Glossary
This glossary can help you find a definition for a term, or the full version of an acronym or abbreviation.
1-9
1xRTT (Radio Transmission Technology)
1xRTT is a 2.5G development of CDMA technology for access to the Internet at high speeds over the CDMA mobile telephone network. With CDMA 1xRTT you don't need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet; CDMA 1xRTT provides a direct dial up connection to the Internet. However, you will need an ISP or a content provider to supply an email service.
3G
Refers to the wireless communications that involves internet access and data delivery to mobile phones with audio, moving colour images and sophisticated internet services.
3G 2100
Third Generation mobile technology operating on 2100Mhz spectrum, offered by Telstra in partnership with Hutchison Telecommunications Australia (HTA).
3G GSM (Third Generation (3G) Mobiles)
Third Generation Global System for mobile communications - is the evolution of the current GSM 2G and 2.5G technology to support voice and high speed data and multimedia services.
3GSM 850
Third Generation mobile technology operating on 850Mhz spectrum: Telstra's own new national network, currently under construction, also uses 3G-HSDPA on 850Mhz, a technology enhancement which provides greater breadth, much faster speeds when using HSDPA handsets and lower capital costs as 850 requires fewer base stations than 2100 to achieve the same coverage.
a
A-IFRS (Australian equivalent of International Financial Reporting Standards)
Refers to Australian equivalent of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Abbreviated Dialling
A dialling short-cut to save time and effort. Speed dialling is a typical example of this feature.
ACA (Australian Communications Authority)
Refers to the Australian Communications Authority.
ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
Refers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - the body responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry.
Access line
A fixed or wireless local access connection between a customer's premises and a carrier's local switch.
Accessories (mobile phone)
This is the name given to equipment that enhances the productivity and aesthetic appearance of mobile phones. Accessories include batteries, chargers, headsets, car kits, coloured covers and carrying cases.
Accounting period
Companies prepare reports of their financial transactions over specific periods of time, referred to as accounting periods. These are usually for one year, though interim reports are often drawn up for use by internal management at monthly or quarterly intervals. Telstra's financial year-end is 30 June.
ACIF (Australian Communications Industry Forum)
Refers to the Australian Communications Industry Forum.
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)
Refers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority - responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radio communications, telecommunications and online content.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
A broadband technology that provides access to the internet at fast speeds. ADSL - sometimes shortened to simply 'DSL' - uses a data transmission technology that allows high speed data to be carried over everyday copper network phone lines. These data rates can enable the delivery of voice, data and video services.
AGAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Australia)
Refers to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Australia.
AGM (Annual General Meeting)
Meetings where the directors and shareholders of a company get together once a year, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is open to all shareholders.
Airtime
Airtime refers to the amount of time you spend using a mobile phone.
Alphanumeric
A message or other type of read-out containing both letters ('alphas') and numbers ('numerics'). Alphanumeric memory dial is a special type of dial-from-memory option that displays both the name of the individual and the phone number on the phone handset.
AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service)
A family of analog wireless standards which, since the late 1980s, was the principal technology used in mobile cellular networks in the USA. In Australia it was the first mobile network, but at the end of 1999 it was replaced by CDMA. The CDMA network closed on 28 April 2008.
Analogue
A signal which varies continuously, not having discrete values. Analogue signals are copies or representations of other waves in nature. An analogue audio signal such as transmitted over a copper telephone line, is a representation of the pressure waves which make up audible sound that have been converted into an electrical representation.
Antenna
A physical device that enhances phone reception by improving the sending or receiving of radio signals. Antennas can be built-in to the phone or external. Car antennas help to boost reception and transmission of mobile phones for drivers.
Any-key answer
Facility to answer a mobile phone by pressing any key. It's a faster, more convenient way to answer a mobile phone than searching for a particular key.
Area of screen display
The area of a phone screen display is the screen length multiplied by its width.
ASIC (Australian Securities and Investment Commission)
Refers to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
ASX (Australian Stock Exchange)
The Australian Stock Exchange Limited (ASX) was formed in 1987 through the amalgamation of six independent stock exchanges that formerly operated in the State capital cities. Each of those exchanges had a history of share trading dating back to the 19th century.
ASX was originally a mutual organisation of stockbrokers, like its predecessor the State stock exchanges. However, in 1996 its members decided to demutualise and become a listed company, which required legislation of the Australian Parliament. The change of status took place on 13 October 1998, and the following day ASX shares were listed for trading on ASX's own market.
ASX operates Australia's primary national stock exchange for equities, derivatives and fixed interest securities. It also provides comprehensive market data and information to a range of users. All these operations are underpinned by comprehensive high-quality information technology systems.
ASX Perpetual
ASX Perpetual Registrars Limited manages Telstra's Share Registry. ASX Perpetual contact details are:
ASX Perpetual Registrars Limited
Level 4/333 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
or
PO Box 14300
Melbourne VIC MC 8001
T: +61 (0) 3 9615 9999 (or 1300 88 6677 for callers within Australia)
F: +61 (0) 3 9615 9911
E: telstra@asxperpetual.com.au
Asynchronous
Asynchronous transmission is the most commonly used method of dial-up data transmission. When data blocks are transmitted, they are marked by a start bit at the beginning of each character and a stop bit at the end of the character. This ensures that the modem will recognise data as such and not be confused by line noise which has no stop and start bits.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
A high-bandwidth, low-delay, packet-based switching protocol that allows voice, video, text and data to be multiplexed together into a single transmission network with different qualities of service.
Auto area code
Auto area code allows you to store an area code in the memory of your mobile phone. When the feature is active, the phone automatically inserts the area code in front of any number dialled. This is particularly useful and time saving when travelling and making frequent calls to your home area.
b
B2B (Business to Business)
Refers to business transactions with other businesses.
B2C (Business to Customer)
Refers to business transactions with other customers.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the width or capacity of a communications channel. Analogue bandwidth is measured in hertz and is a measure of the range of frequencies used to transmit a signal. Digital bandwidth is used to describe the amount of data than can be transmitted and is measured in bits per second. The size or bandwidth of the channel affects the speed of transmission of data. A broader channel means data transmits faster.
Base station
The base station is the central or closest radio transmitter/receiver (tower) that maintains communications with a mobile radio or telephone within a given range.
Battery
A chargeable device used to provide mobile phones with power.
Battery status / battery charge display
The battery status/charge remaining.
Baud rate
This is the speed of transmission of data. The baud rate is measured in bits per second.
Beneficial owner
The beneficial owner is the person entitled to enjoy the benefit of (who is the real owner of) property or goods of which the legal title may be vested in a trustee.
BigPondŽ
Telstra's public internet service.
BigPondŽ Advance
Telstra's fast, broadband internet service delivered over hybrid optical fibre/coaxial cable, satellite or ADSL.
Billing and payments
View your Telstra billing information and pay your bills online for maximum convenience.
BIT (Binary Digit)
A bit is the smallest unit of information that a computer recognises - essentially a '1' or a '0'.
BlackBerry
A wireless communications solution that provides email, phone, corporate data, internet, messaging and organiser features from the one handheld unit.
Blog
A blog (short for weblog) is an online journal or diary of an individual's opinions and latest news that is updated regularly, in chronological order. Many blogs allow visitors to make comments, or 'postings' in response to the blogger, or ask questions.
Blogs create mindshare amongst a community of people who have an interest in the subject or an affinity with the style of the blogger. Blogs typically have links to other related web content.
A moblog is a blog published to the internet from a phone or other mobile device. Moblogs postings usually include photos, and therefore are usually used in conjunction with camera phones.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a low power short-range radio link between electronic devices that enables links between computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices and connectivity to the Internet. This wireless technology also replaces the need for wires to connect electronic items such as your mouse or keyboard to your personal computer.
Bond
A bond is a statement of debt, similar to an IOU. A bond is a piece of paper issued by borrowers such a governments, State authorities, companies or any person or entity who issues the bond in return for cash from lenders or investors. Interest is paid by the borrower to the lender or investor throughout the life of the bond.
BPS (Bits Per Second)
Bits Per Second (BPS) measures how fast binary digits can be sent through a channel - specifically, the number of '0' and '1' units that travel down the channel per second.
BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless)
Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW) can run on a number of CDMA phone types however is most commonly an application for CDMA Brew mobile handsets. It is a software function that can download and run small programs for playing games, sending messages, sharing photos, etc.
Broadband
Broadband (or wideband) is a communications channel for transmission of information over the Internet that has a bandwidth greater than 256 kilobits per second. Broadband can provide higher speed and higher volumes of multiple kinds of digital information than a standard dial-up Internet service using a telephone circuit.
Broadband or wideband can be any system that can carry multiple signals within its bandwidth, sometimes also called Wideband. In Internet terms, anything faster than a dial-up connection has over the years become known as broadband however more recently a commonly accepted definition has become a connection capable of data rates faster the 256 kilobits per second.
Broker
Someone who buys and sells on behalf of others (his clients). There are sharebrokers, money brokers, fixed interest brokers and futures brokers.
Broker sponsored holding
Shares that are Broker Sponsored will have a Holder Identification Number (HIN) allocated to you. Your Shareholder Reference Number will be that HIN, prefixed with an 'X'. Broker sponsored shares are also referred to as CHESS holdings.
Brokerage
What a broker charges, as their commission for buying and selling on the instructions of their clients. Brokerage is usually calculated as a percentage of the amount invested or scaled according to the number of securities traded.
Browser
The browser is a desktop computer application that provides an easy to use graphical interface or doorway that allows you browse and retrieve information over the internet. Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer are the most widely used browsers that will give you access to the world wide web.
Buy-back
An agreement made where the seller will repurchase securities within a specified time at a predetermined price.
Buyers' market
A market where supply outstrips demand. Prices fall, so that buyers are able to set their preferred terms and conditions and thereby benefit.
Byte
Equivalent to 8 bits or one character of data, a megabyte is approximately 1 million bytes (or equivalent to 1 million characters of information).
c
Cable modem
A device used for high-speed connections between a PC and the internet over the Pay TV network. Can deliver data at up to 100 times the speed of standard telephone modems.
Call Back
The Call Back feature does your redialling for you. It saves you keying in the number over and over again if the person you are trying to reach is engaged.
Call Back Notification Service
Call Back Notification Service works when your phone is switched off, out of range, busy or not answering.
Call Barring
Call Barring allows you to set your phone to block specific incoming or outgoing phone calls.
Call centre
The 'front end' of an organisation or business, comprising a group of people equipped to communicate with customers about bill queries, service issues, technical support, service access and other customer service functions.
Call Connect
Phone 12456 and an operator will connect you to the person or business you request (call charges apply).
Call Diversion / Call Forwarding
This network feature can be accessed through most handsets. It allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number that you select. There are several levels of diversion available: all calls, no answer, busy, off or out of range.
Call Hold
Call Hold puts a caller on hold while you answer or make another call.
Call Profile
This is a particular feature of mobile phones that allows you to assign different ring sounds to different callers. You can identify who is calling you without even picking up your phone.
Call Register
Allows you to call up the numbers of recent calls that you dialled, received, or even those that you missed on your mobile's screen. You can then redial the numbers or copy them into your phonebook.
Call Restriction
See 'Call Barring'.
Call Return
This function allows you to find out the phone number of missed calls to your mobile phone (except silent / call barred numbers).
Call Timer
This feature monitors the amount of time you spend on your mobile phone each month.
Call Waiting
When someone calls you while you are already on a phone call, you are alerted by a special tone. This is particularly useful if you are waiting for an important call yet still wish to use your mobile phone.
Caller ID
See 'Calling Number Display'.
Calling Number Display / CND
Calling Number Display shows the phone number of the person calling you on your mobile's screen (except silent/call barred numbers).
Capital Gain
The result of selling a capital asset at a higher price than it cost, whether an investor makes a capital gain or not, depends on the purchase price of an asset compared to its selling price, the effect of depreciation on its value, and whether inflation has bitten into the investor's profit margin. Capital gain has different meanings for the tax department, the economist and the accountant. (See 'Capital Gains Tax').
Capital Gains Tax
A general definition of a capital gains tax is 'a tax on income (gain) arising from changes in the market value of assets'. Capital gains tax does not raise huge revenue for governments; rather its support stems from the notion of introducing equity into the tax system by differentiating between tax on income and tax on capital gains.
Capital markets
Securities markets are generally for medium to long-term investments and fundraising, compared with money markets which focus on the short term (one to three years).
Car kit
This is an accessory that allows you to use your mobile phone hands-free in the car. The kit usually includes a battery charger and a hands-free holder. It may include connections to an external antenna, external speaker or a data port for fax and modem connections.
Carrier
A licensed owner of certain specified transmission infrastructure that is used to supply telecommunications carriage services to the public; any person holding a carrier license.
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
Code Division Multiple Access - a mobile standard to provide voice, data, fax and short messaging services. Telstra's CDMA network closed on 28 April 2008.
Cell
The cell is the receiver/transmitter that a GSM mobile phone connects to. It is the equivalent of the base station for a cordless phone. A cell can support a number of simultaneous calls.
Cell also refers to the radio frequency coverage area in the cellular system. A city or country is divided into cells, each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size depending upon terrain, capacity demands, etc. By controlling the transmission power, the radio frequencies assigned to one cell can be limited to the boundaries of that cell.
Cell info display
Call info display allows your mobile phone to display the location of the nearest base station to your position on your mobile's screen.
Cellular
This is the name for a mobile communications system that permits telephone communication between mobile users within a specified area. In cellular mobile systems, large geographical areas are divided into smaller areas or cells.
Cellular phone
Another name for a mobile phone.
Certification authority
A trusted electronic system that issues electronic certificates to authenticate user-identity and verify the integrity of transactions or information transfer.
Certified copy
A certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Persons who are authorised to witness statutory declarations (under the Commonwealth Statutory Declarations Act 1959) include:
- Accountant (Chartered or Certified)
- Clerk of a Court
- Commissioner for Affidavits
- Commissioner for Declarations
- Dentist
- Justice of the Peace
- Legal Practitioner
- Magistrate
- Medical Practitioners
- Nurse
- Pharmacists
- Police Officer
- Post Office Manager
- Sheriff or Sheriff's Officer
- Teacher
- Veterinary Surgeon
Chat (mobile phone)
The chat feature lets you 'talk' to your friends and family using SMS messages.
CHESS Sponsored Holder
If you are a CHESS Sponsored holder these are held through a Broker and will have a Holder Identification Number (HIN) allocated to you. Your Shareholder Reference Number will be that HIN, prefixed with an 'X'. CHESS holdings shares are also referred to as Broker sponsored.
Churn
The number of subscribers disconnecting from a service.
Circuit
In traditional PSTNs, telephone connections are made as fixed 64 kbit/s channels or circuits. The alternative to a circuit-switched network is a packet-switched network.
Clear / CLR (mobile phone)
Press 'clear' on your mobile phone keypad to clear characters from the screen and to scroll backward through menus.
CLI (Caller Line Identity)
This network feature can be switched off and on as desired. Phone numbers of incoming callers can be displayed on the screen of the phone before the call is answered unless the caller has a silent or call barred number. Also see Calling Number Display.
Conference Call
Call Conferencing allows you to bring two or more people into a call simultaneously. The exact number of people you can bring in depends on the model of the mobile phone used and which Telstra Mobile network you are connected to.