Glossary of Terms
A-G
- 3G / 4G
A general term that refers to new wireless technologies which offer increased capacity and capabilities delivered over digital wireless networks. - App (Application)
Downloadable tools, resources, games, social networks or almost anything that adds a function or feature to a wireless handset which are available for free or a fee. - Broadband
See Wireless Internet. - Cache (or Cookie)
Many websites store the initial visit so that when the mobile device user visits again, the data from the same website can appear faster. - Common Short Codes (CSC)
Five– or six–digit numbers which allow wireless devices to send text messages for value-added services such as tele-voting campaigns, mobile coupons, charitable donations and other programs. - Contract Plan (Post-Paid)
The most popular cell phone plan in which a subscriber agrees to a contract for certain period of time, usually a year to two and in exchange, the carrier provides the customer with a lower monthly rate and subsidized handset. There may be a fee if you want to cancel the contract before it expires, also known as an “early termination fee.” CTIA developed a voluntary Consumer Code to help consumers make informed choices when selecting wireless service. - Cyberbullying
Annoying, threatening, harassing, humiliating or embarrassing messages sent to victims by kids or teens using a text, e-mail, instant message, blog, social network or the Internet generally. - Department of Justice (DOJ)
A U.S. government agency that serves as the chief law enforcement organization and central agency for enforcement of federal laws. - Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
An independent U.S. government agency responsible with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. This includes all aspects of the wireless industry and such as devices, policies, programs and outreach initiatives. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The only federal U.S. agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies. - Filters
Most wireless carriers provide parents with the ability to filter Internet content accessed on a wireless phone on their network. - Friending
Building your social network by accepting friends, family or acquaintances who ask to join your social network profile (See Social Network).
H-N
- Location Based Services (LBS)
An information, advertising or entertainment service that uses the geographical position of a cell phone. CTIA developed voluntary Best Practices and Guidelines for Location-Based Services to promote and protect user privacy. (See Privacy Settings). - mHealth (Mobile Health)
The use of mobile devices and technology in health care. This includes text message reminders to prompt them to take medication, follow a certain diet, engage in physical activity, check glucose levels, monitor blood pressure and more. It can also be used to monitor patients’ health and track and guide self-care beyond the doctors’ offices - mLearning (Mobile Learning)
Education that takes advantage of the opportunities mobile devices provides, including not being prohibited by location. This includes sending text messages for in-class participation or voting, accessing the mobile Internet for information or conducting homework assignments.
O-S
- Parental Control Tools
Services offered by wireless carriers or third parties or built-in to a wireless device that allow parents to limit or monitor their child’s cell phone use. CTIA developed voluntary Guidelines for Carrier Content Classification and Internet Access. - PIN (Personal Identification Number)
An additional security feature for wireless phones, much like a password. Programming a PIN into the Subscriber Information Module (SIM) on a wireless phone requires the user to enter that access code each time the phone is turned on. - Prepaid Plan
This plan allows customers to purchase a pre-determined amount of minutes for a set price and then “re-fill” the minutes at the customer’s choice. Some prepaid plans include text messaging and other wireless data services. CTIA developed the voluntary Consumer Code to help consumers make informed choices when selecting wireless service. - Premium Text
Text to or from a commercial entity that delivers news, information, images, ringtones or entertainment for a fee above standard messaging rates. - Privacy Settings
Ability to determine how much personally identifiable information (PII) is shared digitally. Many wireless services and apps allow users to determine the PII available to third parties including friends, advertisers and the general public. - Public Service/Utility Commission (PSC/PUC)
A state government’s agency responsible for regulating intrastate communications. Although many states preempt a PSC/PUC’s authority to regulate wireless, federal law permits non-preempted states to regulate a wireless carriers terms and conditions but not rates. - Rating System
A system for classifying and providing information about specific content such as games, music, TV, movies and apps. Wireless carriers and manufacturers may rate content or utilize existing rating system to help parents filter content available to children. (See CTIA Wireless Content Guidelines Classification Criteria). - Sexting
The sending or receipt of inappropriate explicit or implicit sexual messages or images electronically, but primarily between cell phones. - SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Card
A small card that fits inside some cell phones and communicates with a wireless network using a unique code. A SIM card can be removed and transferred to another wireless device. - Smart Phone
Wireless phones with advanced data features and often keyboards or touch screens. What makes the phone “smart” is its ability to manage and transmit data in addition to voice calls and text messages. - SPAM
Unsolicited and unwanted emails or text messages sent to wireless devices. While carriers are constantly filtering their networks to stop SPAM text messages, spammers are evolving and changing their methods to try to get through. If you receive a SPAM email on your mobile device, file a complaint with the FCC. The FCC's CAN-SPAM ban only applies to “messages sent to cell phones and pagers, if the message uses an Internet address that includes an Internet domain name (usually the part of the address after the individual or electronic mailbox name and the “@” symbol)”. The FCC’s ban does not cover “short messages,” typically sent from one mobile phone to another, that do not use an Internet address. - Social Networking (SocNet)
An online community of people who share similar interests (e.g. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Ning and more). - Status Update
Publishing a personal message over a social network regarding an emotion, comment or information.
T-Z
- Text (Short Message Service/SMS)
SMS enables users to send and receive short text messages (usually about 160 characters) on wireless handsets. Usually referred to as “text messaging” or “texting.” - VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
VoIP is a two-way communication service that can allow users to communicate via voice or video. Based on Internet technology, VoIP is also used to transfer a wide range of different type traffic. - Wi-Fi®
Wi-Fi provides wireless Internet access to the immediate local area and is used in homes, businesses and other similar settings to allow people to go online without using a cord or wire. Wi-Fi offers local area connectivity to Wi-Fi enabled computers and devices, typically smart phones. - Wi-Max (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
A wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.16 standard providing metropolitan area network connectivity for fixed wireless access at broadband speeds. - Wireless Internet
A general term for using wireless services to access the Internet, e-mail and/or the World Wide Web.
