Wireless Glossary of Terms

   A-B                C-D                E-F                G-I                L-M                N-P                Q-S                T-V                W-Z 


TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A protocol permitting communications over and between networks, the TCP/IP protocol is the basis for the Internet communications. 

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access): A technological standard that permits the transmission of information by dividing calls into time slots, each one lasting only a fraction of a second. Each call is assigned a specific portion of time on a designated channel. By dividing each call into timed ‘packets,’ a single channel can carry many calls at once.    

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): A telephone service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls.
 
Tower Siting: To expand their service offerings and meet consumer demand for “always-on” broadband, wireless carriers need to be able to build out their networks, which involves constructing new towers or adding new equipment to already existing structures. It enables mobile services, including voice and broadband, for consumers, businesses and public safety. In November 2009, the FCC provided much-needed certainty to the tower siting process by adopting a declaratory ruling which set a definitive time frame for local zoning authorities to act on tower siting requests. The time limit to address requests for collocation is 90 days and the time for addressing requests for new tower construction is 150 days. Local zoning authorities who do not meet the time frames will have “failed to act,” giving tower applicants the right to appeal to the courts for action on their requests. Also, a zoning authority may not deny an application filed by one provider based on the presence of another wireless provider in a given area.
 
Tri-Band Handset: Phones that work on multiple frequencies, typically in the 1900 MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz frequencies used in the U.S. and elsewhere.
 
Universal Charger Solution (UCS): Developed by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform industry standards group and adopted by GSMA, the UCS (also known as the "one-charger-fits-all") will provide an estimated 50 percent reduction in standby energy consumption. The UCS will use the Micro-USB format as the common universal charging interface and use energy efficient chargers in compliance with the U.S. "Energy Star" requirements for external power adapters. As of January 1, 2012, most of the new smartphones in the U.S. will have UCS.
 
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems): This is third generation technology generally based on W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). UMTS promises a communications speed between 384 kbps and up to about 2 Mbps.
 
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): VoIP is a two-way communication service that can allow users to communicate via voice or video. Based on IP technology, VoIP is used to transfer a wide range of different type traffic.
 
Voice Recognition: The capability for wireless phones, computers and other devices to be activated and controlled by voice commands.  

Last Updated: July 2011