Terms every technology management professional needs to know.
Numerical
3GPP
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between seven telecommunications standards organizations working on 5G mobile broadband standards. Visit 3gpp.org for information on participating organizations, project groups, documentation, and specifications.
5G Availability
Mobile operators are actively deploying 5G across the globe and they will continue to upgrade legacy networks and deploy new 5G infrastructure for several years to come. Most mobile operators publish coverage maps and 5G availability lookup tools for their respective networks. A useful global resource to track 5G deployments in real-time can be found at SpeedTest.net.
9-1-1
9-1-1 has been used in North America since 1968, but it is not a global emergency services number. The ITU (International Telecommunications Union) is a global standards organization that provides guidance to its members. ITU-T E.161.1: “Guidelines to select Emergency Number for public telecommunications networks” recommends either 112 or 9-1-1 or both be implemented. 112 is the standard for EU countries as well as others across the globe. While 112 and 9-1-1 have broad coverage, neither is universal. When travelling to a new or unfamiliar location, learning the emergency service number for your destination is advised.
A
Acceptable Use
A policy that defines the way mobile devices can utilize corporate data.
Access Control
Access control is a data security practice designed to ensure that users only have access to authorized network resources based on each user’s permissions.
Access Coordination Charge (ACC)
A fee for connecting data services between the LEC’s central office and an IXC’s point of presence, as well as the carrier’s function of connecting to these data services.
Agile
An iterative, incremental approach to delivering value in small batches with frequent feedback and adaptation.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
An AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) is a code enforcement entity. For example, a fire marshal is commonly responsible for enforcing local fire protection codes. Code enforcement and telecommunications intersect when alarm signaling and alarm communicator systems are involved. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) decommissioning has prompted the need for businesses to upgrade and update alarm systems reliant on traditional phone lines and complying with local fire code is imperative.
Analytics
Methods and tools for discovering patterns and insights from data to support decision-making.
Annual Revenue Commitment
An agreement between a customer and vendor where the customer spends a predetermined amount of money with the vendor over a 12-month period.
Annual Volume Commitment
An agreement between a customer and vendor that the customer will purchase a predetermined amount (volume) of a certain product or service from that vendor over a 12-month period.
Applet
An applet is an application that performs a singular task. Applets are programs that run within a larger, more comprehensive software application.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Techniques that enable systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Attestation
Attestation is the act of verifying or proving something to be true or valid.
Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
A service that provides the receiver of a telephone call with the caller’s WTN. The telephone service provider determines the method in which it provides the information.
Automation
Using technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
Average Revenue per User (ARPU)
Average Revenue per User (ARPU) is a widely used metric in the communications industry by vendors and suppliers to quantify the value of each customer in terms of revenue.
B
Bandwidth & Throughput
Bandwidth and throughput are related, but not synonymous networking terms. Bandwidth is the maximum available data transfer capacity between two locations in a network while throughout is the actual speed of data transfer between two locations in a network.
Benchmark
How an organization’s performance compares to others in a similar industry (or comparable size).
Benefits Realization
Tracking whether a technology initiative actually delivers the business value that was promised.
Billing Telephone Number (BTN)
The primary telephone number used for account billing. Multiple WTNs can be associated with a single BTN.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a global routing system that enables autonomous systems to exchange reachability information across the Internet.
Botnet
A botnet is a group of compromised computers running malicious software that are controlled by a cybercriminal.
Breach of Contract
Breach of contract occurs when one party to a contract fails to fulfill its obligations. Minor or major breaches of contract may occur and, in most cases, resolution for specific breach conditions is prescribed within the contract.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
A policy that allows employees to use their personal device for business purposes (in lieu of a device owned by the organization).
Broadband Options GIS Map
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintains an interactive geographic information system (GIS) map of broadband options available at each street address in the United States. Details include providers, network technology used, and upload/download speeds available. The FCC provides this reliable resource for investigating available broadband options.
Business Case
A structured justification that explains why a technology initiative should be funded, including costs, benefits, and
risks
Business Continuity (BC) & Disaster Recovery (DR)
Business Continuity (BC) plans and Disaster Recovery (DR) plans are related, but not identical. Business continuity plans address the restoration of all business operations after a disruptive event. Disaster recovery plans address actions required to restore critical infrastructure after a disruptive event occurs. Disaster recovery plans are commonly treated as a subset of an overall business continuity plan.
Business Divestiture
Occurs when enterprises sell off or close locations as a result of negative profits or performance.
Business Downturn Clauses
Alleviates shortfalls if an economic change negatively impacts telecom spending. Broad language usage increases the likelihood the parties will be able to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Possible solutions include:
- Extending the length of the contract to keep the overall revenue the same for the vendor but allow the subscriber a longer timeframe to generate that revenue;
- Lower revenue commitment amounts; or
- A combination of these solutions.
Business Intelligence (BI)
Tools and practices that transform data into reports, dashboards, and insights.
Business–IT Alignment
The degree to which technology initiatives directly support business priorities and outcomes.
C
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is designed to give Californians control over the use of personal data. According to the California Office of the Attorney General, CCPA applies to for-profit businesses that do business in California. CCPA does not apply to government or not-for-profit organizations. To learn more visit oag.ca.gov
Caller ID Spoofing
Caller ID spoofing is the practice of changing the call information that is displayed to a called party. Caller ID spoofing is illegal. The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 states “It shall be unlawful for any person within the United States, in connection with any telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service, to cause any caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value…” There are a few exceptions to the Act that address authorized law enforcement and court-ordered actions.
Capital Expenditure (CapEx)
Upfront investments in assets such as hardware or long-term software licenses.
Carrier
A type of vendor that supplies customers with service (including airtime) for their wireless phones.
Carrier Administrative Charges (CAC)
Carrier Administrative Charges (CAC) are not taxes. They are cost recovery fees that carriers are allowed to assess to recoup the cost of collecting various other surcharges and fees. Administrative charges date back to the mid-1990s and serve to make carriers whole for costs incurred while collecting mandated surcharges and fees established by the Telecom Act of 1996.
Carrier Tiers
Traditionally, carrier tiers have been used to define network services infrastructure ownership: Tier 1 carriers own network services infrastructure, Tier 2 carriers own part of the network services infrastructure and lease part from Tier 1 carriers, and Tier 3 carriers lease and resell network services infrastructure. The meaning of the tier terms can vary, though. Some use tiers to differentiate network attributes, such as reliability and traffic priority, with Tier 1 being the highest and Tier 3 being the lowest. To avoid confusion, it’s best practice to confirm the scope of meaning in context with each vendor.
Center of Excellence (CoE)
A specialized team that sets standards, shares best practices, and accelerates adoption of a specific capability
or technology.
Change Control
The formal process for proposing, reviewing, approving, and implementing changes to scope, design, or
configuration.
Change Management (ITSM)
The controlled process for planning, approving, and implementing changes in production environments.
Change Management (Organizational)
The structured approach to preparing people and teams for new processes and technologies.
Chargeback/Showback
Methods for reporting or allocating IT costs to business units based on usage.
Clawback
A clawback refers to recovering funds that have been disbursed. Depending on the context, clawback clauses can benefit customers or carriers. If the clawback clause addresses a customer’s ability to recoup overcharges that have been paid to a carrier, then it benefits the customer. If the clawback clause addresses a carrier’s ability to recoup credits or bonus discounts applied to a customer’s invoice, then it benefits the carrier.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is put between cloud service consumers and providers to act as a security policy enforcement point. As cloud-based assets are accessed, a CASB combines and adds enterprise security policies. Visibility, compliance, data security, and threat protection are the foundational aspects of a CASB.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is on demand delivery of computing resources using the internet. The computing resources vary. Platform as a Service (PaaS) refers to computing resources like web services and databases. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) refers to computing resources like servers and virtual machines.
Cloud Native
The term cloud native refers to the practice of designing, deploying, and managing applications completely in the cloud.
Committed information Rate (CIR)
The guaranteed speed that a customer’s data will travel across a shared data network.
Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs)
Appeared after the breakup of AT&T; they are an alternate LEC and compete with incumbent LECs (ILECs). CLECs may be other phone companies or other types of companies, including internet service providers, cable tv providers and local power companies. CLECs often use the existing ILEC infrastructure to deliver their local phone services.
Compliance
Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards that govern how technology and data are used.
Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is an ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) concept that defines a data warehouse of IT assets and services, configuration details, and data relationships. Essentially, CMDB enhances lifecycle management of IT assets and services by improving access to the data and information required to manage the environment.
Containerization
Packaging applications and their dependencies into isolated units that can run consistently across environments.
Continuous Delivery (CD)
Automatically preparing and validating code so it can be deployed to production at any time.
Continuous Integration (CI)
Frequently merging code changes into a shared repository and automatically testing them.
Contract
A signed agreement between enterprises and vendors. The contract may not be all inclusive of the terms of service. It may contain a master service agreement along with service orders that detail changes made to the original contract.
Contract Duration
The length of the contract (from effective date to end date).
Contract Management
The lifecycle activities of negotiating, monitoring, and renewing technology contracts.
Contractual terms and conditions
Contractual terms and conditions refer to any quantifiable measurement within the contract relative to the provider’s performance. Documented commitments outside of contracts include items – such as SLAs – that may be contained within the tariff or service/price guide instead of within the contract itself.
Contributory Services
Revenue from contracted services which counts towards the customer’s commitments.
Co-sourcing
The process of combining internal services and external, third-party services to complete the work.
CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information)
CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) is an information privacy provision in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S. Code Section 222). Its purpose is to protect the sale and use of customer information without consent. CPNI applies to telecommunications carriers, interconnected VoIP services providers, and commercial mobile radio services providers. It covers services, configuration details, location, usage volume, and billing information. The use of service address and location information by emergency services providers is excluded from CPNI rules. Customers may opt-out of CPNI according to individual carrier identified methods widely available on their websites. CPNI laws also enable customers to require carriers to disclose CPNI data to any party the customer designates, which may prove useful when working with consultants and third parties that require carrier information.
Credit
An amount a vendor applies to a customer’s account based upon amounts already billed This reduces the amount due from the client.
Cross-Functional Team
A group composed of members from different disciplines who work together toward a common goal.
CSP (Communications Service Provider)
C-Suite
Business officers with “chief” in their title (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, et cetera).
Customer Experience (CX)
Customer experience (CX) is the collective sentiment a customer forms from all interactions with a business, product, or brand.
Customer Service Record (CSR)
Customer Service Record (CSR) offer service, configuration, and charge detail for local exchange carrier services at a deeper level than most invoices. Common details that are available on CSRs that do not always appear on invoices include service address, line features, line configuration details, circuit mileage, surcharge detail, and tax detail. This information allows a complete validation and reconciliation of the services invoiced.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to our cyber and physical infrastructure for the United States.
D
Dark Fiber
The term dark fiber refers to fiber optic cables that are physically installed and available for use but are not currently used by a carrier, operator or private entity. Dark fiber can be leased or purchased by organizations that wish to create a private network between two or more locations.
Data Governance
The framework for managing data ownership, quality, access, and usage across the organization.
Data Lake
A large, flexible repository that stores raw data in its native format for later processing.
Data Plan Usage
The total amount of data, typically represented in gigabytes, consumed by a mobile user in a timeframe.
Data Privacy
The protection and proper handling of personal or sensitive information.
Data Protection Impact Assessment
A Data Protection Impact Assessment is a GDPR compliance evaluation process designed to expose data protection risks. According to GDPR.eu, Article 35 GDPR states “Where a type of processing in particular using new technologies, and taking into account the nature, scope, context and purposes of the processing, is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, the controller shall, prior to the processing, carry out an assessment of the impact of the envisaged processing operations on the protection of personal data.”
Data Quality
The degree to which data is accurate, complete, consistent, and timely for its intended use.
Data Warehouse
A centralized store optimized for reporting and analytics using structured data.
Demarcation Point (DMARC)
The location where carrier telecom services (telephone, cable, fiber, et cetera) connect with the customer’s on-premise wiring. Generally, it is the dividing line in determining who is responsible for the installation and maintenance of wiring and equipment, the customer or the carrier.
Device-as-a-Service (DaaS)
Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) is a technology service delivery model that includes hardware, software, service, and support in a single subscription. DaaS subscriptions may be configured to support smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, or other endpoint-centric technology.
DevOps
A set of practices that integrates development and operations to enable faster, more reliable releases.
Digital Culture
Shared behaviors and values that support experimentation, collaboration, and data-driven decisions.
Digital Strategy
The specific plan for using digital channels, data, and platforms to create competitive advantage.
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is an Organization-wide change that uses digital technologies to improve processes, customer experience, and business models.
Digital Twin
A virtual representation of a physical object or system that is used for simulation and analysis.
Discount
A reduction in the amount the customer owes the vendor. These can be specific dollars or percentages off a listed rate.
Disentanglement
Disentanglement is the act of separating tightly bound things. In technology management, the term is used to indicate that the separation process is complex and with some degree of risk. Replacing outsourcing vendors or technology infrastructure are scenarios in which the term disentanglement may be used.
Disruptive Technology
A technology that significantly changes markets or business models, often displacing incumbents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving laws are legislated on a state-by-state basis in the United States. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) compiles relevant distracted driving laws and resources. Visit ghsa.org for a complete list of state laws and related data.
Do Not Call Registry
The Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov) applies to consumer landline and wireless numbers. Registering your personal mobile phone number should afford you protection from businesses that abide by registry rules for contacting consumers; however, business-to-business calls are not protected. While registering a personal number, or any number for that fact, on the Do Not Call registry decreases the likelihood of legitimate telemarketing calls, there is no remedy should business-to-business calls be received.
E
E&M Signaling
E&M signaling is an analog private branch exchange (PBX) trunk technology. E&M refers to earth and magnet (or magneto), electrical current terminology used open or close a circuit. A closed circuit equates to an off-hook trunk and an open circuit is an on-hook circuit.
Economic Adjustment Charge
Verizon’s Economic Adjustment Charge is a per line user fee levied to help Verizon Wireless cover administrative, regulatory, and network costs.
Edge Computing
Edge computing is a distributed network model characterized by computing resources located at the edge of a network close to the devices collecting data. Traditional networks by contrast rely on centralized computing resources far away from the edge of the network. IoT and AI are examples of technology that rely on edge computing. The increasing availability of high-speed, low latency bandwidth like 5G will accelerate edge computing proliferation.
Effective Date
The day contract terms and conditions are in effect. The effective date of a contract may be any of the following:
- Date the subscriber signs the contract;
- Date the vendor signs the contract;
- Date the subscriber provisions, tests, and accepts the services; or
- Date contract information enters the vendor’s system.
Elasticity
In cloud computing, the term elasticity refers to the ability of the cloud environment to dynamically scale computing, memory, and storage resources automatically.
Employee Reimbursement Laws
Several states and jurisdictions including California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, and New Hampshire have laws that require employees to reimburse employees for expenses directly related to business activities. While jurisdictions vary, employers should examine reimbursement practices in light of forced and voluntary work from home conditions resulting from Covid-19 related shelter in place orders.
Encryption
Converting information into a coded form so only authorized parties can read it.
Enterprise
In the telecom environment, a business or organization that consumes fixed and mobile telecom solutions and services from vendors. Beyond hardware and software, solutions and services may include consulting, professional services, managed services, or business process outsourcing (BPO) services used by enterprises. Enterprises can include large global businesses, small and medium businesses that represent various industries, and public sector organizations.
Enterprise Architecture (EA)
The blueprint that shows how business processes, data, applications, and infrastructure fit together.
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
The comprehensive set of mobility-related people, processes, policies, vendors and technologies involved in managing the lifecycle of all mobile devices, M2M and IoT connected endpoints, services and applications within the enterprise.
Equipment Charges
Expenses related to the purchase of a smartphone, a tablet, or other piece of mobile equipment.
eSIM
eSIM stands for – embedded subscriber identity module. It is used in a mobile device to connect the device to the subscriber’s mobile carrier. It replaces a physical SIM card. The benefit of an eSIM to users is the ability to switch carriers without having to replace a physical card in the device.
Evergreen
Contracts that automatically renew at the end of the agreed upon term.
Evil Twin
An Evil Twin is a Wi-Fi hotspot that mimics a free public Wi-Fi hotspot and is used by bad actors to capture sensitive data transmitted from a laptop, tablet or mobile phone that connects to it.
Exclusivity
A contract condition where the customer agrees to a predetermined amount of a service with a single vendor.
F
Federal Excise Taxes
Taxes levied on specific goods, activities, or services (such as the Federal Telephone Excise Tax on local telecom services). Typically included in the price of the product.
Federation
According to NIST, federation is “a process that allows for the conveyance of identity and authentication information across a set of networked systems.”
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
A Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based solution that works much like a hardware firewall by filtering network traffic to protect an organization from security risks, but has several distinct advantages being based in the cloud. For example, a FWaaS is able to immediately scale to fit an expanding network.
Firm Order Commitment (FOC)
A Firm Order Commitment (FOC) date is a committed installation date from a carrier or service provider.
FirstNet
FirstNet is a wireless communications platform built by AT&T for first responders and public safety agencies in the United States. While preferred pricing is available to verified eligible subscribers, the primary purpose of FirstNet is ensuring first responders have priority access to reliable and secure wireless networks that allow them to fulfill their public safety obligations.
Fixed Telecom
Also known as wireline telecom, is comprised of devices or equipment connected by a series of metallic wires or glass fiber optic strands in order to transmit information.
Flat Rate Business Line
A line with a type of calling plan where the user receives unlimited usage within a specified calling area, paying the same per-minute rate regardless of the time of day or day of the week. The calling area can be local, regional or nationwide depending on the carrier and the offering.
G
Geo-Governmental Taxes
Taxes levied in specific geographic areas that are additional to any existing state, local, or municipal taxes.
Governance Committee
A group of leaders who review, prioritize, and oversee technology decisions and investments.
GPS Tracking Laws
Employers can track company assets such as vehicles, equipment, computers, smartphones, and tablets using GPS without employee consent in the United States. Tracking GPS of personal smartphones is not allowed without explicit employee consent, though. Also, state, federal and international laws vary on the topic of surveillance of employees outside of work hours or without consent. Laws will continue to evolve as digital footprints expand and data privacy expectations change. Best practices for businesses on this topic are to be transparent with employees, obtain consent as required, and monitor changing laws and regulations closely.
Gross Receipts Tax
A required tax the vendor pays on their sales profits (as assessed against their gross sales receipts).
H
Hold Harmless
A hold harmless clause protects one party from holding the other party liable for damages. It prevents the protected party from being sued for damages. Hold harmless clauses are common in technology contracts and should be evaluated for situational relevance in each instance.
Hybrid Cloud
An architecture that combines on-premises infrastructure with public or private cloud services.
I
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The processes and tools that control who can access what resources and under which conditions.
IIoT
Industrial internet of things (IIoT) is a sub-class of IoT devices used specifically in industrial applications that support automation of manufacturing and industrial practices. IIoT is a leading technology supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
IMEI is an acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies a mobile device. It’s like a VIN number on a vehicle. IMEI identifies device manufacturer and model along with operating system and hardware configuration details. Visit IMEI.info for free basic lookups and additional information.
Incident
An unplanned interruption or reduction in the quality of an IT service.
Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC)
The original LECs that offered local phone service in a market—considered the dominant phone carrier within a geographic area.
Indemnification
Indemnification is a contractual obligation whereby one party is required to compensate the other party for loss or harm caused by breach of contract. Indemnity may apply to one party (one-way indemnification) or both parties (two-way indemnification).
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is focused on automating the industry using smart technology. 5G, edge computing, AI/AR, IoT, and machine-to-machine are examples of technology that support the goal of automating manufacturing and industrial practices. Industry 4.0 is the successor to the digital revolution that was enabled by computing.
Information Security (InfoSec)
The protection of information’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Information Technology (IT)
Includes the services, systems, software, equipment, and peripherals that enterprises use to manage data, information, and network connectivity.
Infrastructure
The foundational hardware, software, networks, and facilities that run applications and services.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud services that provide virtualized computing, storage, and networking.
Innovation Management
The structured process of generating, evaluating, and implementing new ideas using technology.
Inside Wire Maintenance
Insurance offered by local exchange carriers (LECs) to cover the cost of repairs to infrastructure on the customer’s side.
Insourcing
The process of assigning a project to a person or group within the organization instead of hiring an outside person or company to do the work.
Integrated Access
A single system that provides access to different classes of service (such as voice and data).
Interexchange Carrier (IXC)
Refers to a telephone company that can provide long-distance telephone service between Local Access and Transport Areas (LATAs).
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a large, open, international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of connected physical devices that collect, send, and receive data.
Inventory
The aggregation of telecom and data services, assets, locations, invoices, contracts and related documentation to gather a clear and accurate picture of these elements in the telecom environment.
IoT
The acronym IoT stands for internet of things, which is an infinite collection of connected things, such as wearables, tracking sensors, and consumer devices.
ISO/IEC 27032:2012
ISO/IEC 27032:2012 is an international standard that addresses information security, network security, internet security, and critical information infrastructure protection. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent global membership organization comprised of 167 national standards bodies that collaborate and develop international standards.
ISV (Independent Software Vendor)
An independent software vendor (ISV) is a company that creates and sells software for use on various hardware platforms. This category of vendor is not part of a hardware manufacturer, thus making them independent.
IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)
The process of disposing outdated, unviable or unwanted IT assets through environmentally safe and responsible means. During ITAD, the IT assets go through a step-by-step process: identification and deinstallation of assets, secure data removal, and remarketing or disposal.
IT Budgeting
Planning and allocating financial resources for technology operations and investments.
IT Governance
The decision-making framework that defines who sets IT priorities, who owns risk, and how technology investments are
controlled.
IT Leadership
The set of skills and practices used to guide technology teams and investments toward business outcomes.
IT Operating Model
How the IT/technology function is structured, staffed, and run to deliver services and outcomes.
IT Service Management (ITSM) & IT Asset Management (ITAM)
IT Service Management (ITSM) and IT Asset Management (ITAM) business practices are not synonyms, but they are related. ITSM is a business practice focused on design and delivery of technology to the business, while ITAM is a business practice focused on managing the financial, contractual, and inventory aspects of the technology itself. ITSM is business-facing, while ITAM is internal IT management facing.
IT Strategy
IT Strategy The long-term plan for how technology will support and drive the organization’s business goals.
J
Jitter & Packet Loss
Jitter and packet loss are terms used to define and measure the integrity of data transmission across a packet-switched network. Jitter measures the variance in delivery time between data packets. Jitter is measured in milliseconds (ms); 1 second equals 1,000 ms. Inconsistent packet delivery degrades transmission quality. In the case of voice and video transmission, humans begin to perceive jitter with a delay of 10 ms, which manifests as choppy voice or video. Packet loss is the failure of a network to deliver all packets transmitted, which degrades overall data quality as well.
K
Kanban
A flow-based method that visualizes work and limits work-in-progress to improve throughput and stability.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI
A measurable value used to track progress toward a specific objective.
Keylogger
Keylogger software is surveillance software that records computer keystrokes. Keyloggers can be used for legitimate purposes such as activity and productivity monitoring or for nefarious purposes such as stealing usernames, passwords, and other personal information.
L
Last Mile
The final leg of a call’s journey as it travels from the origination point to the called party’s local service provider to the called party. That final stage (local service provider to called party) is known as the “last mile.”
Limitation of Liability
Determines the limit to financial rights available to the customer in the event that the vendor’s services do not perform as specified.
Line Access Fee
A standard, monthly recurring fee that vendors charge for a device to access their network.
Lifetime Value (LTV)
Lifetime Value (LTV) is a metric used by vendors to estimate the average revenue that will be earned per customer over the span of a commercial relationship. This metric may be applied to the relationship as a whole or just to certain products and services within the scope of the relationship.
LOA (Letters of Authorization or Letters of Agency)
Letters of Authorization (LOA) and Letters of Agency (LOA) allow third parties to access carrier information and make service inquires on behalf of a customer. They may also allow third parties to place orders, make account changes or perform other designated actions on the customer’s behalf. LOAs can be tricky, and vendors have different requirements for submitting LOAs. Check with your specific vendor on their LOA filing requirements or seek advice from your agent.
Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)
A telephone carrier that provides local exchange service or local exchange access. LEC is the regulatory term for a local telephone company.
Local Primary Interexchange Carrier (LPIC)
A company that handles local calls that terminate outside the local calling area but within the same Local Access and Transport Area (LATA).
Local Service Office (LSO)
A central office that serves a specific geographic region.
Low-Code/No-Code
Platforms that let users build applications with minimal traditional programming.
M
MACDs
An acronym for the moves, adds, changes, and disconnects that can occur in an enterprise’s dynamic telecom environment such as with telephone or data services.
Machine Learning (ML)
A subset of AI where systems learn patterns from data instead of being explicitly programmed.
MARC
Minimum annual revenue commitment; the minimum amount a customer pays a vendor during a 12-month period.
Master Data Management (MDM)
Processes and tools for creating a single, trusted source of key business data.
Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)
The average time needed to restore a failed service or component.
Messaging Plan Usage
The total number of messages consumed by a mobile subscriber each month.
Metadata
Data that describes other data, such as source, structure, and meaning.
Minimum Annual Revenue Commitment (MARC)
A revenue commitment where the customer agrees to satisfy a set amount during a 12-month window.
Minimum Usage Bills
Thrifty bills generated when a subscriber’s account is associated with an incorrect PIC code.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a development term that refers to a new product, typically within a start-up company. The term means that a product is developed to a functional stage to prove its viability. MVP is the base stage of a product that will be evolved and matured against customer and market feedback.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
The practice of deploying and managing mobile applications accessed via a wireless network.
Mobile Content Management (MCM)
The practice of maintaining control over all content accessed, transmitted and received on a wireless network via mobile device platforms.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) & Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
MDM and UEM are related terms. Mobile Device Management (MDM) refers to the practice and suite of technology solutions that enable an enterprise to manage its handheld cellular-enabled devices. Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) refers to the practice and suite of technology solutions that enable enterprises to manage all network endpoints (e.g., laptops, PCs, printers, IoT devices, mobile devices, connected handhelds, etc.). MDM is a subset of UEM.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a mobile carrier that buys network services from other mobile carriers and resells them using their own brand. They purchase in bulk and resell at a reduced rate. MVNOs are able to present a single offering to customers that is comprised of multiple mobile carriers’ services. There are several consumer-focused MVNOs and some business-focused MVNOs in operation today.
Mobility
A term often used when discussing cellular/wireless networks. It encompasses services, hardware and software associated with cellular communications.
MPOE
MPOE is an acronym for minimum point of entry. It denotes the physical location where a telecom provider’s network facilities (wiring or fiber) enter a customer’s premise. The MPOE is typically also the demarcation point (DMARC) for network responsibility. Customers are responsible for network facilities and equipment inside of the MPOE/DMARC, while telecom providers are responsible for the facilities and equipment outside of the MPOE/DMARC.
Multi-Cloud
Using services from more than one cloud provider within the same organization.
Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to present multiple independent credentials to be granted login access to a system or website. Passwords, passphrases, biometric verification, authenticator token devices, and authenticator apps on smartphones are examples of various credentials that may be part of MFA.
N
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is low power, wide area network technology that uses the LTE spectrum to connect IoT devices. The main application for NB IoT technology is to connect devices that require small amounts of data over long periods of time. NB-IoT is optimized for low power consumption, which extends battery life to 10 years or more.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is an agency within the Department of Commerce. According to its website, NTIA “is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth.”
Near-field communication (NFC)
Near-field communication (NFC) allows two electronic devices to communicate using a 13.56 MHz unlicensed radio frequency. Security cards, proximity keys, and payment cards are common applications for NFC, which communicates at a standard distance of 4cm or less with a maximum operating distance of 10cm.
Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) allows services to be virtualized on a network using existing physical devices. SDN and NFV are used in tandem by carriers and network providers to optimize network CAPEX investments and OPEX costs and to accelerate service deployment.
Network Redundancy & Network Diversity
Network redundancy and network diversity are not synonymous networking terms. Network Redundancy means multiple communications paths exist between systems. Network Diversity means that multiple communications paths using separate physical paths are present between systems. The distinction is critical in network design as redundancy does not guarantee path diversity. Redundant circuits using the same physical path present a single point of network failure in events such as a backhoe breaching an underground conduit.
NG9-1-1
NG9-1-1 is the next-generation standard supporting digital IP-based 9-1-1 services. Visit nena.org for additional information on NG9-1-1.
NIST 800-88
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has published NIST Special Publication 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization, to address mobile device wipes. NIST defines media sanitization as ‘a process that renders access to target data on the media infeasible for a given level of effort’ and the publication covers mobile devices as well as other hard copy and network device sanitization. The publication can be found at nist.gov.
North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is an integrated telephone numbering plan serving 20 North American countries that share its resources. These countries include the United States and its territories, Canada, Bermuda, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks & Caicos. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) is a neutral, non-regulatory entity that administers the numbering plan.
NPA-NXX
Represents the first six digits of a 10-digit North American telephone number. The first three (NPA) refer to the numbering plan area (or area code) and the final three refer to the exchange (NXX).
Number Portability
Number Portability allows mobile users to port a number between carriers. It is available in many countries, but it is not ubiquitous. Check with the telecommunications regulatory body for each country in question to learn the details of availability.
O
On-Premises
Technology that is physically hosted and managed in facilities owned.
Operating Expenditure (OpEx)
Ongoing costs to run and support technology services, often including subscriptions.
Operational objectives
Operational objectives can include any activity that relates to operational processes that are performed within the organization.
Optimization
A process used by organizations to improve upon policies and procedures; introduce or refine KPIs for their departments, as well as their individual employees; and reduce uncontrolled or unnecessary spend, which drives out waste.
Outsourcing
The process of hiring a third-party to do work traditionally done by the organization’s itself.
Over-the-Top (OTT)
Over-the-Top (OTT) refers to a service that is delivered over an existing transport infrastructure. The services and connectivity can be provided independently. Streaming media is the most common OTT service.
P
Pallone-Thune TRACED Act
The Pallone-Thune TRACED Act (Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act) gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) additional tools to fight unlawful robocalls. The FCC can now fine violators of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) without the requirement to first issue a warning citation and the FCC can pursue violations for up to four years as opposed to the one-year statute of limitation previously established. Additionally, the FCC can now require all telephone providers to adopt call authentication technologies over the next 18 months without issuing line item charges for call authentication to customers.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
A set of security standards created to ensure that all organizations that accept credit card payments securely manage cardholder data.
Pay-per-use Feature
A service offered by a local exchange carrier that incurs a usage fee each time.
Payment Terms
Determines the amount of time (calendar days) a customer has to pay the invoice.
Payment Terms Negotiations
Payment terms are negotiable. When negotiating terms and conditions for carriers and other vendor contracts, consider everything eligible for negotiation; there are no hard and fast rules prohibiting negotiation of any term or condition. Not all carriers will concede to requested payment terms, but equitable terms may be achieved through negotiation.
Penetration Testing
Authorized simulated attacks used to find exploitable vulnerabilities in systems and networks
Performance Guarantee
Service level agreements that define levels of performance to be met and remedy for non-compliance.
Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (PIFTA)
The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (PIFTA) prohibits states and localities from levying taxes on internet access. While the title of the legislation indicates permanency, there is no guarantee that internet access will remain tax-free in the future.
Personal Cloud
A personal cloud is a consumer-based term that refers to a collection of personal digital content accessible from a variety of devices and a variety of locations over a public internet connection.
Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)
China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) became effective on November 1, 2021. It applies to all entities that process the personal information of Chinese citizens living inside and outside of China. When personal information processing occurs outside of China to provide products or services, or to analyze the behavior of individuals in China, compliance with PIPL requires the processor to have a representative or dedicated office in China to support personal information protection.
PIC Change Fee
A one-time charge assessed by the vendor when a client changes his or her long-distance carrier.
PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act)
PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, is a Canadian law that governs the collection of personal information and individual consent requirements for the use and disclosure of the information.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Cloud services that provide a managed platform for building and running applications.
Policy
The practice of documenting and advising on enterprise business rules, guiding network systems policy for the enterprise including intended use, policy acceptance, policy updates or revisions, compliance monitoring and reporting, and supporting resolution of out-of-scope occurrences.
Pooled Plan
A mobile service configuration that enables multiple users on the same plan to access a shared pool of minutes and data on a monthly basis. There are two Pooled Plan types…
- One Amount Distributed Across Users: Each individual user receives a specific number of minutes, messages, and/or gigabytes of data each month.
- One Amount Shared by All Users: Each month, individual users pull from the allotted number of minutes, messages, and/or gigabytes of data (as needed).
Portfolio Management
The practice of selecting and balancing projects and products to maximize value and align with strategy.
POTS-in-a-Box
POTS-in-a-Box is a term for a device that replaces traditional landline network services or plain old telephone service (POTS) by converting analog inputs to digital outputs transmitted across a cellular network. Demand for these devices is on the rise as wireline network carriers decommission PSTN services in favor of IP network technology. The lifespan of traditional phone lines, modem lines, FAX lines, and alarm lines that still require an analog network connection can be extended using a POTS-in-a-Box device.
Presubscribed (or Primary) Interexchange Carrier Charge (PICC)
Pronounced as “pixie,” a fee charged by an LEC to an IXC for maintaining PIC codes.
Price Guide
Also known as a service guide. It shows recurring charges before the application of taxes, surcharges, or discounts. May also contain:
- Feature pricing
- Geographic pricing based upon service definition
- Payment terms
- Ownership and leasing options
- Limitations of liability
- Implementation timelines for services
- Maintenance responsibility
- Average mean time to respond
- Common service level and quality of service agreements
- Current promotions
Primary Interexchange Carrier (PIC)
A carrier that provides long-distance services.
Primary Interexchange Carrier (PIC) Freeze
A written notification from a customer to their LEC stating that they are not to change the PIC without his or her authorization.
Problem Management
The process of identifying and eliminating the underlying causes of incidents.
Procurement
The operational process of acquiring a sourced solution. Involves placing the order, confirming the order, negotiating and managing the contract, and monitoring inventory.
Product Management
Managing a technology product’s lifecycle, vision, roadmap, and value to customers and the business
Product Owner
The role responsible for defining and prioritizing the work that delivers value in an Agile product or team.
Program Management
Coordinating a group of related projects to achieve benefits that could not be achieved if managed separately.
Project Management
The discipline of planning, executing, and closing work to deliver a defined outcome within scope, time, and budget.
Project Portfolio Management (PPM)
Centralized oversight of all projects to prioritize, fund, and track them as a single portfolio.
Proof of Concept (POC)
A small, time-boxed experiment to validate whether a technology or approach is feasible.
Property Tax Allotment
Property Tax Allotment is a surcharge that carriers assess to recover property taxes paid. Legislation allows carriers to recoup the amount of property taxes they pay by assessing this surcharge to its customers.
PSTN Decommissioning
Telephone service providers are aggressively investing in IP infrastructure to replace the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Most providers would prefer to turn off traditional landlines sooner rather than later. Desire aside, PSTN’s replacement must be geographically available before it can be fully sunset. There have been various complete sunset date predictions that range from 2024 to 2030; however, this does not mean it will be a slow transition for all. Slate this topic for business review meetings with each of your PSTN providers and enquire about specific transition plans, dates, and notification protocols to gain more insight on the impact of PSTN retirement for your organization.
Public Utility Commission (PUC)
A state-level governmental agency that regulates specific industries, including telecom, within the borders of the state. These agencies may go by different names, depending on the state. The most common names include the Public Utilities Commission or the Public Service Commission.
PUK (Personal Unlock Key)
A PUK code is a Personal Unlock Key on mobile devices that secures SIM card data. In cases where a SIM card PIN number has been entered incorrectly multiple times, the PUK code is needed to unlock the SIM. This code can be obtained from your carrier.
Q
Quality Assurance (QA)
The proactive practice of identifying and eliminating inefficiencies found within a system or process.
Quality Control (QC)
The practice of identifying and correcting errors within a system or process.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Refers to a network’s ability to achieve maximum bandwidth and deal with other network performance elements like latency, error rate and uptime. QoS also involves controlling and managing network resources by setting priorities for specific types of data (i.e., video, audio and files) on the network.
R
RACI Matrix
A simple tool that clarifies who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for key activities.
Radio Access Network (RAN)
A radio access network (RAN) is a wireless network comprised of base stations and antennas that connect user devices to a communications network.
Ramp Up/Down Clause
Identifies variations in commitments over the term of the contract period (increases/decreases).
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is, unfortunately, exactly what its name implies. It is a malware subscription service that allows bad actors to steal data and extort the owners of the data. RaaS expands the capability of ransomware attacks to anyone inclined to perpetrate the crime via subscription to the service.
Rate Table/Rate Card
List of applicable rates for services.
Real-Time Location Systems (RLTS)
Real-time location systems (RLTS) are used to accurately identify the location of physical assets or persons. Transponders affixed or embedded in a tracked item allow location software and receivers to pinpoint the location of the item. Global positioning system (GPS) tags, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and microchips are examples of transponders.
Real-Time Text (RTT)
Real-Time Text (RTT) is an instant communications method that allows the recipient to read a message as it is being typed. The goal behind RTT is to promote conversational communications as opposed to one-way communications with traditional text messages that are not real-time. Additionally, RTT is being developed as a potential replacement for TTY transmissions for the deaf.
Refund
A physical return of funds from the vendor to a customer. A check is issued to (and then deposited by) the customer. Refunds are rare within telecom—venders generally prefer to issue credits.
Remediation Clause
The language that specifically defines how contract disputes are resolved.
Rental
The term rental on a European telecom invoice means the same thing as the term recurring charge on U.S. telecom invoices. Note that often the recurring charge from U.S. telecom vendors is assessed and paid monthly, while telecom vendors across the global may assess rentals on a quarterly basis or other non-monthly period.
Reporting
The practice of creating and delivering technical, financial and operational information to network management stakeholders and creating and delivering performance information to business stakeholders to illustrate the business value of performance efficiency, opportunity, identification and strategic business enablement.
Request for Information (RFI)
A solicitation document used to obtain general information of the products or services offered by vendors. The RFI helps an organization determine the current market for a product or service and may shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of potential vendors.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
A detailed solicitation document prepared by the buyer and sent to one or more vendors. The RFP should clearly define the buyer’s product or service requirements and evaluation criteria. The purpose of the RFP is to solicit business proposals from the contacted vendors in order to determine who can best meet the buyer’s needs.
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
A solicitation document sent to potential vendors to receive pricing estimates for their products or services.
Requirements Management
The process of capturing, analyzing, approving, and tracking what a solution must do.
Resilience
Resilience in networking refers to the ability of a system, network, or service to quickly recover from an outage or interruption.
Return on Investment (ROI)
A financial measure comparing the net benefit of a technology initiative to its cost.
Revenue Commitment
A clause stating that an enterprise agrees to spend a predetermined amount of money over a designated amount of time with a vendor.
Rich Communications Services (RCS)
Rich Communications Services (RCS) is a GSM Association standard for advanced messaging that is aiming to replace SMS. The goal of RCS is to provide traditional messaging and chat services, as well as advanced services including audio messaging, video calling, content sharing, presence services, and geolocation information exchange.
Rip & Replace
Rip & Replace is slang term used to indicate that network hardware is being removed and completely replaced with new hardware.
Remuneration
The word remuneration means to pay back or compensate. The word may appear in contract terms associated with performance guarantees, such as service level agreements, which are not being met. Remuneration in this case refers to making a party financially whole as a result of another party not meeting commitments.
Risk Register
A documented list of identified risks, their impact, likelihood, and mitigation plans.
Roaming Charges
Charges incurred when accessing a contracted mobile service provider’s network using another service provider’s equipment. If a subscriber is out of the country, these charges would appear as international roaming charges.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
A structured investigation to find the fundamental reason a problem occurred.
S
Scope Creep
Gradual, uncontrolled expansion of project scope without corresponding time, cost, or resource changes.
Scrum
A popular Agile framework that uses fixed-length sprints, defined roles, and ceremonies to organize work.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a mash-up of SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) and security in a single cloud-delivered service. This emerging cloud service is poised to simplify network architecture and scalability.
Secure web gateway (SWG)
A Secure web gateway (SWG) can be software or a hardware appliance that controls traffic between a public network and an internal network. SWGs are designed to prohibit unsecure internet traffic from entering an internal network thus reducing cybersecurity risk associated with malware, viruses, malicious website, etc.
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is a technical standard used by identity management providers to authenticate a user in a system.
Service Catalog
A formal listing of the IT services available to customers or users, often with request options.
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Agreements between the vendor and enterprise establishing a set of metrics for the vendor to meet. SLAs typically provide metrics ensuring network availability, restoration times for outages, response time, latency, delivery rates and billing accuracy. They also establish trouble-reporting procedures, escalation procedures and penalties for not meeting the agreed upon level of service.
Service Level Objective (SLO)
An internal target for service performance, often used to guide vendor and operations decisions.
Service Level Objective (SLO)
SLO is an acronym for service level objective. It is similar to a service level agreement (SLA) but contains no performance guarantees or remedies should the performance objective not be met. SLOs are useful in a vendor customer relationship when the vendor desires to illustrate a performance target related to the solution or scope of work delivered, but the performance target is not contractually tied to a performance guarantee.
Service Orientation
A mindset that focuses technology work on delivering value and a positive experience to users.
Service provider
A vendor (seller) who provides IT services or solutions to an end-user or organization.
Services
A vendor (seller) who provides IT services or solutions to an end-user or organization.
Shortfall
The condition that occurs when revenue commitments are not met.
Shortfall Penalty
Any penalty for not meeting volume commitments.
Skills Gap
The difference between the capabilities needed and those
currently available in the workforce.
SLAs
Service Level Agreements; used to understand service level measurements and, if applicable, remedy for non-compliance.
Smishing
Scammers are notorious for attempting to collect personal information, usernames, and passwords via phone calls and emails. This illicit practice is called phishing. Smishing is a scam that uses SMS and other short form messaging services to phish for personal information. Smishing messages frequently include a URL and an urgent message to compel the recipient to click on a link to confirm confidential information, such as bank login credentials. To avoid being scammed by a smishing attack, delete suspicious messages and only click links sent from trusted parties.
Social Engineering
In the context of information security, social engineering is psychological manipulation designed to coerce people into sharing confidential information. Sometimes referred to as human hacking, social engineering uses deception techniques, such as impersonating a known person, to build trust and put the subject of the attack at ease so they are more likely to share confidential information.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A formal listing of the IT services available to customers or users, often with request options.
Software Defined Networks (SDN)
Software Defined Networks (SDN) separate network control from network equipment. It’s an architecture that allows networks to be flexible and improves the economics of network management.
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
The structured set of phases used to plan, build, test, deploy, and maintain software.
Stakeholder
A person, group, or organization that has interest or concern in an organization.
Stakeholder Management
Identifying, analyzing, and engaging people who are affected by or can influence a technology initiative.
State, Local, and Municipal Taxes
Taxes levied by a state, city, county, township, or other type of municipality on the services offered by vendors.
Strategic Sourcing
A structured approach to selecting vendors that balance cost, quality, and risk.
Surcharge
A fee originally charged to the vendor by an outside authority, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or a state Public Utility Commission (PUC), that the vendor then passes along to the customer.
T
Tariffs
Official, intrastate documents registered with the FCC and filed by telecom service providers with that state’s public utilities commission. FCC tariffs are a requirement in just those states with regulated service. Tariffs generally contain the same basic information:
- Cities and service areas covered by the provider
- The exchange rate classification for each service area
- Access charges
- A listing of services (along with the base recurring rates for each)
Technical Debt
The extra work created when teams choose quicker, less optimal solutions instead of cleaner designs.
Technology Hotelling
Technology Hotelling is the practice of delivering communications services to a shared or unassigned workspace. Organizations that have employees that travel between offices or work remotely part of the time and in the office part of the time provide voice and data connectivity in workspaces that allows users to access the voice and data network. Unified communications and presence technology has greatly eased the administration of shared workspace, as users can connect to the network virtually anywhere, and voice and messaging callers can reach them without the need to know their physical location.
Technology Roadmap
A time-phased plan that shows when and how key technologies, systems, and capabilities will be delivered.
Technology Upgrade Clause
A stipulation included in a contract with a service provider that allows subscribers to take advantage of new technologies by replacing existing technologies during the life of the contract.
Telecom
Short for telecommunications, the transmission, or communication, of information over a distance via one or more wired or wireless networks. Encompasses voice and data services, along with the hardware and software, that provide WAN, internet, voice and video connectivity.
Telecom Expense Management
The practice of ensuring an accurate and optimal service-to-cost return in the telecom environment.
Telecom Management
The supervision of all network services, carrier services, mobility and IoT solutions, cloud solutions, software, hardware, and emerging technologies that impact telecom environment performance.
Telecom Sourcing
The strategic process of finding a cost-effective way to obtain an appropriate solution, while at the same time maintaining quality and service across the organization.
Telehealth & Connected Care
Telehealth has been evolving in the US for several years. Broadly, telehealth offers patient-provider care remotely and can include video chat visits for routine and non-emergency diagnosis and care. A specific focus of telehealth is providing long-term care to users that do not have access to high-speed networks and/or suitable devices for telehealth visits. In March 2020, the FCC approved a pilot program named Connected Care that is designed to support telehealth for low-income Americans and veterans.
Telephone Number (TN)
Acronym for telephone number.
Termination
The act of ending an agreement or discontinuing a service.
Termination Liability
Stated liabilities if you terminate the contract prior to the expiration date. Early termination fees.
Text Spam
Unwanted text messages can be more than frustrating. They can be used for social hacking and for distributing malware, trojans, and ransomware. Wireless carriers, regulatory agencies, and advocacy groups in the United States are actively working to reduce the threats and lessen the impact of spam text messages. Best practice to support the cause is to report and block spam messages using native messaging apps on your device or to copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). While these actions may not eliminate all spam messages, reporting spam enables various industry parties to collect critical data and take action to reduce ongoing threats.
Third-Party Billers
Companies that attempt to bill for services that were either not provided or that a subscriber did not contract to receive. Also known as “back of bill” billers.
Thrifty Billing
A form of loose traffic where, instead of charges appearing on the master account invoice, a stand-alone invoice generates for long-distance traffic not associated with a master account. Originally coined by AT&T and, later, adopted by other providers.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The full cost of owning and operating a technology asset over its lifetime.
Truth-in-Billing Requirements
Code of Federal Regulations Title 47, Section 64.2401 Truth-in-Billing Requirements establishes enforceable rules for telecommunications bills. It addresses bill organization, descriptions of billed charges, “deniable” and “non-deniable” charges, clear and conspicuous disclosure of inquiry contacts, definition of clear and conspicuous, blocking of third-party changes, and prohibition against unauthorized charges.
U
Unified Threat Management (UTM)
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Special Publication 800-41, Revision 1, “a typical unified threat management (UTM) system has a firewall, malware detection and eradication, sensing and blocking of suspicious network probes, and so on.”
Uptime
The percentage of time a system or service is available and functioning as intended.
V
Value Added Tax (VAT)
A Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax assessed against the value added to goods and services at each stage of the supply chain, which may include developing, sourcing, manufacturing, assembling, fulfilling, distributing, selling, etc.
Vendor
Anyone who sells goods or services to someone else.
Virtual Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE)
Virtual Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE) is software that delivers network functions traditionally delivered by hardware. It’s used in SD-WAN networks to virtualize routing, VPN, and firewall functions.
Virtual Machine (VM)
A virtual machine (VM) is cloud-based computing environment that behaves the same as a physical computer.
Version Control
The system that tracks changes to code or configuration and enables collaboration and rollback.
Virtualization
Technology that allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical host.
Voice Plan Usage
The total number of voice minutes consumed by a mobile user each month.
Vendor Management
Coordinating and overseeing third-party technology providers to meet performance and risk expectations.
Volume Commitment
Determines customer commitments to purchase a minimum quantity of services and/or spend a minimum amount on services for a defined period (monthly, annually).
Volume Commitment Attainment
The volume/quantity of service commitment fulfilled by the customer during the period in which the commitment is to be satisfied.
Vulnerability Management
The ongoing process of finding, assessing, and remediating security weaknesses.
W
Waiver of Administrative Fee
Conditions present in which vendors waive certain administrative fees.
Waiver of Surcharges/Fees
Conditions present in which vendors waive certain surcharges/fees.
Waterfall
A linear SDLC approach where phases follow one another in sequence with limited iteration.
Wi-Fi Alliance®
Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit organization that owns the Wi-Fi® trademark and “drives global Wi-Fi adoption and evolution through thought leadership, spectrum advocacy, and industry-wide collaboration. Our work includes the development of innovative technologies, requirements, and test programs that help ensure Wi-Fi provides users the interoperability, security, and reliability they have come to expect.”
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are governed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. FEMA administers the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which is a public safety system connected with participating wireless carriers. Organizations such as county, city, state and federal public safety agencies can register to be an alerting authority in IPAWS, and this allows them to broadcast WEA messages through participating wireless carriers to user devices supporting WEA.
Workforce Transformation
Reskilling, upskilling, and reorganizing staff to support new technologies and ways of working.
Works Council
A works council in Germany is an employee elected body that represents the interests of employees in a business. A unique right of a works council regarding social matters, such as company code of conduct rules and the introduction and application of technology, is called comprehensive codetermination. This means that an employer cannot implement certain social measures without previous agreement from the works council. Technology policy is considered a social matter, so the works council must agree to the provisions of the policy before it is implemented. Failure to secure an agreement can result in costly arbitration for the employer and workers frequently have an advantage over employers in arbitration cases.
Z
Zero Trust
Zero Trust is a security model that calls for verification of everything across a network. Essentially, the concept espouses the belief that no one should be trusted; rather, users should be verified regardless of where the user is located on the network (i.e., inside or outside of the network firewall).
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) creates an access boundary around applications, hiding them from discovery. A trust broker only allows specifically named participants the ability to access the applications, keeping them out of public view and safer from potential attack.
Zombie
A zombie is a computer connected to a network that has been hacked with the intent of using the compromised computer to conduct malicious tasks without the computer owner’s knowledge.