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1.5-way paging: Refers to guaranteed message receipt or advanced messaging, ensuring subscribers receive messages sent
when they're out of range, but users cannot send text pages. Two-way paging allows users to send and receive. Coined by
SkyTel Communications Inc.

1.7-way paging: A paging service that offers more than guaranteed messaging but not as much as full two-way paging. The
subscriber has limited response messaging, such as canned messages, rather than the ability to create responses.

1996 Telecommunications Act: Legislation designed to spur competition among wireless and wireline carriers. Signed into
law by President Clinton Feb. 8, 1996.

3G: The next generation of wireless technology beyond personal communications services. The World Administrative Radio
Conference assigned 230 megahertz of spectrum at 2 GHz for multimedia 3G networks. These networks must be able to
transmit wireless data at 144 kilobits per second at mobile user speeds, 384 kbps at pedestrian user speeds and 2 megabits per second in fixed locations. The International Telecommunication Union seeks to coordinate 3G standards through its International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 project. In early July, the ITU received 10 proposals for 3G systems and is currently holding a series of meetings to evaluate the specifications.

5ESS: A registered trademark name for Lucent Technologies Inc.'s electronic switching system.

802.11: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard for wireless local area network interoperability.

A 

A-Band cellular: In the U.S., the alternative carrier to the regional Bell operating company's cellular subsidiary (see B-Band cellular).
A/B switch: Allows a user to change their wireless phone from one carrier to another through the keyboard (older phones
actually had a physical switch to do the same thing).
Abbreviated dialing: A feature on wireless phones where you enter just one or two digits from the keypad and then initiate the
call.  The phone searches its speed dial directory and associates the entire number with the two-digit speed dial position you’ve
entered.
Access charge: The fixed part of the monthly fee that carriers charge to subscribers.  Sometimes this charge includes a certain
amount of minutes of usage.
Access fee: A special fee that local phone companies are allowed to charge customers for the right to connect with the local phone network. Cellular subscribers contribute to access fees and pay a federal 3 percent telephone excise tax.
A/D:  Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). Converter that uniquely represents all analog input values within a specified total input range by a limited number of digital output codes. 
Adaptive array antennas: A type of advanced smart antenna technology that continually monitors a received signal and
dynamically adapts signal patterns to optimize wireless system performance. The arrays use signal processing algorithms to
adapt to user movement, changes in the radio-frequency environment and multipath and co channel interference.
Adaptive power control: Technique employed by wireless infrastructure systems that lowers the power of a signal in a cell site
whenever the site detects that the user’s phone is close to the source of the signal.  This saves power in the phone, too, but the
cell site tells the phone to lower its power, thus saving battery life.
Adjacent channel interference: Signal impairment to one frequency due to the presence of another signal on a nearby frequency.
Affiliate: Companies that assist larger carriers with building out a nationwide network; the affiliate may use the primary carrier's
brand name, network operations, customer service or other facilities.
AGC:   Automatic Gain Control. System which holds the gain and, accordingly, the output of a receiver substantially constant in spite of input- signal amplitude fluctuations.
Agent: A company, retail store or other establishment that has a relationship with one or more carriers that guarantees them a
commission, and sometimes a residual payment, for each wireless phone subscriber that they sign up through their facility. 
These establishments typically are allowed to display the carrier’s logo, but cannot claim any direct employment or contractual
relationship with them.
AIN (advanced intelligent network): Introduced by AT&T Network Systems in 1991. Enables service providers to define,
test and introduce new multimedia messaging, PCS and cell routing.
Air interface: The standard operating system of a wireless network; technologies include AMPS, TDMA, CDMA and GSM.
Airtime: Actual time spent using a wireless phone.
A-key: A secret number issued to a cellular phone that is used in conjunction with a subscriber's shared secret data information
for authentication
AM:  Amplitude Modulation CW modulation using amplitude variation in proportion to the amplitude of  the modulationg signal; usually taken as DSB-LC for commercial broadcast transmissions and DSB-SC for multiplexed systems. 
AMPS (advanced mobile phone service): The analog cellular standard, o perating in the frequency range of 800 MHz, with a bandwidth of 30kHz. 
AMTA (American Mobile Telecommunications Association): A Washington, D.C.-based trade group representing specialized mobile radio operators.
Analog: The original form of cellular service, launched in October, 1983 in the U.S. (and earlier elsewhere).  This service uses a
waveform transmission instead of the zeros and ones that a digital system uses.  It is more prone to interference, static,
eavesdropping and cloning than digital systems, but is still deployed in many parts of the world where the advanced technology
(and higher cost) of digital systems is not deemed necessary. 
ANSI (American National Standards Institute): A U.S. standards group.
Antenna: A metallic rod that typically extends from a wireless phone or cell site from which the electrical signal that is
transmitted emanates from.  Cell sites might have different antennas for transmitting and receiving.  Wireless phones might have
either small, fixed antennas (called “stubbies”) or retractable antennas.  Newer phone models have “intennas,” which are
antennas that are not visible to the user because they are housed completely inside the phone unit.
ARPU (average revenue per unit): The average monthly revenue generated for each customer unit, such as a cellular phone or pager, that a carrier has in operation.
APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International): Trade group headquartered in South
Daytona, Fla., representing law enforcement, fire, emergency services and other public-safety agency dispatchers and
communications employees.
ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses): The Japanese standards-setting organization.
ARPU (average revenue per unit): One indicator of a wireless business' operating performance. ARPU measures the
average monthly revenue generated for each customer unit, such as a cellular phone or pager, that a carrier has in operation.
Severely declining ARPU typically is a negative sign that may indicate a carrier is adding too many low-revenue generating
customers to its rolls.
ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit): An integrated circuit tailored for a particular piece of electronic equipment. It
is intended for sale to only one company and typically developed to meet that company's design objectives for a particular
application. Not to be confused with an application specific standard processor, which, like an ASIC, is designed for use in a
particular piece of equipment but is intended for sale to multiple companies.
ATM (asynchronous transfer mode): A high-speed, high-bandwidth transmission technology.
Attenuation: A loss of signal strength caused by distance (“free-space loss”) or other physical factors like terrain, buildings and
foliage.
Authentication: A fraud prevention technology that takes a number of values to create a shared secret value used to verify a user's authenticity.
Authentication center: A protected database that stores and processes secret keys required to authenticate wireless 
telephones 
Auto PC: An in-vehicle combination AM/FM radio, Windows CE-based computer, compact disc and CD-ROM player, 
wireless phone and navigational system. The units are about the size of a typical car stereo. 
AVL (automatic vehicle location): Combining a location-sensing device (such as a GPS receiver) with a wireless 
communications link to provide a home office or dispatcher with the location of a vehicle or mobile asset (such as a trailer or 
heavy machinery). 

B 

Bag phone: An older type of phone, more technically referred to as a transportable, that provides the advantages of an A/C 
adaptor for unlimited power, an external antenna for better coverage and greater output that creates a stronger signal than a 
portable phone can offer. 
B-Band cellular: In the U.S., the regional Bell operating company's cellular subsidiary.
Bandwidth: A relative range of frequencies that can carry a signal without distortion on a transmission medium. Sometimes referred to as a "pipe."
     Measure of the carrying capacity, or size of a communication channel. For an analog circuit, the bandwidth is the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies that a medium can transmit and is expressed in hertz (Hz). Hz is equal to one cycle per second. 
Baseband: Frequency band occupied by information-bearing signals before combining with a carrier in the modulation process. 
Base station controller: The part of the wireless system’s infrastructure that controls one or multiple cell sites’ radio signals,
thus reducing the load on the switch.  It can be viewed as a form of distributed processing.
Base transceiver station(BTS): The portion of the wireless system’s infrastructure that is responsible for sending and
receiving the actual radio signals over the airwaves.  This device takes radio signals from subscribers’ phones and sends them
over leased telephone lines or microwave signals to the switch.
B-CDMA (broadband code division multiple access): A technology developed by InterDigital Communications Corp.
Bent pipe technology: Satellite technology to transmit calls from one point on Earth to a satellite and back down to another
point.
Bidding credits: Discount sometimes given to small businesses in FCC spectrum auctions.
Big LEO: Low-earth orbit satellite system that will offer voice and data services; e.g., Iridium, Globalstar.
Blocked calls: An uncompleted call made from a wireless phone.  Calls can be blocked for numerous reasons, but this
typically refers to an instance where there are insufficient channels in a cell to handle the load of calls required.  When a call is
attempted within that cell and no channels are available, the call is “blocked” and a fast busy signal is heard by the subscriber.
Bluetooth: The code name for a new wireless technology being developed by Ericsson Inc., Intel Corp., Nokia Corp. and Toshiba. The technology enables data connections between electronic devices such as desktop computers, wireless phones, electronic organizers and printers in the 2.4 GHz range. Bluetooth would replace cable or infrared connections for such devices.
Broadband: Using a wide-bandwidth channel for voice, data and/or video services.
Broadband PCS: Synonymous with personal communications services created in the A- through F-Block auctions and used for voice and data.
BTA (basic trading area): Usually composed of several contiguous counties. BTAs are a service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC. There are 493 BTAs in the United States.
Build-to-suit: The process by which independent firms find and build antenna sites to meet a carrier's specifications.
Bundling: Grouping various telecommunications services-wireline and/or wireless--as a package to increase the appeal to potential customers. For example, a bundled package could include long distance, cellular, Internet and paging services. 

C 

Caller ID: An enhanced feature that displays a caller's phone number on the wireless handset. Calling party pays: This service bills the originator of a call to a wireless device rather than the receiver and is more common in other countries than in the United States. However, many U.S. carriers are pushing for calling party pays, since it would probably increase minutes of use.
CDMA (code division multiple access): A spread spectrum air interface technology used in some digital cellular, personal communications services and other wireless networks.
cdma2000: A third-generation wireless technology proposal submitted to the International Telecommunication Union, which is based on the IS-95, or cdmaOne, standard.
cdmaOne: The IS-95 CDMA standard developed by Qualcomm Inc.; a word coined by the CDMA Development Group.
CDPD (cellular digital packet data): An enhanced system overlay for transmitting and receiving data over cellular networks.
    Wide area data network which takes advantage of exciting AMPS (US) cellular network by transmitting data packets on unused voice channels. Data is transmitted using RS(63,47) at an effective data rate of 14kbit. 
Cell site: The location where the wireless antenna and network communications equipment is placed.
Churn: A measure of the number of subscribers who leave or switch to another carrier's service.
CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier): A new entrant providing local wireline phone service.
Clone: A wireless phone programmed with stolen or duplicated electronic serial and mobile identification numbers.
CMOS :  Complementary metal oxide semiconductor. A  semiconductor technology chosen for its low power  consumption and good noise immunity. 
CMRS (commercial mobile radio service): An FCC designation for any carrier or licensee whose wireless network is connected to the public switched telephone network and/or is operated for profit.
Co-branding: The use of two or more different brand names on a single product, such as wireless phones bearing the name and logo of both the manufacturer and wireless carrier.
Codec:  Short for "coder" and "decoder," also COFIDEC (COder-FIlter-DECoder). Translates audio to digital signals and digital back to audio signals. This is usually accomplished with an A/D (analog to digital) and D/A (digital to analog) converter. 25kHz. 
Collocation: Placement of multiple antennas at a common physical site to reduce environmental impact and real estate costs and speed zoning approvals and net work deployment. Collocation can be affected by competitive and interference factors. Some companies act as brokers, arranging for sites and coordinating several carriers' antennas at a single site.
COP: Computer operating properly. aka ïwatchdogÍ. This circuit is used to detect device runaway and provide a means for restoring correct operation. 
Cost Recovery: Reimbursement to CMRS providers of both recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with any services, operation, administration or maintenance of wireless E911 service. Costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of design, development, upgrades, equipment, software and other expenses associated with the implementation of wireless E911 service.
CPE (consumer premise equipment): Telephones, PBXs and other communications devices located in the home or office.
CT1: Cordless Telephone (first generation). Analog cordless telephone standard operating at a frequency range of 46-49 MHz, with a bandwidth of 25kHz. 
CT2: Cordless Telephone (second generation). System  based on ETSI standard MPT1375 that describes a residential cordless phone operating at 864-86 MHz which can be used commercially. 
CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association): A trade group representing cellular, PCS and enhanced specialized mobile radio carriers.
Customer acquisition cost: The average cost to a carrier of signing up an individual subscriber. Some of the factors included in the cost are handset subsidies, marketing, advertising and promotions. 

D 

D-AMPS (digital AMPS): Used by Ericsson Inc. to describe IS-136 time division multiple access technology.
DCS 1800 (digital cellular system): A global system for mobile communications-based PCS network used outside of the U.S.
DCMA (dynamic channel multicarrier architecture): A technology developed by ComSpace Corp. used for specialized mobile radio networks that can configure the number and bandwidth of voice and data channels based on a carrier's requirements.
DECT: Digital European Cordless Telephone. Standard based on a micro-cellular radio system that provides low-power cordless access between subscriber and base station up to a few hundred meters. 
Demodulation:  Process of recovering a low frequency signal from a  modulated carrier. Examples of low frequency signals 
are voice or low speed data. 
Digital Telephone: Telephone terminal that digitizes voice signals and DTMF tones for transmission over regular twisted pair of copper to the CO/PBX. The process is reversed on the way back from the Central Office/PBX. 
Direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS):  generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered (and, of course, the more bandwidth required). Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To the receiver, DSSS appears as low-power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers. 
Disaggregation: The splitting of a spectrum license into two or more licenses of fewer frequencies.
Downconverter:  Usually an integrated device which provides gain and   frequency translation to a lower frequency. 
DTMF: Dual Tone Multi-Frequency. "Tone dialing system based on outputting two non- harmonic related requencies simultaneously to identify the number  dialed. Eight frequencies have been assigned to the four rows and four columns of a typical keyboard. 
DTV (digital television): The next generation of video and audio technology for TV broadcasters. Often synonymous with high-definition television or HDTV. According to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, broadcasters can offer "ancillary and supplementary services" such as paging and data in addition to video programming.
Dual band: Describes a handset that works on 800 MHz cellular and 1900 MHz PCS frequencies.
Dual mode: Describes a handset that works on both analog and digital networks.
Duplex: Mode of operation permitting the simultaneous transmission and reception of signals. 
 

E 

E911 (enhanced 911): 911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and automatic location information is provided to the 911 operator.
Encryption: The process of "scrambling" a message such as a digital phone signal to prevent it from being read by unauthorized parties.
Equal Access: Allows long-distance carriers the opportunity to bid for access to local carrier's customer's LD subscription.
Equalizer: Electrical network in which phase delay or gain varies with frequency to compensate for an undesired amplitude or phase characteristic in a frequency-dependent transmission line. 
ESMR (enhanced specialized mobile radio): Digital SMR networks, usually referring to Nextel Communications Inc., which provide dispatch, voice, messaging and data services.
ESN (electronic serial number): The unique identification number embedded in a wireless phone by the manufacturer. Each time a call is placed, the ESN is automatically transmitted to the base station so the wireless carrier's mobile switching office can check the call's validity. The ESN cannot be altered in the field. The ESN differs from the mobile identification number, which is the wireless carrier's identifier for a phone in the network. MINs and ESNs can be electronically checked to help prevent fraud. 

F 

Fading:  In a received signal, the variation (with time) of the amplitude or elative pahse, or both, of one or more of the frequency components of the signal. 
FCC (Federal Communications Commission): The federal agency responsible for commercial and private spectrum management.
FDMA: Frequency Division Multiple Access. Method of allowing multiple users to share the radio frequency spectrum by assigning each active user an individual frequency channel. In this practice, users are dynamically allocated a group of frequencies so that  the apparent availability is greater than the number of channels. 
FM: Frequency Modulation. CW modulation using  frequency variation in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal. 
FNPRM (further notice of proposed rulemaking): A document issued by the FCC to spur additional comment on a future commission action.
Foliage attenuation: Reductions in signal strength or quality due to signal absorption by trees or foliage obstructions in the signal's line-of-sight path.
Frame Relay: Wideband, packet-based interface used to transmit bursts of data over a wide-area network. Seldom used for voice.
Frequency: Number of cycles per unit of time, denoted by Hertz (Hz). One Hz equals one cycle per second. 
Frequency Hopping:  In this type of spread spectrum approach, both units (base and subscriber or handset and base), hop from   frequency to frequency in a simultaneous fashion. 
Frequency reuse: The ability of specific channels assigned to a single cell to be used again in another cell, when there is enough distance between the two cells to prevent co-channel interference from affecting service quality. The technique enables a cellular system to increase capacity with a limited number of channels. 

G 

Geosynchronous: Maintaining a fixed orbit, about 24,000 miles above the Earth.
Geostationary orbit satellite system: A communications system with satellites in geosynchronous orbits 22,300 miles above the Earth. These satellites appear stationary because they move at the same rate as the Earth's rotation.
GMPCS (global mobile personal communications services): A term that refers to future mobile satellite systems that will provide wireless phone service anywhere in the world.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): A packet-based service that delivers continuous connectivity to mobile users and access to data networks. GPRS will overlay existing GSM with hardware and software upgrades that make very efficient use of available radio spectrum and enable users to only pay for the volume of data sent and received.
GPS (global positioning system): A series of 24 geosynchronous satellites that continuously transmit their position. Used in personal tracking, navigation and automatic vehicle location technologies.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications): The dominant digital cellular telephone standard worldwide. Developed in Europe, GSM’s interoperability, as well as support for data and voice, enabled operators to offer advanced services and cross-border roaming by the mid-1990s. GSM accounts for nearly three-quarters of all cellular subscribers worldwide. The standard uses a TDMA air interface and has been deployed in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz frequency bands.
GSM-Plus: An enhanced version of global system for mobile communications technology that will be developed to meet IMT-2000 capabilities.
GSM-R: Global system for mobile communications for railway networks. GSM-R uses standard base station and switching infrastructure to provide fast data transmission for railways. 

H 

Handoff: The process occurring when a wireless network automatically switches a mobile call to an adjacent cell site.
      In cellular communications, a telephone call is switched by computers from one transmitter to the next, without disconnecting the signal, as a vehicle moves from cell to cell. The mobile remains on a specific channel until signal strength diminishes, then, is automatically told to go to another channel and pick up the transferred transmissions there. 
Hands-free: A feature for mobile phones that allows the driver to use his car phone without lifting or holding the handset to his ear.
HDML (handheld device markup language): Written to allow Inter net access from wireless devices such as handheld personal computers and smart phones. Derived from hypertext markup language (HTML). One version of HDML is Phone.com's UP.Link.
HDTV (high definition television): Digital television signals transmitted in the very high frequency band by national and local TV stations. HDTV promises improved image broadcasts and compact disc-quality sound.
HLR (home location register): A database residing in a local wireless network that checks the identity of a local subscriber. 

I 

iDEN (integrated digital enhanced network): A Motorola Inc. enhanced specialized mobile radio network technology that combines two-way radio, telephone, text messaging and data transmission into one network.
ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier): The historic local phone service provider in a market, often a former Bell company. Distinct from CLECs, competitive local exchange carriers, new market entrants.
IMT-2000: The International Telecommunication Union's name for the new third generation global standard for mobile telecommunications.
IMTA (International Mobile Telecommunications Association): A trade group serving specialized mobile radio and public access mobile radio carriers around the world.
Interconnection: The connecting of one network with another, e.g. a cellular carrier's wireless network with the local exchange.
Interleaving: The transmission of pulses from two or more digital sources in time-division sequence over a single path.
Interoperability: the ability of a network to operate with other networks, such as two systems based on different protocols or technologies.
IS-41: The network standard that allows all switches to exchange information about subscribers.
IS-54: The first generation of the digital standard time division multiple access technology.
IS-95: The standard for code division multiple access.
IS-136: The latest generation of the digital standard time division multiple access technology.
ISDN (integrated services digital network): An advanced, high-capacity wireline technology used for high-speed data transfer.
ISM:  Industrial, Science, and Medical. Bands of frequencies that are allocated by the FCC to spur rapid development of RF applications in a virtual open-market fashion. Licensing is automatic. 
ITA (Industrial Telecommunications Association): A Washington, D.C. trade group serving private wireless licensees such as airlines and oil companies.
ITU (International Telecommunication Union): An agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva, that furthers the development of telecommunications services worldwide and oversees global allocation of spectrum for future uses. 

K 

Ka-Band: Radio spectrum in the 18 GHz to 31 GHz range used by satellite communications systems.
Ku-Band: Radio spectrum in the 10.9 GHz to 17 GHz range used by satellite communications systems. 

L 

LAN (local area network): A group of client computers connected to a server.
LBR: Low bit rate 
LEC (local exchange carrier): A wireline phone company serving a local area.
LEO (low-earth orbit): A mobile communications satellite between 700 and 2,000 kilometers above the earth.
Limiter:  Circuit whose output signal amplitude remains at some predetermined level in spite of wide variation in input signal amplitude. 
Little LEO: A low-earth orbiting satellite system primarily providing data services; e.g., Leo One, Orbcomm.
LMCC (Land Mobile Communications Council): A trade group of frequency coordinators and associations serving private users and commercial operators.
LMDS (local multipoint distribution service): Located in the 28 GHz and 31 GHz bands, LMDS is a broadband radio service designed to provide two-way transmission of voice, high-speed data and video (wireless cable TV). FCC rules prohibit incumbent local exchange carriers and cable TV companies from offering in-region LMDS.
LNA: Low Noise Amplifier. Usually the first active, gain device in a receiver. Its purpose is to provide amplification to a low level signal from a large number  of available signals while minimizing noise.
LNP (local number portability): The ability of subscribers to switch local or wireless carriers and still retain the same phone number, as they can now with long-distance carriers.
Local calling area: The region across which the call is truly local, involving no toll charges. 

M 

Medium-Earth orbit satellite system: A communications system with satellites in orbits about 10,000 kilometers above the Earth.
Messaging: Synonymous with text paging, e-mail or short messages received on alphanumeric pagers and other wireless devices.
Microcell: A bounded physical space in which a number of wireless devices can communicate. Because it is possible to have over-lapping cells as well as isolated cells, the boundaries of the cell are established by some rule or convention. 
Microcellular: A technology that directs the cellular signal into an isolated spot, leaving broader coverage to conventional cell sites.
MIN (mobile identification number): Uniquely identifies a mobile unit within a wireless carrier's network. The MIN often can be dialed from other wireless or wireline networks. The number differs from the electronic serial number, which is the unit number assigned by a phone manufacturer. MINs and ESNs can be electronically checked to help prevent fraud.
MIPS (millions of instructions per second): Used in defining digital signal processing capabilities.
Mixer :  Device which utilizes its non-linear characteristics to provide frequnecy conversions from one frequency to  another. This may be from a relatively high frequecncy to an intermediate frequency (IF). In this case it is known as a down-mixer. Or it may be from a lower frequency to a higher frequency, the carrier requency, for example. In this case it is known as an upmixer. 
Modem: MOdulator-DEModulator. Unit that modulates and demodulates digital information from a terminal or  computer port to analog carrier signal for passage over an analog line. 
MOU (minutes of use): A measurement of wireless subscriber activity directly affecting revenue.
MSA (metropolitan statistical area): The coverage area of a city as in a cellular network. A U.S. Census Bureau term.
MTA (major trading area): MTAs are usually composed of several contiguous basic trading areas. A service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC. There are 51 MTAs in the United States.
MTSO (mobile telephone switching office): The electronic "middleman" between cell sites and the public switched telephone network, processing traffic back and forth.
             Designated as common control, the MTSO is made up of signal processors, memories, switching networks, trunk circuits, and ancillary services. 
Multipath propagation: Signal distortion resulting when part of a transmitted radio-frequency signal is reflected from nearby surfaces on its way to a receiver. The "ghosting" effect on television screens illustrates the multipath phenomenon.
Mutually exclusive applications: Two or more applications for the same spectrum use rights. 

N 

NAMPS (narrowband advanced mobile phone system): NAMPS combines cellular voice processing with digital signaling, increasing the capacity of AMPS systems and adding functionality.
Narrowband PCS: The next generation of paging networks, including two-way, acknowledgment and "wireless answering machine" paging.
NOI (notice of inquiry): Often the predecessor to an FCC rulemaking, the NOI takes public comment on a general topic. For instance, an NOI would ask "Do interconnection rates need regulation?" The subsequent proposed rulemaking, if any, would offer a specific regulatory scheme and again be put to public comment.
NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration): The federal government's spectrum management authority.
Number pooling: Increasingly popular tactic for conserving phone numbers. Numbers are returned by all carriers to a central authority, which puts them in a pool, from which carriers receive numbers in lots of 1,000, not 10,000 as was originally done. It relies on local number portability.
Numeric: a display, message or readout that contains numerals only, such as in paging. 

O 

OBRA 93 (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993): First legislation authorizing the FCC to auction spectrum.
Off-peak: Part of the day that wireless subscribers can expect to pay reduced airtime rates, usually evenings and weekends.
Orbit: A fixed circular, elliptical or other path around the Earth.
Overlay area code: A solution to the scarcity of new phone numbers, overlays involve issuance of new 10-digit phone numbers for use alongside an area's existing seven-digit numbers, which have a different area code. 

P 

PA: Power Amplifier. Provides the high power gain to the transmitter. Typical figures of merit include gain,  efficiency and linearity (in amplitude and phase  modulated systems (and stability. 
PACS (personal access communications system): An extended personal cordless technology developed by Hughes Network Systems Inc. and Bellcore, planned for implementation by C-Block licensee 21st Century Telesis.
PAMR (public access mobile radio): The European designation for services similar to specialized mobile radio in the United States.
Partitioning: Parceling a spectrum license into two or more geographic areas.
Pay phone service provider: The company that owns and operates a pay phone.
PCIA (Personal Communications Industry Association): A trade group representing PCS, SMR, private radio and other wireless users and carriers.
PCS (personal communications services): A two-way, 1900 MHz digital voice, messaging and data service designed as the second generation of cellular.
PDA (personal digital assistant): A portable computing device capable of transmitting data.
Peak: part of the day that mobile phone customers can expect to pay full service airtime rates, usually from 7am to 8pm.
PHS: Personal Handyphone System. System developed in Japan to be the 1.9GHz residential cordless/wireless  PBX system. 
PIN (personal identification number): A code used by a mobile telephone number in conjunction with an SIM card to complete a call. POPs (persons of population): This term is used to designate the number of potential subscribers in a market.
PLL:  Phase Locked Loop. PLL is a major component in  the frequency synthesizer scheme. This device provides a wide, flexible range of internal frequency dividers which allow the designer the ability to createa synthesizer to match design requirements. 
Prescaler: Device which divides down the high frequency sample of the VCO to a frequency within the range of operation of the PLL. Most prescalers are capable of operating at different divide ratios. The most popular is known as dual modulus.
Pre-emption: A federal agency voiding a local ordinance or state law, asserting that the federal government, not the state or locality, has ultimate jurisdiction on the matter.
Prepaid cellular: A system allowing subscribers to pay in advanced for wireless service. Prepaid is generally used for credit-impaired customers or those who want to adhere to a budget.
PSTN (public switched telephone network): The worldwide voice telephone system, also called the Bell System in the United States.
PSAP (public-safety answering point): The dispatch office that receives 911 calls from the public. A PSAP may be local fire or police department, an ambulance service or a regional office covering all services.
PUC (public utility commission): The general name for the state regulatory body charged with regulating utilities including telecommunications.
 

Q 

QPSK: Quadrature Phase Shift Keying. Spectrally efficient modulation technique which breaks the information path into two parts called the "in phase" and the "quadrature phase" components. The combination of these two signals creates one of four  unique symbols which are then used to modulate the  phase of the carrier. 

R 

Radio Frequency (RF): GHz, MHz, Hz The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One Mega-Hertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One Giga-Hertz (GHz) is one billion Hertz. For reference: the standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55 -1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88-108 MHz, and microwave ovens typically operate at 2.45 GHz. 
Radio-frequency fingerprinting: A process that identifies a cellular phone by the unique "fingerprint" that characterizes its signal transmission. RF fingerprinting is one process used to prevent cloning fraud, since a cloned phone will not have the same fingerprint as the legal phone with the same electronic identification numbers.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Disruption of the signal by radio waves at the same frequency as the desired signal. 
Radio Spectrum:  Radio spectrum consists of radio waves of different frequencies (for example, 900 MHz). All radio spectra are regulated, with some licensed and others unlicensed. See Unlicensed PCS AdHoc Committee for 2GHz Microwave Transition and Management. Spread Spectrum Technology . This technique sends a message as a series of computer codes. However, since the signal is stretched out over a broad frequency band, the receiver only needs to receive a part of the transmitted signal to reconstruct the original message. 
Rate center: The geographic area used by local exchange carriers to set rate boundaries for billing and for issuing phone numbers. Wireless industry groups decry the rate center concept as wasteful of phone numbers because the concept is issued over larger areas.
RBOC (regional Bell operating company): The list of such companies includes Bell Atlantic, U S West, Ameritech, Southwestern Bell and BellSouth.
Receiver:  Arrangement of active components such as the LNA and IF amplifier together with passive components such as the image filter and IF filter. Taken together  they perform the task of recovering the modulation from a known RF signal while rejecting unwanted signals. The portion of the  communication system that includes a detector and signal processing electronics to convert electrical signals (electric waves) to audio or data signals. It provides reception and, if necessary, demodulation of electronic signals. 
Reciprocal billing: The 1996 Telecommunications Act mandated that wireline companies pay wireless companies for their cost of terminating calls that originated on the wireline network. Previously, only wireless companies were obligated to pay compensation for calls originated on their networks but terminated on the wireline network.
Repeater: Devices that receive a radio signal, amplify it and re-transmit it in a new direction. Used in wireless networks to extend the range of base station signals, thereby expanding coverage-within limits-more economically than by building additional base stations. Repeaters typically are used for buildings, tunnels or difficult terrain.
Residuals: Funds retailers receive after a cellular customer has activated service; the funds usually are calculated based on the customer's ongoing service.
RF:  Radio Frequency. Frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum normally associated with radio wave propagation. Sometimes defined as transmission at any frequency at which coherent electromagnetic energy radiation is possible. 
Roaming: Traveling outside a carrier's local area.
RSA (rural service area): Designation of a non-metropolitan area covered by a cellular licensee.
 

S 

S-Band: The frequency spectrum near 2 GHz used for land based microwave and some mobile satellite communications.
Satellite phone: A wireless phone that uses mobile satellite service to send voice and data.
Sensitivity: For a receiver, the input signal(in uV or mV) required for a specific output level.
SIM (subscriber identity module): Synonymous with smart card. Simulcast: A signaling technique that broadcasts the same signal over each site in a network.
Slamming: The unauthorized switching of a customer's phone service to another carrier.
Sleep mode: Designed to conserve battery life, this mode automatically turns off a terminal after it has been unused for a specified period of time. The unit is reactivated when the keypad is touched.
Smart antenna: An antenna system whose technology enables it to focus its beam on a desired signal to reduce interference. A wireless network would employ smart antennas at its base stations in an effort to reduce the number of dropped calls, improve call quality and improve channel capacity.
Smart card: A plastic card containing important data about a person's identity to allow access to a network or premises. Also, a card containing subscriber information, often inserted into GSM phones for roaming to different countries.
Smart phone: A class of wireless phones typically used to describe handsets with many features and often a keyboard. What makes the phone "smart" is its ability to handle data, not only voice calls.
SMR (specialized mobile radio): A dispatch radio and interconnect service for businesses. Covers frequencies in the 220 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands.
SMS (short messaging service): Electronic messages on a wireless network.
Soft key: A key below the phone's display that performs whatever function is listed on the display.
SMT (surface mount technology): A surface mount device is a component, either active or passive, having no separate leads but which is part of the component body to permit direct mounting on a printed circuit board.
Soft handoff: Procedure in which two base stations-one in the cell site where the phone is located and the other in the cell site to which the conversation is being passed- both hold onto the call until the handoff is completed. The first cell site does not cut off the conversation until it receives information that the second is maintaining the call.
Spectrum:  Most often used in the context of frequency allocations. Refers to the frequencies allowed for a type of service out of the total available.
Spectrum allocation: Federal government designation of a range of frequencies for a category of use or uses. For example, the FCC allocated the 1900 MHz band for personal communications services. Allocation, typically accomplished in years-long FCC proceedings, tracks new technology development. However, the FCC can shift existing allocations to accommodate changes in spectrum demand. As an example, some UHF television channels were recently reallocated to public safety.
Spectrum assignment: Federal government authorization for use of specific frequencies or frequency pairs within a given allocation, usually at stated a geographic location(s). Mobile communications authorizations are typically granted to private users, such as oil companies, or to common carriers, such as cellular and paging operators. Spectrum auctions and/or frequency coordination processes, which consider potential interference to existing users, may apply.
Spectrum cap: A limit to the allocated spectrum designated for a specific service.
Spectrum etiquette: Scheme under which various brands of equipment for unlicensed-band communications can share the same frequencies. For example, a "listen-before-talk" etiquette would have all devices first sense if a channel is clear.
Spread spectrum: Jamming-resistant and initially devised for military use, this radio transmission technology "spreads" information over greater bandwidth than necessary for interference tolerance and is now a commercial technology.
SS7 (Signaling System 7): An international high speed signaling backbone for the public switched telephone network.
Standby time: The amount of time a subscriber can leave a fully charged handset turned on to receive incoming calls before the phone will discharge the batteries.
Strongest signal: The concept that a wireless 911 call should be routed to the cell site with the strongest link to the phone, regardless of which carrier holds the caller as a customer. The strength of the call's setup link isn't always equal to that of the link the cell assigns for voice traffic; the latter can be weaker.
Subscriber profiling: The process of compiling subscriber usage information (such as frequency of calls, locations called to or from and monthly airtime usage), typically to identify potentially fraudulent use or to identify customers likely to terminate service. 

T 

TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol): Internet protocol suite developed by the U.S Department of Defense in the 1970s. TCP governs the exchange of sequential data. IP routes outgoing and recognizes incoming messages.
TDMA (time division multiple access): A digital air interface technology used in cellular, PCS and ESMR networks.
Termination charges: Fees that wireless telephone companies pay to complete calls on wireline phone networks or vice versa.
Thin client: A pen-based tablet computer used on a wireless local area network.
Third-generation: A new standard that promises to offer increased capacity and high-speed data applications up to 2 megabits. It also will integrate pico-, micro- and macrocellular technology and allow global roaming.
TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association): A trade group representing manufacturers and suppliers of communications and information technology products. TIA is a standards-developing organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute.
Transmitter: Equipment which feeds the radio signal to an antenna, for transmission. It consists of active components such as the upmixer, driver and PA and passive components such as the TX filter. Taken together, these components impress a signal onto an RF carrier of  the correct frequency by instantaneously adjusting its phase, frequency, or amplitude and provide enough gain to the signal to project it through the ether to its intended target. 
Triangulation: The lengthy process of pinning down a caller's location using radio receivers, a compass and a map.
Tri-mode handset: Phones that work on three frequencies, typically using 1900 MHz, 800 MHz digital or reverting to 800 MHz analog cellular when digital is not available.
Triple band: A network infrastructure or wireless phone designed to operate in three frequency bands.
Trunking: Spectrum-efficient technology that establishes a queue to handle demand for voice or data channels.
Turnkey: an entire system with hardware and software assembled and installed by a vendor and sold as a total package. 

U 

UHF (Ultra high frequency): Referring to radio channels in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz band.
ULS (Universal Licensing System): The new Wireless Telecommunications Bureau program under which electronic filing of license applications and reports of changes to licenses creates a database that can be accessed remotely for searches. Using ULS, for example, the user can learn all the specialized mobile radio licenses in a given region.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): The European Telecommunications Standards Institute’s version of a third-generation wireless system that includes terrestrial and satellite systems to deliver voice, data, and multimedia content anywhere in the world. 
Universal service: The government's aim, starting in the 1930s, of providing phone service to all, regardless of distance from the switch or ability to pay. Today, universal service encompasses those aims, plus a subsidy to public schools, libraries and rural health care facilities for telecom services.
Unvalidated phone: A wireless phone lacking a service contract. Also called an unregistered phone.
Upconverter: Usually an integrated device which includes an upmixer and some amplification. Other functions it might perform are power control and/or transmit envelope shaping. 
Uplink: The portion of a telecommunications path from the ground to the satellite. Also referred to as the forward link.
UWC-136: A third-generation wireless standard proposal based on TDMA technology that was developed by the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium and is one of the 3G candidates submitted to the International Telecommunication Union by the United States.
UWCC (Universal Wireless Communications Consortium): An industry group supporting IS-136 time division multiple access and IS-41 wireless intelligent network technology. 

V 

VCO: Voltage Controlled Oscillator. Oscillator whose output frequency varies with an applied dc control voltage. 
VHF (very high frequency): Referring to radio channels in the 30 to 300 MHz band.
VLR (visitor location register): A network database that holds information about roaming customers.
Voice activation: A feature that allows a subscriber to dial a phone by spoken commands.
Voice recognition: The capability for cellular phones, PCs and other communications devices to be activated or controlled by voice commands.
Vocoder:  Voice Coder. Compresses voice to be transmitted and then expands voice received in digital systems. There are a variety of algorithms to accomplish this. 

W 

WCS (wireless communications services): Frequencies in the 2.3 GHz band designated for general fixed wireless use.
Wideband CDMA (WCDMA): A broadband implementation of a CDMA air interface capable of transmitting very high-speed multimedia services such as full-motion video, Internet access, and videoconferencing. The UMTS will employ a WCDMA air interface for certain applications.
WIN (wireless intelligent network): The architecture of the wireless switched network that allows carriers to provide enhanced and customized services for mobile telephones.
Wireless: Using the radio-frequency spectrum for transmitting and receiving voice, data and video signals for communications.
Wireless Internet: An RF-based service that provides access Internet e-mail and/or the World Wide Web.
Wireless IP: The packet data protocol standard for sending wireless data over the Internet.
Wireless IT (wireless information technology): The monitoring, manipulating and troubleshooting of computer equipment through a wireless network.
Wireless LAN (local area network): Local area network using wireless transmissions, such as radio or infrared instead of phone lines or fiber-optic cable to connect data devices.
Wireless Node: A user computer with a wireless-network interface card (adapter). 
Wireless PBX: Equipment that allows employees or customers within a building or limited area to use wireless handsets connected to an office's private branch exchange system.
WLL (wireless local loop): A fixed service that competes with or substitutes for local wireline phone service. 

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