Wireless Glossary (T)
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T9 software built into some wireless phones and PDAs that makes typing words on a keypad easier. The competitor to T9 is iTAP. See Predictive Text Entry.
TACS (Total Access Communications System) a cell phone system in Europe based on analog (AMPS).
Talk Time the amount of time a battery lasts when a wireless device is actively transmitting or receiving a call. Talking on your phone uses battery life much quicker than if the phone is on standby.
Tariff the price which you pay for using your phone. This will normally include a monthly fee, an allotted number of minutes per month, and a rate for calls per minute, which may vary by time of day. Each network operates a range of tariffs designed to meet the needs of different customers. Also see Service Plans.
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) a family of second-generation digital wireless technologies (GSM, TDMA, iDEN, PDC and PHS) that divides conversations into packets of data according to time. This allows large amounts of voice and data to be transmitted on the same frequency. TDMA runs on two bands: 800MHz and 1,900MHz. TDMA networks are used in North, Central, and South America. TDMA and GSM networks are similar in that they can both share the same migration path to high-speed data: GPRS (2.5G), then EDGE (3G). Also referred to as D-AMPS.
Telematics the integration of wireless communications, vehicle monitoring systems and location devices.
Terminal a device capable of sending, receiving, or sending and receiving information over a communications channel. Also referred to as a mobile terminal, mobile station, or wireless terminal.
Termination charges fees that wireless service providers pay to complete calls on wireline phone networks or vice versa.
Text Messaging see SMS.
Textpectation the anticipation one feels when waiting for a response to a text message.
TFD (Thin Film Diode) a type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) flat-panel display technology. TFD technology combines the excellent image quality and fast response times of TFT, with the low power consumption and low cost of STN.
TFT (Thin Film Transistor) an LCD technology that uses transistors to precisely control the voltage to each liquid crystal cell. This is also referred to as an “active matrix” display. TFT screens offer the best image quality and refresh rates, but at a higher cost.
Thin Film Diode see TFD.
Third Generation Wireless see 3G.
Time Division Multiple Access see TDMA.
Transportable Phone see Carry Phone.
Tri-Band a phone capable of operating on three different digital frequencies (example: 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz).
Tri-mode a wireless phone that can operate on both the 1900 and 800MHz digital networks, and on the 800MHz analog network.
Triangulation a lengthy process of pinning down a caller’s location using radio receivers, a compass and a map.
Trickle charge a technology used on a battery charger that detects when the battery is fully charged. At that time the charger changes to trickle charge mode assuring that the battery is fully charged. A battery charged in a charger without this technology gradually loses its capacity.
Trunking a spectrum-efficient technology that establishes a queue to handle demand for voice or data channels.
Two-way Radio a feature offered by the wireless carrier Mike. This is similar to a walkie-talkie.
Theft Alarm a feature on some phones that can be activated to make a call to a pre-programmed number if the unit is not unlocked within a specified time.
Time and Date Stamp a feature that automatically displays the time and date of an incoming message.
Time Slot a unit derived from TDMA technology. There are eight time slots per carrier frequency or TDMA frame. Each can be used for one-way GSM voice or data traffic. A conversation requires two time slots, while HSCSD allows several to be joined together to increase data transfer rates.
Tone Dialing from Keypad allows calling of numbers requiring tone dialing, just like a conventional phone.
Tone Dialing from Memory allows storage and recalling of frequently used tone numbers.
Top-up Vouchers see Pre-Paid Card.
Tower see Cell Site.
Transceiver a radio transmitter and receiver combined into a single unit.
TTY/TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf) terminals used for two-way text conversation over a phone line. They are the primary tool used by deaf people (and some hard of hearing people) for telephone conversation. Other visual telecommunications technologies and services, such as Internet chat and messaging, e-mail, paging, and fax and e-mail are also widely used in telecommunications by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Two System Registration allows a user to register a phone for operation on two different cellular systems (carriers) with two separate numbers for travel convenience.
Two Way Paging the ability to receive and send data to the Internet by way of the paging network; also often called interactive paging.
Two Way Radio a radio transmitter and receiver. Ideal for skiing and active pursuits. They have a range of up to 3km with no call charges and no reliance on network coverage. Also, sometimes used to describe the push-to-talk radio feature available on iDEN cell phones from Nextel and Telus Mobility’s Mike. This service is similar to a walkie-talkie but with extended range throughout your calling area. See iDEN.
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