a glossary of telecommunications terms, 1998 · articles on telecommunication ... terms. a glossary...

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PrefaceThis 1998 edition of the glossary of telecommunicationsterms was prepared by the Public Service Division of theOffice of Public Affairs of the Federal CommunicationsCommission contains many words and phrases used todescribe telecommunications terms which commonly ap-pear in Commission documents and other publications orarticles on telecommunication technology. If you needfurther information please contact the Public Service Di-vision at (202) 418-0200 or by writing to: Federal Com-munications Commission, Public Service Division, StopCode 1160A1,1919M Street NW, Washington, D.C.

This publication can also be found on the FCC WorldWide Web at http://www.fcc.gov/Consumers/glossary.html

http://www.fcc.gov/Consumers/glossary.html

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Access ChargeA fee charged subscribers or other tele-phone companies by a local exchange car-rier -- for the use of its local exchange net-work facilities.

Active SatelliteA functioning satellite that receives andtransmits or retransmits radio-communica-tion signals to or from a base station.

Advanced Television (ATV) New television technology that providesbetter audio and video quality than the cur-rent standard television broadcast system.High Definition TV (HDTV) is a form ofATV.

AffiliateA broadcast station that airs a network’sprograms and commercials, but is notowned by that network.

Agenda ItemAt the FCC, a term that refers to the docu-ment which is to be voted on by the Com-mission at an agenda meeting. The finaldocument is released to the public the sameday or as soon as possible.

AggregatorAny person or business who, in the normalcourse of business, provides a public tele-phone for the use of patrons through anOperator Service Provider(OSP).

AnalogAnalog is “shorthand” for the word analo-gous, which means similar to. The signalbeing sent — voice or video — is sent as astream of changing radio waves and issimilar to what is received. This producesa nearly square video picture with gener-ally a 480 line resolution picture.

Amateur Radio Operator ("HAM")A noncommercial, private radio operator.There are six classes of amateur radio li-censes that can be earned after passingFCC-administered examinations.

American Standard Code for InformationInterexchange (ASCII)

ASCII is a uniform code used in computerand data communications systems. ASCIIcode letters, numbers, punctuation and ac-tual control systems in digital codes of “0s”and “1s.” For example, the capital “C” is100011 and a “3” is 0110011.

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munications uses, each cell has its own basestation; each base station is interconnectedwith other base stations and with the pub-lic switched network.

Basic Trading Area (BTA)Geographic boundaries that segment thecountry for licensing purposes. BTAs arebased on Rand McNally’s Commercial At-las & Marketing Guide. BTA boundariesfollow county lines and include the countyor counties whose residents make the bulkof their shopping goods purchases in thearea. The FCC has used BTAs to license anumber of services including broadbandand narrowband Personal CommunicationServices.

BaudA measure of the speed at which data istransmitted, computed in number of ele-ments changed per second. The “BaudRate” is the speed in which a computerscan transfer data through a modem usingcommunications software.

BaudotA seven bit code, only five of which areinformation bits. Baudot is used by sometext telephones to communicate with eachother.

Amplitude Modulation (AM)A type of transmission used in either thestandard radio broadcast band at 535-1705kilohertz, shortwave broadcasting, and insome private radio services such as citizensband (CB) and aviation.

Auxiliary Service StationA type of station used by television andradio stations to facilitate the broadcast ofprogramming to the general public.

Audio TextThe term used to describe a system that pro-vides automated interactive telephone in-formation, such as stock prices, sportsscores and personals

.Bandwidth

A range of frequencies in the broadcastspectrum that is occupied by a signal. (Forexample, a television channel may have abandwidth of 6 MHz.) The “necessarybandwidth” is the amount of spectrum re-quired to transmit the signal without dis-tortion or loss of information. Commis-sion rules require suppression of the signaloutside the band to prevent interference.

Base StationA land station in the land mobile service.For example, in cellular and personal com-

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Bidding CreditA spectrum auction term. It is a credit givento eligible FCC auction applicants whichallows them to receive a discount on theirwinning bids in an auction.

BirdA colloquial expression used to refer to acommunications satellite.

Binary Information Unit orBinary Digit (BIT)

The smallest unit of digital information. Asingle digit number in “base-2”, either a 0or a 10. Bandwidth is usually measured inbits-per-second (bps).

BlackoutA term used to describe the non-broadcastof a live event (i.e. sports, cultural) usuallyimposed by the sponsor(s) of the event.

BoosterA television or FM broadcast station, op-erating at relatively low power that receivesa distant input signal, amplifies it, and re-transmits it on the same channel.

BroadbandBroadband is a descriptive term for evolv-ing digital technologies offering consum-

ers a single switched facility offering in-tegrated access to voice, high-speed dataservices, video-demand services, and in-teractive information delivery services.Broadband also is used to define an ana-log transmission technique for data orvideo that provides multiple channels. Acable TV system, for example, employsanalog broadband transmission. (SeeBandwidth)

BroadcastTo transmit a signal over the spectrum tobe received by two or more receiving de-vices.

BrowserA software program used to query, searchand view information on computer sitesconnected to the Internet.

ByteA set of “bits” that represent a single char-acter. Usually there are eight bits in aByte.

Cable Converter BoxEquipment often provided by a cable com-pany in a subscriber’s home that allowsaccess or controls interference to cableservices.

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AAAAA-C-C-C-C-Carea. The use of many small cells in an area,with low transmitter powers, permits theintensive re-use of channels, thereby in-creasing system capacity.

ChurnThe term used to describe turnover rate ofsubscribers to a service or product.

CircuitA two-way communications path.

Circulation (FCC term)An FCC term, circulation is the procedurewhereby items are routed to Commission-ers for notation voting without a need fordiscussion at an open or closed agendameeting. Voting is done electronically fromeach Commissioner’s office.

Clear ChannelA clear channel protects stations designatedas Class A stations from objectionable in-terference within their primary and second-ary service areas. The secondary serviceareas of the stations may extend outwardfor a distance of up to 750 miles at night.To provide this wide area service, Class Astations operate within a power range of10 to 50 kilowatts.

Cable Signal LeakageExcessive levels of radio frequency (RF)energy that leak from cable television sys-tems. Leak can cause interference to com-munications users, including safety serviceusers such as aviation, police and fire de-partments. FCC rules specify the maximumRF leakage, and require that cable televi-sion systems be operated within certainguidelines.

Cable Television TransmissionThe transmission, usually for a fee, of tele-vision signals, including signals that origi-nate at over-the-air television stations, toconsumers on a wired network.

Cable Television Relay Service (CARS)The relaying of television, FM radio,cablecasting and other signals on a micro-wave frequency band to a terminal for dis-tribution over CATV or over cable line.

Cellular Mobile Radio Telephone SystemAlso called “Cellular.” A high capacityland mobile telephone system whereinchannels assigned to the system are dividedamong several geographical “cells” cover-ing a defined service area. A cellular sys-tem is capable of re-using the same chan-nels in different cells within the service



AAAAA-C-C-C-C-CClosed Captioning

A service for persons with hearing disabili-ties that translates television program dia-log into written words on the televisionscreen. Closed captioning is not visiblewithout the use of a specially installed de-coder.

Closed-circuit Television (CCTV)A system in which a signal is transmittedfrom a point of origin to only those receiv-ers who have previously arranged accessto it. Examples of its use are: lectures byprofessors in educational institutions, the-ater television, sports, and videoconferencing.

Coaxial Cable (COAX)A type of cable commonly used in cabletelevision systems which is composed oftwo concentric conductors: an inner wire,and an outer braided sleeve.

Common CarrierThe term used to describe a telephone com-pany. It is a telecommunications companythat is available for hire on a non-discrimi-natory basis to provide communicationtransmission services, such as telephoneand telegraph, to the public.

Commucications Assistant (CA)A person who translates conversation fromtext to voice and from voice to text betweentwo end users of Telecommunications Re-lay Service (TRS). This service allows aperson with hearing or speech disabilitiesto communicate with anyone else via tele-phone at no additional costs. CA super-sedes the term “TDD operator.”

Communications SatelliteA satellite that is used to relay telecommu-nications information.

Communications Satellite Corporation(COMSAT)

A corporation, chartered by Congress, asan exclusive provider of international tele-communications satellite channels to theUnited States. COMSAT also representsthe United States in INTELSAT. (SeeINTELSAT)

Community Antenna Television (CATV)A service through which subscribers payto have local television stations and addi-tional programs brought into their homesfrom the antenna via a coaxial cable.

Compact Disc (CD)A five-inch disc on which a digital audiosignal is inscribed so that it can be read



AAAAA-C-C-C-C-CCustomer Premises Equipment (CPE)

Telephone terminal devices, such as hand-sets and private branch exchanges (PBXs),located on the customer’s premises.

CyberspaceA term introduced by science fiction au-thor William Gibson in 1984.“Cyberspace” is where human interactionoccurs over computer networks, through E-mail, games or simulations.

optically by a laser beam device in a com-puter or CD player.

Competive Access ProvidersCommon carriers who provide local ser-vice and compete against local telephonecompanies’ access services that connectcustomers to long distance companies.These carriers often use fiber optic net-works.

Competitive BiddingAnother term for an auction.(See Spectrum Auction)

ConvergenceIn this context, convergence means thatproviders of communication systems candeliver products and services that competewith the products and services now deliv-ered by other networks. One examplewould be a cable company providing localphone service or a local phone companyproviding video services.

CrosstalkOccurs when a receiver on one communi-cations channel inadvertently receives in-formation being sent by a neighboring com-munications channel, either radio orwireline.



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Dedicated LineA communications circuit or channelprovided for the exclusive use of a par-ticular subscriber. Dedicated lines areused for computers when large amountsof data need to be moved between points.

DescramblerAn electronic circuit that restores an in-tentionally scrambled video signal to itsoriginal standard form.

Dial-It ServiceA telecommunications service that per-mits simultaneous calling by a largenumber of callers to a single telephonenumber. There is usually a fee for callsto 900 numbers or 976 numbers .

Digital/DigitizedAny type of information that can be out-put, transmitted and interpreted as indi-vidual bits of binary information (the useof the numbers O and 1), using electri-cal or electromagnetic signals that canbe modulated to convey their specificcontent. A TV picture will be more likea rectangle and have up to 1,080 lines ofresolution, producing a crisper picture.

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)Radio broadcasting using digital modula-tion and digital source coding techniques.

Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)/DISHA high-powered satellite that transmits orretransmits signals which are intended fordirect reception by the public. The signalis transmitted to a small earth station or dish(usually the size of an 18-inch pizza pan)mounted on homes or other buildings.

Distant SignalA television channel from another marketimported and carried locally by a cable tele-vision system.

DistributorA person/company that distributes signalsfrom a satellite carrier and provides thattransmission either directly to individualsubscribers for private home viewing or toother program distribution companies fortransmission.

Docket Number (FCC term)A number assigned to a proceeding openedby the issuance of either a Notice of Pro-posed Rule Making or a Notice of Inquiry,

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DDDDD-F-F-F-F-FElectronic Bidding

A process by which bidders in an auctionuse computers to place their bids. (SeeSpectrum Auction)

Electronic BookComputer program (often called an elec-tronic book) that uses text, graphics, ani-mation and audio to guide the user throughan instruction or teaching process, an elec-tronic “help-desk.”

Electronic Bulletin BoardA system located on a computer networkwhich allows users to post or receive in-formation; it facilitates file sharing.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)An electronic system that transfers moneyand records financial transactions, replac-ing the use of paper.

Electronic Mail (E-Mail)E-Mail allows the user to send a messagevia a computer instantly to one or manypersons around the world. E-mail userstypically have a “mailbox” on a networkor a videotext system where other users cansend messages to be retrieved by the re-cipient.

or if an adjudicatory or tariff proceeding,has been instituted. Since January 1, 1978,the docket numbers indicate the year theywere initiated and the Bureau which initi-ated the docket (e.g., MM 89-494 and CC87-313).

DownlinkThe part of a satellite system that includesthe satellite itself, the receiving earth sta-tion and the signal transmitted from thesatellite to earth stations.

Download (Receive)To receive data from another computer intoyour computer. It is also called “receive.”The opposite is called “Upload.”

Earth StationEquipment on earth that can transmit or re-ceive satellite communications. In generalusage, this term refers to receive-only sta-tions.



EmissionIn this context, radiation produced by aradio transmitting station.

Enhanced Service ProvidersA for-profit business that offers to trans-mit voice and data messages and simulta-neously add value to the message it trans-mits. Examples include telephone answer-ing services, alarm/security companies andtransaction processing companies. An en-hanced service provider officers voice aswell as data services.

En BancAn en banc meeting is a hearing held bythe Commissioners to hear various presen-tations on specific topics by diverse par-ties. The Commissioners or other officialsquestion the presenters and their commentsand presentations can be used by the Com-mission when it considers rules.

Equal Opportunity(“Equal Time”) Rule

If a political candidate obtains time on abroadcast station, other candidates for thesame office (or their appointed represen-tatives) may obtain an “equal opportunity”on that station. An equal opportunity usu-ally includes equal time, but the term meansmore than equal time. For example, it

means the right to obtain time in a periodlikely to attract approximately the same sizeaudience as the period in which the oppos-ing candidate appeared. News shows areexempt.

Ex Parte PresentationAny communication addressing the meritsor outcome of a particular proceeding madeto decision-making personnel (or in someproceedings, from the decision-makingpersonnel), which, (1) if written, is notserved on the parties to the proceeding, or(2) if oral, is made without opportunity forthe parties to the proceeding to be present.

Facsimile (Fax)The electronic transmission of printed ma-terial by electronic means over a telephonesystem. An image is scanned at a trans-mitting point and reconstructed at a receiv-ing station, where a printed copy can beproduced.

FCC NumberSequential number assigned by theSecretary’s Office (Agenda Branch) to alldocuments approved by the Commission.This number is assigned after the item hasbeen adopted by the Commission. Ex-ample: FCC 96-123. The first two digitsreflect the year.

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FCC RecordA bi-weekly comprehensive compilation ofdecisions, reports, public notices and otherdocuments released by the Commission.The FCC Record replaced the FCC Reportsin October 1986. The Record is availablefor a fee. The ordering address: Superin-tendent of Documents, PO Box 371954,Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; by phone:(202) 512-8200.

Fiber OpticsA method for the transmission of informa-tion (sound, video, data) in which light ismodulated and transmitted over high-pu-rity, hair-thin filaments of glass. The band-width capacity of fiber optic cable is muchgreater than that of copper wire.

Fixed ServiceRadio-communications service betweenspecified fixed points.

Flate RateA method of pricing in which a fixed rateis charged for a given service, regardlessof usage. The fixed monthly charge whicha residential subscriber in a local exchangepays to be allowed to make an unlimitednumber of local calls is an example of aflat rate.

DDDDD-F-F-F-F-FFM Cable Service

The offering of FM radio signals over acable system for a fee. A cable is connectedto the subscriber’s FM stereo receiver forservice.

FootprintThe area in which a specific transmissioncan be received. Some footprints cover asmuch as one-third of the earth, such as sat-ellite or cell systems.

Franchise AuthorityThe franchise authority is the localbody,usually a local government enity, thatenters into a contractual agreement with acable company. A franchise agreement de-fines the rights and responsibilities of eachin the construction and operation of a cablesystem within a specified geographicalarea.

FreewareSoftware,which is free to users,and is avail-able from many locations on the Internet.

FrequencyA measurement of the number of electro-magnetic waves that pass a given point in agiven time period. It is equal to the speedof light divided by wavelengths, and is ex-pressed in Hertz (cycles per second).



Frequency Modulation (FM)Radio transmission covering 88-108 mega-hertz on the broadcast band. FM is lesssusceptible to interference than AM broad-casting, and is also used in other frequencybands for two-way communications in landmobile and marine services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)FAQs on Internet sites answer the most of-ten asked questions.

Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making(FNPRM)

A Commission term, a Further Notice ofProposed Rule Making is issued by theCommission to further clarify and seekmore information and public comment onthe Commission’s proposed changes. (SeeNotice of Proposed Rulemaking)

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G-LG-LG-LG-LG-LGateway

Gateways provide a single source throughwhich users can locate and gain access to awide variety of computer services. Gate-ways typically offer a directory of servicesavailable through them, and provide bill-ing for these services.

Geostationary OrbitThe revolutionary path traveled by a satel-lite in which the satellite travels in syncwith the Earth’s motion, so that it appearsstationary in the sky. A stationary antennalocated on Earth can remain pointed at thesatellite at all times.

Geostationary SatelliteA satellite whose circular and direct orbitlies in the plane of the Earth’s equator andwhich remains fixed relative to the earth.

Gigahertz (GHz)A unit of frequency equal to one billionhertz (one billion cycles per second).

GopherA tool used on the Internet which permitsusers to locate and retrieve informationquickly throughout the Internet.

Hearing Designation Order (HDO)A Commission term, a Hearing Designa-tion Order institutes a comparative or otheradjudicatory hearing proceeding, usuallybefore an Administrative Law Judge.

HeadendThe electronic control center of a cable sys-tem. This is the site of the receiving an-tenna and the signal processing equipmentessential to proper functioning of a cablesystem.

Hearing Carry Over (HCO)A form of TRS where a person with aspeech disability is able to listen to the otherend user and, in reply, a CommunicationsAssistant speaks the text as typed by theperson with the speech disability.

Hertz (Hz)A unit of frequency equal to one cycle persecond (cps). One kilohertz equals 1000cps; one megahertz equals 1 million cps;one gigahertz equals 1 billion cps.

High Definition Television (HDTV)An improved television system which pro-vides approximately twice the vertical and



present computer sites on the Internet in agraphical user interface fashion. HTML isthe language used by programmers to de-sign a Home Page for computers on theInternet as part of the World Wide Webproject.

Hyper-Text Transport Protocol (HTTP)The method for moving “hypertext” filesacross the Internet. Requires an HTTP pro-gram at one end and a server at the other.

Information SuperhighwayA term describing a network of integratedtelecommunications systems connectingpeople around the world to information,businesses, governments and each other.(See National Information Infrastructure)

Input Selector Switch (A/B Switches)A switch used by cable customers to alter-nate between cable and over-the-air televi-sion reception through a cable box.

Inside Telephone WiringTelephone wiring: For a residence, the wir-ing usually starts where the line enters thehouse. It’s called the demarcation line. Forbusinesses, the location of the demarcationpoint varies.

horizontal resolution of the existing tele-vision standards. It also provides videoquality approaching that of 35 mm film,and audio quality equal to that of compactdiscs. (See Advanced Television)

Home Satellite Dish (HSD)A home receiver that permits the consumerto receive existing satellite transmissions.

Horizontal ConsentrationThe share of consumers subscribing to acommonly owned system.

HostYour Internet access provider’s computer.You may use one of its hard-wired termi-nals, if you are at an institution with a main-frame computer connected directly to theInternet, or you may dial up via modem toconnect with the Internet access provider’shost computer.

Hyper-textText that links to other documents that canbe retrieved from one document.

Hyper-Text Mark-Up Language (HTML)Hyper-Text Mark-up Language is the pro-gramming language used to design and

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International Telecommunications SatelliteOrganization (INTELSAT)

Formed under a multilateral agreement, itis the organization which owns, maintains,and operates the global satellite system usedby over 100 participating countries aroundthe world. COMSAT is the U.S. represen-tative to and participant in INTELSAT.

InterconnectionThe connection of one telecommunicationcarrier’s network to another or the connec-tion of a piece of telephone equipment tothe nation-wide telephone network.

InterfaceThe point at which two systems or piecesof equipment are connected.

InterferenceUnwanted electrical signals or noise caus-ing degradation of reception on a commu-nications circuit.

International Record Carrier (IRC)A common carrier engaged in providingoverseas telecommunications service. Ser-vices furnished traditionally include telex,private line service and alternate voice dataservice.

Instructional Television Fixed Service(ITFS)

A service provided by one or more fixedmicrowave stations operated by an edu-cational organization and used mainly totransmit instructional, cultural and othereducational information to fixed receiv-ing stations.

IntegratedServices Digital Network(ISDN)

Switched network providing end-to-enddigital connection for simultaneous trans-mission of voice and/or data over mul-tiple multiplexed communication chan-nels and employing transmission that con-forms to internationally-defined stan-dards. ISDN is considered to be the basisfor a “universal network” that can sup-port almost any type of communicationsdevice or service.

Interactive Video Data Service (IVDS)A communication system, operating overa short distance, that allows nearly instan-taneous two-way responses by using ahand-held device at a fixed location.Viewer participation in game shows, dis-tance learning and E-mail on computernetworks are examples.

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International Shortwave Broadcast StationA station that sends programs overseas ei-ther for direct reception by listeners abroador for intermediate reception by overseasrelay stations that rebroadcast the programson shortwave or medium wave stations tonearby audiences.

InternetA computer network stretching across theworld that links the user to businesses, gov-ernment agencies, universities, and indi-viduals. The Internet provides computerswith the ability to connect with other com-puters for communicating, disseminatingand collecting information.

Intersatellite LinkA message transmission circuit betweentwo communication satellites, as opposedto a circuit between a single satellite andthe earth.

Land Mobile ServiceA public or private radio service providingtwo-way communication, paging and ra-dio signaling on land.

Lifeline /Link-Up ServicesPrograms that help qualify low-incomehouseholds afford local telephone service.Lifeline assists with monthly telephone

bills and Link-Up assists with connectionand installation charges.

Local Access and Transport Area (LATA)A contiguous local exchange area whichincludes every point served by a localphone company within an existing com-munity of interest. It also serves as thedividing line for the allocation of assetsand liabilities between AT&T and the BellOperating Companies. LATAS were es-tablished by the Department of Justice asa result of the AT&T divestiture.

Local Multipoint Distribution Services(LMDS)

This is a point/multipoint service withtwo-way capability to transmit voice, data,and other video information. LMDS canoffer innovative consumer services suchas two-way interactive video, advancedteleconferencing, telemedicine,telecommuting, and high-speed data ser-vices.

Lottery (random selection)In this context, an alternative method toauctions and comparative hearings for al-locating spectrum space to competing ap-plicants in various services. In a lottery,the winning applicant is chosen at random.

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Low Power Television Service (LPTV)A broadcast service that permits programorigination, subscription service, or bothvia low powered television translators. LowPower Television service includes the ex-isting translator service and operates on asecondary basis to regular television sta-tions. Transmitter output is limited to 1000watts for a UHF station, 10 watts for a nor-mal VHF station, and 100 watts when VHFoperation is on an allocated channel.

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Major Trading Area (MTA)Boundaries that segment the country fortelecommunication licensing purposes.MTAs are based on Rand McNally’s Com-mercial Atlas & Marketing Guide. EachMTA is named after one or more citieswhich are Major Trading Centers. MTAsare larger than BTAs. The FCC has usedMTAs to license a number of services, in-cluding broadband and narrowband PCS.

Master Antenna Television System (MATV)

An antenna system that serves a concen-tration of TV sets such as in an apartmentbuilding or hotel. MATV utilizes one cen-tral antenna to pick up broadcast signals.

MeetingAt the FCC, the term “meeting” is appli-cable for the “Sunshine Act” (see SunshineAct). The deliberations of at least the num-ber of individual agency members (seeMember) required to take action on behalfof the agency (a majority at the FCC) wheresuch deliberations determine or result inthe joint conduct or disposition of officialagency business. A closed meeting is oneat which public attendance is restricted.

MemberAt the FCC, the term “member” refers to aCommissioner.

Microwave BandThose frequencies from about 1 gigahertzupward that use microwave frequencies forpoint-to-point and point-to-multipointcommunications, including common car-riers, cable TV operators, broadcasters, andprivate operational fixed users.

ModemAn abbreviated term for “modulator-de-modulator.” A modem converts digital sig-nals into analog signals (and vice versa),enabling computers to send and receive dataover the telephone networks.

Multi-User Dimension (MUD)This term refers to users who connect toeach other via a host computer.

Multichannel Multipoint DistributionService (MMDS)

A service which uses omnidirectional mi-crowave signals to deliver video programsto subscribers.

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MultimediaThe combination of various forms of me-dia (texts, graphics, animation, audio, etc.)to communicate information. The term alsorefers to information products that includetext, audio, and visual content.

Multiple Address Systems (MAS)A microwave point-to-multipoint commu-nications system, either one-way or two-way, serving a minimum of four remotestations. The private radio MAS channelsare not suitable for providing a communi-cations service to a larger sector of the gen-eral public, such as channels the Commis-sion has allocated for cellular, paging, orspecialized mobile radio service (SMR).

Multiple System Operator (MSO)A company that operates more than onecable TV system.

Multipoint Distripution Service (MDS)Also known as “wireless cable,” this is aone-way, domestic public radio servicebroadcast on microwave frequencies froma fixed station that transmits (usually in anomnidirectional pattern) to multiple receiv-ing facilities located at fixed points deter-mined by the subscriber’s location.

Must Carry (retransmission)A term from the 1992 Cable Act, it refersto a cable system’s mandatory signal car-riage of both commercial and noncommer-cial television broadcast stations that are“local” to the area served by the cable sys-tem.

NarrowbandA term applied to telecommunications fa-cilities capable of carrying only voice, fac-simile images, slow-scan video images anddata transmissions at “kilobit” speeds. Theterm is commonly applied to voice-gradeanalog facilities and to digital facilities op-erating at low speeds (less than 1.544Nbps).

NarrowcastingThe delivery of cable programming to asmall community or audience where thatprogramming addresses the audience’s spe-cific needs or desires. It is the opposite ofbroadcasting.

National Information Infrastructure (NII)The NII refers to a nationwide network ofintegrated telecommunications that con-nects people, businesses, schools, institu-tions and governments with one another.(See Information Superhighway)

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National Television Standards Committee(NTSC)

A television industry group that developsstandards for television broadcasting andreceiving equipment in the United States.

Nationwide/Statewide Cost AveragingA method of averaging costs to establishuniform prices for telephone service so thatsubscribers using more costly-to-serve,lightly-trafficked routes — such as thosebetween small communities — receive thesame service for the same price as subscrib-ers on lower-cost, highly-trafficked metro-politan routes.

NetiquetteNetwork + etiquette= netiquette. Customsand socially accepted behavior for usingthe Internet networks.

Network/NetworkingA group of computers connected in anyway that allows data to be sent among thesecomputers.

Non-Duplication RulesRestrictions placed on cable television sys-tems which prohibit them from importingdistant programming that is simultaneouslyavailable locally.

Notice of Inquiry (NOI)A Commission term, a Notice of Inquiry(NOI) is adopted by the Commissionersprimarily for fact gathering, a way to seekcomments from the public or industry on aspecific issue. The NOI also states whereand when comments may be submitted,where and when you can review commentsothers have made, and how to respond tothose comments. After reviewing com-ments, the FCC may issue a Notice of Pro-posed Rulemaking or it may release a Re-port & Order (R&O) explaining what ac-tion -- or non-action --is taken.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking(NPRM) is adopted by the Commissionersto detail proposed changes to FCC rulesand to seek public comment on these pro-posals. The NPRM also states where andwhen comments may be submitted, whereand when comments can be reviewed, andwhere and when comments others havemade can be reviewed and responded to.After reviewing the comments to theNPRM, the FCC may issue a “FurtherNPRM” to provide an opportunity for thepublic to comment further on a related pro-posal. The next step is a Report & Order.

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Number PortabilityNumber portability is the term used to de-scribe capability of individuals, businesses,and organizations to retain their existingtelephone number(s) -- and the same qual-ity of service -- when switching to a newlocal service provider.

Open Outcry AuctionAn auction in which bidders openly shoutout their bids.

Operator Service Provider (OSP)A common carrier that provides servicesfrom public phones, including payphonesand hotel/motel phones.

Open Video Systems (OVS)An Open Video System is similar to a cablesystem. In an OVS, the system operatormust lease channel capacity to unaffiliatedprogrammers at just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory rates.

Paging SystemOne-way mobile radio service where a usercarries a small, lightweight miniature ra-dio receiver capable of responding to codedsignals.

Pay-Per-ViewProgramming (usually movies or specialevents) that a cable subscriber speciallyrequests to receive for a single fee addedto the monthly cable bill.

PCPersonal computer.

Personal Communications Services (PCS)A term coined by the FCC, it describes atwo-way, voice and digital, wireless tele-communications system. PCS encompassescordless phones, cellular mobile phone,paging systems, personal communicationsnetworks, wireless office phone systemsand any other wireless telecommunicationssystems that allow people to place and re-ceive voice/data calls while away fromhome and office.

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M-QM-QM-QM-QM-QPetition For Reconsideration

A Petition for Reconsideration is a writtenrequest submitted to the FCC for review ofan action it has previously taken. Appli-cants have 30 days after a Report and Or-der is published in the Federal Register tofile comments with the FCC. The agencywill consider public comments, replies, andindustry concerns before finalizing its ini-tial decision. As a result of the review pro-cess, the FCC will either issue a Memo-randum Opinion and Order amending itsinitial decision, or deny the Petition for Re-consideration.

PixelThe smallest area of a television picture ca-pable of being sampled, transmittedthrough a system and displayed on a moni-tor.

Pole AttachmentA communications relay or receiving de-vice attached to a pole, duct or conduitowned or controlled by a utility company.

Premium ChannelsChannels not included in a cable provider’sregular service tiers. There are additionalmonthly fees charged for receiving pre-mium channels.

PresubscriptionThis term is used to describe the selectionof a particular long distance carrier tohandle all calls for “1+dialing” zones. (SeePrimary Interexchange Carrier)

Primary Interexchange Carrier (PIC)The PIC is the main long distance carrierused for “1+dialing” through which all in-terstate long distance toll calls are made.(See Presubscription)

Private Home ViewingThe viewing of television in a private homewith reception by satellite equipment thatis operated by an individual in that house-hold and which serves only that household.It is a secondary transmission (via satel-lite) of a primary transmission of a televi-sion station licensed by the FCC.

Private Line ServiceDedicated telecommunications channelsprovided between two points or switchedamong multiple points. Privately leased forhigh-volume voice, data, audio or videotransmissions.

Private Radio ServiceRadio communications authorized for lo-cal governments and private enterprises.



Amateur and citizen band radio are privateradio services as are several other servicesin the categories of: Aviation, Marine, Pub-lic Safety, Industrial, Land Transportationand Microwave.

Program LogRecords once kept by a broadcasting sta-tion in a public file which provided a recordof programs broadcast, program type andprogram length. The logs also includedcommercial and public service spots.Broadcasters are no longer required tomaintain program logs.

Public Notice (PN)A Public Notice is issued by the Commis-sion to notify the public of an action takenor an upcoming event.

QuorumAt the FCC, the minimum number of Com-missioners required to be present at a meet-ing or to participate in voting by circula-tion before the Commission can validlyproceed to transact business. A quorumconsists of a majority of the Commission-ers.

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RS



Reach“Reach” refers to the availability of a ser-vice in the community. It is the number ofhomes to which the service is available re-gardless of whether or not residents chooseto subscribe.

Real TimeUsually used to describe situations whentwo or more people are interacting via theirkeyboards on the computer in real time,versus delayed back-and-forth communi-cation, such as with e-mail.

Regional Bell Operating Company(RBOC)

Any one of the seven local telephone com-panies created in 1984 as part of the break-up of AT&T. The RBOCs are Ameritech,Bell Atlantic, Bell South, NYNEX, PacificTelesis Group, Southwestern Bell, and U.S. West.

Regulatory FeeA fee charged users of certain FCC ser-vices, such as license applicants and hold-ers, to help support such services. Regula-tory fees go to the U.S. Treasury.

RadarA radio determination system based on thecomparison of reference signals with ra-dio signals reflected, or retransmitted, fromthe position to be determined.

RadiationThe outward flow of energy from anysource in the form of radio waves.

Radio Common CarrierPart of the domestic land mobile radio ser-vice. Signals are received and transmittedfrom mobile transmitters.

Radio DeterminationThe determination of the position, veloc-ity and/or other characteristics of an ob-ject, or the obtaining of information relat-ing to these parameters by means of thepropagation properties of radio waves.

RadiotelegraphyThe use of a radio (instead of wire) to com-municate a messages over a distance.

RadiotelephonyThe use of radio to communicate sounds(e.g., speech).

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Report & Order(R&O)A Commission term. After consideringcomments and reply comments to Noticesof Inquiries or Notices of ProposedRulemakings, the FCC may issue a Report& Order amending the rules or decidingnot to do so. Summaries of R&Os are pub-lished in the Federal Register. Issuance ofan R&O triggers a 30-day period for Peti-tions for Reconsideration.

Resale Carrier or ResellerA carrier that does not own transmissionfacilities, but obtains communications ser-vices from another carrier for resale to thepublic for a profit.

ResolutionThe amount of detail that can be seen in abroadcast image. The resolution of a TVscreen is defined by the number of hori-zontal lines of picture elements that thescreen displays and the number of pixelsper line.

Rulemaking NumberA number assigned to a proceeding afterthe appropriate Bureau/Office has reviewedand accepted a Petition for Rulemaking, butbefore the Commission has taken action onthe petition. The rulemaking number shouldappear on all appropriate documents, eventhose which carry a docket number.

Rural Cellular Radio Service AreaA market area not based on MetropolitanStatistical Areas which under existing rulesapplicants may propose to provide with cel-lular service, as long as the proposed areadoes not exceed 2,000 square miles.

SatelliteA radio relay station that orbits the earth.A complete satellite communications sys-tem also includes earth stations which com-municate with each other via the satellite.The satellite receives a signal transmittedby an originating earth station andretransmits that signal to the destinationearth station(s). Satellites are used to trans-mit telephone, television, and data signalsoriginated by common carriers, broadcast-ers, and distributors of CATV program ma-terial.

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Satellite CarrierAn entity that owns or leases the facilitiesof a satellite or satellite service to establishand operate a channel of communicationsfor point-to-multipoint distribution of tele-vision station signals.

Satellite DishA kind of antenna used to pick up trans-missions broadcast from a satellite.

Satellite Master Antenna Television(SMATV)

A satellite dish system used to deliver sig-nals to multiple dwelling units (e.g. apart-ment buildings and trailer parks).

ScramblerA device that electronically alters a pro-gram signal so that it can be seen only bypersons, typically paid subscribers, with ap-propriate decoding devices.

Shortwave StationA broadcast station that transmits on fre-quencies of 6-25 megahertz. These wavesare shorter than those sent out by AM sta-tions but longer than those of the Very-Highfrequency FM radio and television stations.

Simultaneous Multiple Round AuctionAn auction in which many licenses are putup for auction at the same time. Biddershave the opportunity to top the high bidsfrom the previous round. The auction endswhen no bidders are willing to top the bid-ders from the previous rounds on any ofthe licenses.

SlammingThe term used to describe what occurswhen a customer’s long distance service isswitched from one long distance companyto another company without the customer’spermission. Such unauthorized switchingviolates FCC rules.

Special Emergency Radio Services (SERS)A Private Land Mobile Radio Service em-ployed by persons or organizations engagedin emergency medical and rescue service,health care, or similar activity.

Specialized Common Carrier (SCC)A company (other than the telephone com-pany) that provides point-to-point commu-nications service on a common carrier ba-sis. For example, point-to-point services areused to connect points on the telephonenetwork that normally cannot be connectedusing standard wire line or fiber optic be-cause of terrain.

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Specialized Mobile Radio Services (SMR)A private, two-way radio system provid-ing land mobile communications serviceto eligible persons on a commercial ba-sis. Typical SMR customers using dispatchcommunications include constructioncompanies with several trucks at differ-ent jobs or on the road, with a dispatchoperation in a central office.

SpectrumThe range of electromagnetic radio fre-quencies used in the transmission ofsound, data, and television.

Spectrum AuctionA public sale of spectrum space in whichthe price is increased by bids until thehighest bidder becomes the purchaser. TheU.S. Treasury receives all profits from theFCC spectrum auctionS. (See spectrum)

Spectrum Allocation/ManagementThe assignment of available spectrumspace; the coordination of spectrum usedto maximize efficiency and to prevent in-terference.

Spurious EmissionAny emission or part of it which appearsoutside of the authorized bandwidth (SeePart 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations).

SubcarrierAn inaudible portion of the broadcast sig-nal that is added to the program signal ofFM or TV sound and can be used for ei-ther broadcast or non-broadcast purposes.Uses include stereo sound, augmented au-dio for the blind, bilingual programmingand paging.

Subscriber Line Charge (SLC)A monthly fee paid by telephone subscrib-ers that is used to compensate the local tele-phone company for part of the cost of in-stallation and maintenance of the telephonewire, poles, and other facilities that linkyour home to the telephone network. Thesewires, poles, and other facilities are referredto as the “local loop.” The SLC is one com-ponent of access charges.

Subscription Television (STV)A special service providing additional pro-grams in encoded form to television view-ers who pay a monthly rate. Devices thatattach to the subscriber’s set are able to de-cipher transmitted signals that have beenscrambled.

Sunshine Notice/PeriodA Public Notice is released seven calendardays before an Open or Closed Commis-

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Syndicated Exclusivity (SYNDEX) RuleThis rule requires cable systems carryingdistant signals to black out syndicated pro-gramming (usually on superstations) forwhich a local broadcaster owns exclusiverights. (See “Black Out”)

sion Meeting, announcing the day and timeof the meeting, and listing each item to beconsidered. The Sunshine Notice is printedin the Federal Register after it is releasedto the public. The Sunshine Period runsfrom the time a public notice placing anitem on the Sunshine Agenda is releaseduntil the text of the decision is issued or apublic notice is released stating that thematter has been deleted from the SunshineAgenda or returned for further consider-ation. Presentations to decision-makingpersonnel and discussions of the item aregenerally prohibited during the Period.

SuperstationA television broadcast station, other than anetwork station, licensed by the FCC thatis secondarily transmitted by a satellite car-rier.

SurfingA slang term used to describe switching atelevision from channel to channel in a con-tinuous order with a remote control. Alsoused to describe the process of scanningentries on the Internet.

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TariffA statement by a communications companythat sets forth the services offered by thatcompany, and the rates, terms and condi-tions for the use of those services.

Time Division Multiple Access/TDMACode Division Multiple Acess /CDMA

These terms are used to describe multipleaccess systems. For example, CDMA is amethod of spreading spectrum transmissionfor digital wireless personal communica-tions networks that allows a large numberof users simultaneously to access a singleradio frequency band without interference.TDMA is a method of digital transmissionfor wireless telecommunications systemsthat allows a large number of users simul-taneously to access a single radio frequencyband without interference.

TelecommunicationsAny transmission, emission or reception ofsigns, signals, writing, images, sounds orintelligence of any nature by wire, radio,optical or other electromagnetic systems.

TeleconferencingThe use of audio, video, or computer equip-ment brought together through a commu-

nications system to permit geographicallyseparated individuals to participate in ameeting or discussion.

Telephony The word used to describe the science oftransmitting voice over a telecommunica-tions network.

TeletextTextual and graphic information broadcastin the vertical blanking interval betweenconventional video frames in television sig-nals. It requires a special adapter.

Teletypewriter Exchange Service (TWX)A dial-up worldwide telegraph service(similar to telex, but operating at differenttransmission speeds, and with a differentcode) used in the United States and Canada.It enables subscribers to send each otherprinted messages.

Television Receive Only Earth Station(TVRO)

Earth station equipment that receives videosignals from satellite or MDS-type trans-missions. Such stations have only receiv-ing capability and need not be licensed bythe FCC unless the owner wants protec-

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tion from interference. Authority for re-ception and use of material transmittedmust be given by the sender.

Telex ServiceA public switched service in which tele-typewriter stations are provided with linesto a central office for access to other sta-tions.

Text Telephone (TT)A machine that employs graphic commu-nication in the transmission of coded sig-nals through a wire or radio communica-tion system. TT supersedes the term“TDD” or “telecommunications device forthe deaf.”

TierLevels of cable television service provid-ing selected channels.

TranslatorA television or FM broadcast station, op-erating at relatively low power, that re-ceives a corresponding television or FMsignal on one channel, amplifies it, andretransmits it on another channel.

TransponderThe device in a communications satellitethat receives signals from the earth, trans-lates and amplifies them on another fre-quency, and retransmits them.

Twisted PairThis is the term used to describe the tradi-tional copper cable that is used for shortdistance communications.

Two-way Cable TV CapabilityInteractive services offered by cable sys-tems, for example, home shopping, bank-ing and polling services.

Ultra High Frequency (UHF)The part of the radio spectrum from 300 to3000 megahertz which includes TV chan-nels 14-83, as well as many land mobileand satellite services.

UnbundlingUnbundling is the term used to describe theaccess provided by local exchange carriersso that other service providers may buy orlease portions of its network elements, suchas interconnection loops to serve subscrib-ers.




Uniformed Resource Locator (URL)The standard way to give the address ofany resource that is on the Internet and ispart of the World Wide Web. For example,the FCC’s URL is http://www.fcc.gov

Universal ServiceThis term describes the financial supportmechanisms that constitute a universal fundwhich helps compensate telephone compa-nies or other communication entities forproviding access to telecommunicationsservices at reasonable and affordable ratesthroughout the country, including rural, in-sular, and high cost areas, and to public in-stitutions.

UplinkThe signal that carries information froman earth station source up to a satellite.

UploadTo send a text file or software program viatelecommunications to another computer(See Download).

Usenet GroupsUsenet groups are also known asnewsgroups, or discussion groups. Usersexchange information generally providedin a “chat room.”

User NameA short name (with no spaces allowed)unique to you on your Internet accessprovider’s system. Sometimes these areassigned and sometimes you can select yourown. The user name, or ID, followed byyour site address, becomes your e-mail ad-dress. For example, if Ben Franklin hadan account at world.std.com and he chosea user name of bfranklin, his e-mail ad-dress would be [email protected].

Value Added Network (VAN)A national (or international) enhanced net-work that is designed expressly to carrydata communications. VANs provide spe-cial services to their customers, such as ac-cess to databases.

Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI)The period of time between television pic-tures, which is visible as a black bar whenthe picture rolls. The VBI contains signalsthat allow receivers to keep the picturestable and has additional signal capacitythat can be used to carry closed captioninginformation, test, cue and control signals,and other data services.


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Vertical IntegrationThe involvement of cable systems in otherlinks of the video distribution chain, suchas program production and supply.

Very High Frequency (VHF)The part of the radio spectrum from 30 to300 megahertz which includes TV chan-nels 2-13, the FM broadcast band, and somemarine, aviation and land mobile services.

VHF Drop-InsFull power VHF TV stations that may besqueezed into locations that do not complywith the FCC’s spacing requirements.

VideodiscA phonograph record-type disc that dis-plays recorded video information whenplayed on an attachment to a television set.

VideotextAn interactive service connecting a TV setand text or video recorder to acentral computer by phone lines orcable TV. The computer provides textualinformation on demand and transactionalservices.

Virtual RealityA computer simulation usually experiencedthrough headgear, goggles and sensory

gloves that allows the user to experiencebeing present in a computer generated en-vironment, and to interact with the imagesbeing displayed there.

Voice Carry Over (VCO)A reduced form of TRS where the personwith the hearing disability speaks directlyto the other end user. The CommunicationsAssistant then types the response back tothe person with the hearing disability. TheCommunications Assistant does not voicethe conversation.

Wide Area Network (WAN)Local Area Network (LAN)

The term WAN is used to describe a datanetwork used to interconnect a companies’remote sites, or widely-dispersed computerequipment. The term LAN is used to de-scribe a local data network, one that is usedto interconnect the computer equipment ofa commercial user.

WavelengthThe length of one complete wave of an al-ternating or vibrating phenomenon, gen-erally measured from crest to crest or fromtrough to trough of successive waves.




Wide Area Telecommunications/Telephone Service (WATS)

Discount long-distance service offered tohigh-volume customers on a subscriptionbasis.

Wireless Cable/Multipoint DistributionService

Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) isdefined as a medium of mass communica-tions. It may be licensed as a common car-rier where non-affiliated programmers,usually pursuant to a tariff on file with FCC,lease time from the MDS licensee to “air”its programming. Alternatively, a licenseemay choose to operate as a non-commoncarrier and program its own facility of leasetransmission time to an affiliated program-mer without the requirement of filing a tar-iff. Unlike conventional broadcast stationswhose transmissions are received univer-sally, MDS programming is designed toreach only those who have opted to sub-scribe to the service.

Wireless CommunicationAny broadcast or transmission which canbe received through microwave or radio fre-quencies without the use of a cable con-nection for reception.

World Wide Web (WWW)Created in Switzerland, WWW is client/server software. It uses the HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to exchangedocuments and images. The FCC is on the“web,” along with most government agen-cies, the White House, and the Library ofCongress. To reach the FCC’s world wideweb page, and to access its material, here’sthe address: http://www. fcc.gov
