Glossary

5G
The fifth generation of mobile networks, providing higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity compared to previous generations. 5G operates in multiple frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and mmWave.

AMPS
Advanced mobile phone service is a standard for analog signal cellular telephone service in the United States and is also used in other countries. It is based on the initial electromagnetic radiation spectrum allocation for cellular service by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1970. AMPS allocates frequency ranges within the 800 and 900 MHz spectrum to cellular telephones. D-AMPS is the 2G version of this technology. AMPS uses cellular digital packet data (CDPD) to transfer data using unused bandwidth, at speeds up to 19.2 Kbps. Major carrier support for AMPS ended in the US in 2008.

CDMA
Code-division multiple access is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to occupy a single transmission channel, optimizing the use of available bandwidth. CDMA employs analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) in combination with spread spectrum technology. The technology is used in ultra-high-frequency (UHF) cellular telephone systems in the 800 MHz and 1.9 GHz bands. IS-95 uses CDMA.

CDMA2000
CDMA2000 is a CDMA version of the IMT-2000 standard developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). CDMA2000 supports mobile data communications at speeds ranging from 144 Kbps to 2 Mbps.

CSD
Circuit switched data was the original form of data transmission developed for TDMA-based networks, typically at speeds up to 9.6 Kbps.

DataTac
DataTac is an open standard for point-to-point wireless data communications, similar to Mobitex. The original BlackBerry devices used the DataTac network. DataTac is typically deployed in the 800 MHz band.

EDGE
Enhanced data GSM environment is a faster version of GSM service. The EDGE standard is built on the existing GSM standard, using the same TDMA frame structure and existing cell arrangements. EDGE provides data at rates up to 384 Kbps.

EVDO
Evolution data maximized (CDMA2000 1x EVDO) is based on CDMA2000. EVDO supports mobile data communications at speeds ranging from 400 Kbps to 2 Mbps.

FDMA
Frequency division multiple access is the division of the frequency band allocated for wireless cellular telephone communication into 30 channels, each of which can carry a voice conversation or, with digital service, carry digital data. FDMA is a basic technology in the analog advanced mobile phone service (AMPS), the most widely-installed cellular phone system in North America. With FDMA, each channel can be assigned to only one user at a time.

GAN
The generic access network, formerly known as unlicensed mobile access (UMA), is a mobile telephony system designed to allow seamless roaming and transfer between LANs and WANs using a dual-mode phone.

GPRS
General packet radio services is a packet-based wireless communication service based on GSM networks and complements existing services like circuit-switched cellular phone connections and SMS. GPRS provides data rates up to 114 Kbps.

GSM
Global system for mobile is a digital mobile telephone system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world.

HSDPA
High-speed downlink packet access is the next phase of UMTS, with data transmission speeds up to 10 Mbps, based on the WCDMA protocol.

iDEN
Integrated digital enhanced network is a wireless technology from Motorola that combines the capabilities of a digital cellular telephone, two-way radio, alphanumeric pager, and a data/fax modem in a single network.

LTE
Long-term evolution is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals, based on GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies.

NR (New Radio)
The radio access technology used for 5G networks, offering higher data rates and improved efficiency.

PCS
Personal communications services refers to wireless phone networks that emphasize personal service and extended mobility.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE)
A technology that enables voice calls over LTE networks, providing better call quality and faster call setup times.

eSIM (Embedded SIM)
A digital SIM card that allows users to switch carriers without a physical SIM card. It is built into modern smartphones and smart devices.

Wi-Fi Calling
A feature that allows users to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network.

UMTS
Universal mobile telecommunications service describes broadband, packet-based transmission of multimedia content at data rates up to 2 Mbps to mobile device users globally.

WCDMA
Wideband code-division multiple access is an ITU standard derived from CDMA, officially known as IMT-2000 direct spread.

WiDEN
The wideband integrated dispatch enhanced network is an upgrade to iDEN, with increased data rates up to 100 Kbps.