Telecommunications Definitions, ICT Definitions and Phone Industry Glossary  

Aussie Phone Brokers - Telecommunications Glossary

'M' Glossary Terms

Mbps - Megabits per second

Data transfer rate measurement of one million bits per second.  See also bps.

 

MegaPoP

The series of 019 numbers which allow national dial-up Internet access at the cost of a local call from almost anywhere in Australia.

 

Memory Dialling

Using the phonebook features of a phone handset to retrieve and call a number.  Speed dial is one example of this.  Dialling using number recall features is another.

 

Memory Effect

Loss of capacity of Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) rechargeable battery.  Recharging the battery before it is completely discharged, or using the battery before it is completely recharged, can result in that battery losing the ability to reach its original capacity.  This effect may be reduced through several full discharge and charging cycles.  Nowadays NiCd and NiMH batteries are not in prevalent use.

 

MEO (Satellite) - Medium Earth-Orbit (Satellite)

Also called ICO (Intermediate Circular Orbit), denotes satellites placed in an orbit greater than LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and less than GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit).  The satellites for the global navigation system GPS (Global Positioning System) operate in MEO.

 

MessageBank (brand name)

Telstra product brand name for a voicemail service.  For landlines:  Callers can be directed to MessageBank when their call is unanswered or if the phone is busy.  For mobiles:  Callers offered by Telstra for its fixed-line customers. You can check your messages from any phone by calling your MessageBank and entering your secret PIN. There is a monthly fee added to your phone bill for this service.

 

MessageBank Virtual (brand name)

Telstra product.  Callers may use a non-connected (virtual) number to leave messages.

 

MHz - Megahertz

Frequency rate measurement of one million hertz.  See also Hz.

 

Microwave (Telecommunications)

Microwave telecommunications is the use of microwaves as a communication medium.  Microwave communications are restricted to line-of-sight only.

 

Minimum Call Cost

Different to a Flagfall cost, the minimum call cost is the minimum charge for an individual call.  Difference:  Whilst the Flagfall is charged at the connection of a call and then rate charges added, the minimum call cost is only applied if the call cost does not exceed minimum amount.

 

Minimum Commitment

Term used to describe the total commitment amount of a contract.  For early termination of a contract, payment of the minimum commitment will often be enforced.  See also Minimum Monthly Commitment.

 

Minimum Monthly Commitment

The agreed monthly charge for available connection of a service to a network.  This minimum charge will still be applied, irrespective of usage.  For instance:  A $99 Cap plan, with $700 of included calls and a minimum commitment of $70, will cost $70 per month even when the phone is not being used.  Also called a Connection Fee, Minimum Commitment, Monthly Access Charge, Monthly Access Fee, Monthly Connection Fee, etc.

 

MMDS - Multichannel Multipoint Distribution System

Wireless broadband alternative to the local loop (traditional copper connections) and permits a high bandwidth traffics up to 10 Mbps.

 

MMS - Multimedia Message Service

An EMS (Electronic Messaging System) used to deliver text, images, sounds and limited video to mobile handsets.  Platform built to expand SMSs.

 

MNP - Mobile Number Portability

The ability for a customer to retain their existing mobile number when changing mobile service providers.  Mobile numbers are assigned to SIM cards and a mobile number port occurs like this:  Usually a new SIM is issued, with a temporary mobile number imprinted on it.  Then, when 'the port' happens, the existing number is written over the new SIM's temporary number and the old SIM is left inactive.  During the mobile number porting, the mobile number is unreachable through either carrier for approximately 15 minutes.

 

MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network Operator

Distinct from a mobile service provider who acts as a reseller of mobile network services, a MNVO buys wholesale capacity from a mobile network carrier and retails its own services.

 

Mobile Coverage

The locations in which a user can connect to and use a mobile service from a nominated mobile phone network.  The Australian carriers all supply generalised Coverage Maps of their coverage areas.

 

Mobile Satellite Services

Voice and text mobile phone and PDA services provided by LEO and GEO Satellites.

 

Mobile to Mobile Call

A call type denoting a domestic call made from one mobile to another.  For the purposes of billing, call rates between mobiles are often charged at a different rate to other call types.  (Sometimes mobile to mobile call rates are segregated further; according to OnNet calls and OffNet calls.)

 

Modem

Amalgamating the terms: MOdulator and DEModulator, a Modem is a hardware device used to convert communications signals between analog and digital, or to modify digital signals between two parts of a network.  Modems are commonly used to connect a PC to the internet.

 

Modulated Signal

To alter a signal, for communications purposes.

 

Monophonic Ringtones

Simplistic ringtones which are made up of monophonic beeps.  Monophonic means: Capable of producing only one note at a time.

 

Monthly Access Fee

A set fee paid for available connection to a network.  May apply to both mobiles (see Minimum Monthly Spend) and landline connections (see Line Rental).  Separate to usage charges.

 

MSD - Mass Service Disruption

Occurs when normal operations of a carriage service provider are significantly disrupted by circumstances beyond that carrier's control.

 

MTSO - Mobile Telephone Switching Office

The CO (Central Office) that controls the activities in a mobile phone network.  A computerised system which maintains mobile calls, defines the current base-station for all its mobile devices, coordinates handoffs, notes drop-outs and provides billing information.

 

Multimedia

Information which may be data, voice, sounds, images or video.

 

Multiple Number (brand name)

Telstra service which provides more than one number to a phone line.  The alternate phone number may be billed separately and may also have a different ring tone applied.

 

Multiplex

Method used to transmit data from several sources along a single communications path, and be able to retrieve the intact information from any point along the path also.

 

These pages contains commonly used terms and their definitions for the Australian telecommunications industry.  The terms found here refer to the ICT industry (Information and Communication Technology), IT industry (Information Technology) and the general Telecommunications Industry - including Mobile Telecommunications, Fixed Line services and IP telecommunications.

Please use the index below:

  0-9  :  A  :  B  :  C  :  D  :  E  :  F  :  G  :  H  :  I  :  J  :  K  :  L  :  M
 :  N  :  O  :  P  :  Q  :  R  :  S  :  T  :  U  :  V  :  W  :  X  :  Y  :  Z