management software is generally used to retrieve and process CDR data.
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Caller ID
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Caller Identity lets you see the number of who's calling on your mobile's screen. If you've saved that number as a contact, the name should appear. Pretty useful really, especially if you're avoiding someone.
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Cell
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Wireless networks are made up of cells, which overlap each other. One cell is the area served by a single mobile base station. As you move and pass the boundaries of a cell, your call is automatically transferred to the next cell. See Cell switching for more.
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Cell switching
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The way the mobile network passes your call from one base station (a cell) to another, to make sure you keep talking while you're walking, on the bus, on a train... This is also known as 'handing over'.
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Codec
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From Code/Decode. This is the technology that squeezes images and sounds in to the small files that you store on your phone. Images are squeezed using the JPEG codec. voices using AMR codec, music using AACfamily of codecs and videos using H.263 or MPEG4. Newer generations of codec technology include clever maths to squeeze files to even smaller files or to improve quality. H.264 is the latest video codec which is already used in High Definition DVDs and soon in phones. The compressed audio and video files are stored in 3GP or MP4 files.
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DNO
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Donating Network Operator. This is a term used in the porting process and refers to the party from which a subscriber's number 'currently' resides and from which the subscriber has chosen to leave for another network operator.
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DRM
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This stands for Digital Rights Management. It's the technology that's used to make sure copyright-protected things, like ringtones or music videos, don't get shared around for free.
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Dual downloads
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A nifty 3 music service that lets you download any track from Planet 3 to both your mobile and PC at the same time, without paying twice.
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Egress
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In the telecommunications industry "egress" is often used as a term to identify traffic (typically IP) exiting a carrier backbone network across a communications link (such as DSL or Ethernet) and into the customer's network.
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GMPP
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Gamma Mobile Provisioning Platform.
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GPRS
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This stands for General Packet Radio Service. It's otherwise known as 2.5G - a faster version of the standard 2G digital mobile network. With GPRS, your mobile internet connection is always switched on.
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GSM
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The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. GSM service is used by over 2 billion people across more than 212 countries and territories [1] [2]. The ubiquity of the GSM standard makes international roaming very common between mobile phone operators, enabling subscribers to use their phones in many parts of the world. GSM differs significantly from its predecessors in that both signalling and speech channels are Digital call quality, which means that it is considered a second generation (2G) mobile phone system. This fact has also meant that data communication was built into the system from very early on. GSM is an open standard which is currently developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
The GSM logo is used to identify compatible handsets and equipment from the point of view of the consumer, the key advantage of GSM systems has been higher digital voice quality and low cost alternatives to making calls such as text messaging. The advantage for network operators has been the ability to deploy equipment from different vendors because the open standard allows easy inter-operability. Like other cellular standards GSM allows network operators to offer roaming services which mean subscribers can use their phones all over the world.
As the GSM standard continued to develop, it retained backward compatibility with the original GSM phones; for example, packet data capabilities were added in the Release '97 version of the standard, by means of GPRS. Higher speed data transmission has also been introduced with EDGE in the Release '99 version of the standard.
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HLR
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A Home Location Register (HLR) is a database that contains semi-permanent mobile subscriber information for a wireless carriers' entire subscriber base. HLR subscriber information includes the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), service subscription information, location information (the identity of the currently serving Visitor Location Register (VLR) to enable the routing of mobile-terminated calls), service restrictions and supplementary services information.
The HLR handles SS7 transactions with both MobileSwitchingCenters (MSCs) and VLR nodes, which either request information from the HLR or update the information contained within the HLR. The HLR also initiates transactions with VLRs to complete incoming calls and to update subscriber data.
Traditional wireless network design is based on the utilization of a single Home Location Register (HLR) for each wireless network, but growth considerations are prompting carriers to consider multiple HLR topologies.
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HSDPA
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This stands for High Speed Downlink Packet Access, which is a smart, fast and smooth way to transfer lots of different types of 3G data. We can't say exactly how super fast because the technology's evolving all the time. (It's probably got a bit faster in the time it's taken to read this.)
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HTTP
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol (see the W3C website for details).
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HTTPS
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A secure (via a digital certificate) implementation of HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
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IMEI
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This stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier. This is your mobile's unique 15-digit ID number. To see what it is, just tap in *#06# (star, hash, zero, six, hash) on your keypad. You'll also find it on the back of your mobile, under the battery compartment.
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IMSI
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International Mobile Subscriber Identity - This is a unique number that is associated with all GSM and UMTS network mobile phone users. The number is stored in the SIM. European IMSIs are fifteen digits long. The IMSI is a unique non-dialable number allocated to each mobile subscriber in the GSM system that identifies the subscriber and his or her subscription within the GSM network. The IMSI resides in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), which is transportable across Mobile Station Equipment (MSE). The IMSI is made up of three parts (1) the mobile country code (MCC) consisting of three digits, (2) the Mobile Network Code (MNC) consisting of two digits, and (3) the Mobile Subscriber Identity Number (MSIN) with up to 10 digits.
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Java
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Not only an island in Indonesia and a type of coffee bean, Java is a computer programming language. It's in our phones and it allows you to download computer programs such as the games that you love to play.
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LEA
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Law Enforcement Agency. This includes the Police, Fire and Ambulance services. LEAs may request subscriber information in the event of a dropped 999 call etc. and are provided with the information you submit when setting up a phone service.
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MMS
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This stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. This service allows you to send multimedia messages - which are messages that can carry text, pictures, sound - or all three - all at once.
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MNP
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Mobile number portability (MNP) is the ability to take your existing mobile number to a new service with a new provider.
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MO
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Mobile Originating: This is traffic which is made from the handset (outgoing traffic)
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MP3
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MP3 is a popular but old-fashioned way of storing music files. Its name comes from the audio track standard used in Video CDs and DAB radio developed in the early 1990's called 'MPEG-1 Layer 3'. Most phones will play MP3 files, but some providers sell music using the newer AAC codecs and Window Media Audio (WMA) on PCs. AAC and WMA produce the same sound quality as MP3 but only require half the memory to store the files and take half the time to download.
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MP4
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This is a data file format which can hold videos as well as music. The 3G version of MP4 files are usually called 3GP files.
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MSC
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A Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) is a telecommunication switch or exchange within a cellular network architecture which is capable of interworking with location databases.
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MSISDN
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The Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network. The MSISDN is the dialable number that callers use to reach a mobile subscriber. Some phones can support multiple MSISDNs - for example, a U.S.-based MSISDN and a Canadian-based MSISDN. Callers dialling either number will reach the subscriber. In Gamma, a single MSISDN is typically assigned for access to Voice and 3G services. A separate MSISDN is typically required for Fax service.
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MT
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Mobile Terminating: this is traffic which is received to the handset (incoming traffic)
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OGM
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This stands for Outgoing Message and is what your mates hear when they get through to your voicemail on your mobile.
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OMA DM
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Open Mobile Alliance Device Management (OMA DM) is designed to remotely administer mobile devices.
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ONO
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Originating Network Operator. Please see "DNO", above.
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ORG ID
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Organisation Identifier - The OrgId will uniquely identify the Service Provider to 3 and will also be known as the SP's dealer code. OrgId Format AAAnn e.g. CPW01
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PAC
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Port Authorisation Code: This is the code which is provided by the DNO to allow a customer to port their number from one Operator/service provider to another.
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Partner
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A reseller
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Pairing
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This is what you do if you want to link two Bluetooth-enabled bits of kit, like your mobile and your laptop.
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PSTN
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The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the concentration of the world's public circuit-switched telephone networks, in much the same way that the Internet is the concentration of the world's public IP-based packet-switched networks. Originally a network of fixed-line analog telephone systems, the PSTN is now almost entirely digital, and now includes mobile as well as fixed telephones.
The PSTN is largely governed by technical standards created by the ITU-T, and uses E.163/E.164 addresses (known more commonly as telephone numbers) for addressing.
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Predictive text
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A function on your mobile that guesses the word you're trying to type in as you type it, to help you text message faster. For more on how predictive text works, see relevant handset user guide.
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PRS
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This stands for Premium Rate Services. Gamma doesn't sell this type of service, but other companies (known as third parties) do. Premium Rate Services are:
- voice calls with numbers that start with 09, costing 10p per minute or more
- voice or video calls to four, five or six digit Shortcodes, costing 25p a message or more
- text and multimedia messages to and from Shortcodes, costing 25p a message or more.
Premium Rate Services are charged to your account.
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PUK / PUK2 Key
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If you enter the wrong PIN on your mobile three times in a row and it 'locks', you'll need a PUK(Personal Unlock Key) or PUK2 to get it working again. Think of this less as a key and more of a code that you need to type in to fix things. To get a PUK for your mobile, just call us on 08707 330 333 (calls charged at national call rates). We'll go through the necessary security checks and get things sorted.
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Push email
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Push e-mail is used to describe e-mail systems that provide an "always-on" capability, where whenever new e-mail arrives it is instantly and actively transferred (pushed) by the Mail Delivery Agent (MDA) (commonly called mail server) to the Mail User Agent (MUA), also called the email client. Most of today's clients are Smartphones.
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Reboot
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To reboot your mobile, just turn it off. And then turn it back on again. It might sound strange, but over 80% of problems can be solved just by doing this. Unfortunately, the problems solved don't quite stretch to global warming or what's really offside in the modern game of football.
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Reflash
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When you send your mobile into us for repairs, we may 'reflash' it. This upgrades the operating software, but will also wipe the memory clean. So whatever you do, make sure you back up everything you want to keep if your mobile needs to be repaired.
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RNO
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Recipient / receiving Network Operator. This refers to the network operator to which a subscriber has chosen to port their number to.
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Roaming
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That's what we call it when you use your mobile outside your mobile network's local coverage area, which normally means abroad.
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Shortcode services
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This is a five-digit SMS number normally preceded by a word (like texting GAMES to 84263) that's usually used to buy Premium Rate Services, enter text competitions or vote for the person that really ought to win that reality TV show.
On some mobiles, you can also set up short dialling codes for numbers stored in your contacts or address book. For more on this, see relevant handset user guide.
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Signal strength
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The greater the signal strength, the better the quality of the call is - and the less power your battery uses. To see how strong the signal is on your mobile, just check on your screen. Not sure how? Have a look at the relevant handset user guide.
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SIM card
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In short, this is your mobile's brain. Without it, your mobile can't do anything. This small printed circuit board contains all sorts of important details, including security information, and memory for a personal directory of numbers. It also determines which network your mobile will work with. Often, a SIM for 3G phones is also referred to as a USIM (Universal SIM or UMTS SIM). By the way, SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module.
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SMS
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Everyone's at it, including Aunty Jean (and she's in her eighties). SMS is text messaging, where you can send messages of up to 160 characters to anyone on any UK mobile network, as well as most international networks. SMS stands for Short Message Service.
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SOAP
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Simple Object Access Protocol - the RPC technology based on XML that forms the basis of Web Services.
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SS7 transactions
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Each time a mobile phone is powered on, a series of SS7 transactions occur that identify the subscriber as valid, authenticate and register that subscriber, enabling wireless service. Each time a mobile call is made, SS7 transactions are used to qualify the subscriber for service and allow the call. These transactions are based on the SS7 transaction capabilities application part (TCAP).
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Streaming
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Also known as Quickplay, this is a continuous stream of video or audio data sent directly from us to you. This makes it quicker for you to play the really big files - virtually instantly - because you don't have to wait for the whole thing to download first.
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Subscriber
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A partner's retail customer. Target segment is the SME agreement.
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UMTS
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This stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It's the standard European technology that you use for 3G services, like watching or sending videos.
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USIM
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It's the type of SIM card used in 3G phones
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VAS / VA
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A value-added service (VAS) is a telecommunications industry term for non-core services or, in short, all services beyond standard voice calls. On a conceptual level, value-added services add value to the standard service offering, spurring the subscriber to use their phone more and allowing the operator to drive up their ARPU. For mobile phones, while technologies like SMS, MMS and GPRS are usually considered value-added services, a distinction may also be made between standard (peer-to-peer) content and premium-charged content.
Value-added services are supplied either in-house by the mobile network operator themselves or by a third-party value-added service provider (VASP). VASPs typically connect to the operator using protocols like Short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP), connecting either directly to the short message service centre (SMSC) or, increasingly, to a messaging gateway that allows the operator to control and charge the content better.
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Video calling
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This is where you can make a video call to someone on another 3G mobile and have a face-to-face chat. Remember to brush your hair first, though. To find out how to make a video call, see your user guide
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Video service area
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This is where you have 3G video coverage to watch and send videos, amongst other things.
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VLR
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A Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database which contains temporary information concerning the mobile subscribers that are currently located in a given MSC serving area, but whose Home Location Register (HLR) is elsewhere.
When a mobile subscriber roams away from his home location and into a remote location, SS7 messages are used to obtain information about the subscriber from the HLR, and to create a temporary record for the subscriber in the VLR. There is usually one VLR per MSC.
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VOIP
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Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.
Protocols which are used to carry voice signals over the IP network are commonly referred to as Voice over IP or VoIP protocols. They may be viewed as commercial realizations of the experimental Network Voice Protocol (1973) invented for the ARPANET.
Voice over IP traffic can be deployed on any IP network, including those lacking a connection to the rest of the Internet, for instance on a local area network.
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WAP
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This stands for Wireless Application Protocol. It's one of several bits of technology that makes it possible for you to surf the web from your mobile. When you use a 3 mobile to surf the web, we use different technology because we want prettier looking pages than WAP allows and so that we can handle bigger files.
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WSDL
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Web Services Description Language - the interface definition standard for SOAP.
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