The following is a glossary of terms used throughout the website.
Agent
Works on behalf of a Service Provider as a sales "agent" who simply secures larger
deals for the SP. Agents do not inventory or sell equipment, but transfer subscribers
to the SP to activate and bill and provide support to an end user (aka. subscriber)
for network service. Typically, a one-time commission is paid per activation.
Antenna Beam
The radio frequency energy pattern emitted by an antenna. Iridium antennas transmit
tightly- focused radio beams.
AP
Accounts Payable
AR
Accounts Receivable
Arbitraged Rate
A weighted average rate determined by multiplying the projected call volumes in
minutes, by country or region where the Iridium program has roaming agreements and
by the per minute Serving Carrier Rate.
AuC
Authentication Center. Table within a GSM switch holding security authentication
information about a GSM subscriber. Data includes private code keys used to decrypt
the public key held on the SIM card and transmitted via the ISU during call setup
and registration. AuC data is populated during pre-provisioning using a tape provided
by the SIM card manufacturer.
Authentication
The verification process used in both GSM and IS-41 networks during the call setup
to identify and verify a subscriber's identity. Each network technology uses a different
form of authentication.
Authenticator
The code or device used to verify that an individual or system (software application,
database, or hardware) requesting access to Iridium LLC, or wireless networks systems
or facilities is authorized for such access.
Average Revenue Per Unit (ARPU)
One indicator of a wireless business' operating performance. ARPU measures the average
monthly revenue generated for each customer unit, such as a cellular phone or pager,
that a carrier has in operation. Severely declining.
Bandwidth
A relative range of frequencies that can carry a signal without distortion on a
transmission medium. Sometimes referred to as "pipe."
BC
Billing and Collections. The process by which usage information is collected, rated
and priced, invoices are generated, subscriber financial information is maintained,
and financial information is supplied to other processes. Includes those automated
and manual activities performed to collect the monies due from subscribers.
Blacklist
A database of MIN/ESN pairs or IMEI's which are to be denied network access. A number
may be blacklisted if an ISU is lost or stolen, requested by governmental authorities.
Note: Non-payment is NOT a valid reason for blacklisting and Iridium will not honor
these types of blacklist requests.
Blacklisted ISU
Service is denied to a user using an Iridium Subscriber Unit (ISU) which has been
blacklisted. Blacklisting of an ISU can happen due to several reasons: lost or stolen
ISU, request by federal authorities. (Note: Non-payment is NOT a valid reason for
blacklisting an ISU.)
Block
The Iridium L-band paging payload is 194.4 seconds long. This payload time is divided
into nine equal length frames called blocks. To conserve battery power, pagers are
typically assigned to listen for messages in specific blocks.
BOM
Business Operations Model. Provides a process framework of how the Iridium Business
Entities (i.e. Iridium and Service Providers) work together to deliver service and
support customers. The seven major process areas identified are: Service Delivery,
Customer Care, Billing and Collection, Decision Support, Fraud Management, Usage
Processing, and Settlements Processing.
BPI
Bits Per Inch. A measure used for the capacity of tape storage.
Broadband
Using a wide-bandwidth channel for voice, data and/or video services.
Bundling
Grouping various telecommunications services--wireline and/or wireless--as a package
to increase the appeal to potential customers and reduce advertising, marketing,
and other expenses associated with delivering multiple services.
C7
Channel 7. Signaling system equivalent to SS7. The ITU-T version and specification.
Call Detail Record
A unit of information describing all physical elements of a call that are essential
for billing. A call record can include the time the call was placed, where the call
originated, the duration of the call, the charges associated with the call, etc.
Call Handoff
The technical means used to transfer a communications link from one cell to another.
Calling Party Pays
This service bills the originator of a call to a wireless device rather than the
receiver and is more common in GSM networks than in the US. This pricing model is
applicable to the majority of Iridium calls (exception: calls made through the Iridium
Two-Stage Dialing Platform or RUDICS are MPP).
CAP
A unique number assigned to each paging subscriber which is used to identify the
subscriber on the network and used for billing.
Capcode
A unique number assigned to each pager unit, which is used to identify the paging
unit on the network and may be used for billing purposes.
CC
Country Code. A numeric designation within a signaling or routing message that identfies
the country of origin or destination (i.e., "49" is the country code for Germany).
CC
Customer Care. The process by which the Service Provider maintains its relationship
with the customer after service has been initiated. It provides the interface between
the customer and other operational processes such as Billing and Collections.
CCS7
Common Channel Signaling #7. See SS7.
CDMA
Code Division Multiple Access. An access control technique that separates individual
user transmissions by providing a digital code that distinctly identifies each earth
station and channel and combines the individual transmissions into a code. The overall
transmission is then decoded at the receiving end.
CDR
Call Detail Record. A generic name for records generated by a switch by each call.
These records contain information about the call, such as start and end time, and
the number dialed. Records can be used for rating and subscriber billing. Sometimes
referred to as an AMA (Automated Message Accounting) record.
Cell
An area on Earth created by the projection of a space vehicle subscriber-link antenna
beam. In cellular terms, it refers to the basic geographic unit (1/4 to 12 miles
wide) the total of which comprise a cellular system.
CFb
Call Forwarding on Mobile Subscriber Busy. GSM supplementary service.
CFNA
Call Forward Not Available. A feature that allows calls to be forwarded to a different
number when a subscriber's phone is turned off or when there is no reply. This terminology
is used in IS-41-based cellular networks (i.e. TDMA, CDMA, AMPS, etc.).
CFnr
Call Forwarding on no Reply. GSM supplementary service. Allows subscribers to speCalcify
what to do when there is no answer on their number.
CFNRc
Call Forwarding on mobile Not Reachable. GSM supplementary service. Allows subs
to speCalcify action on calls to ISUs which are detached or not reachable.
Cfu
Call Forwarding Unconditional. A GSM supplementary service. Allows subscribers to
speCalcify that ALL calls (regardless of the condition, i.e. busy, no reply, not available,
not reachable) are forwarded to voicemail.
Channel
A unique combination of frequency, time, and space in which a unique message may
be transmitted.
Churn
A measure of the number of subscribers who leave or switch to another carrier's
service.
CIBER Accepting Carrier
The CIBER Accepting Carrier is any wireless carrier that accepts CIBER as the format
for exchanging CDR information. Usually these carriers also operate in IS-41 frequencies.
CIBER Record
Cellular Intercarrier Billing Exchange Roamer Record. A cellular industry standardized
call detail record exchange format used between cellular carriers. Most commonly
used by carriers in the Americas using an AMPS system. It was developed and is maintained
by CIBERNET, a wholly owned subsidiary of CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association).
CO
Central Office. A center containing communications equipment where communication
lines terminate and are usually switched. Usually refers to an RBOC facility. Usually
contains a class 5 switch.
Co-branding
The use of two or more different brand names on a single product, such as wireless
phones bearing the name and logo of both the manufacturer and wireless carrier.
Comsat
Communications Satellite Corporation. The United States Intelsat and Inmarsat Signatory.
CPP
Calling Party Pays. Business practice used in most wireless firms in the world outside
the United States. It moves the financial responsibility to the individual initiating
the communication service. This differs from the US practice of the subscribers
paying for the calls they make and receive.
Crosslink
A radio link between two satellites (intersatellite link). These links are in the
K-Band on the Iridium system, providing hand-offs of a voice or data circuit. This
is a unique capability of the Iridium network, which carries a call to the closest
gateway of the called number, thus reducing the tail changes.
CSR
Customer Service Representative. A person responsible for answering subscriber inquiries
and resolving the subscriber's problems.
Customer
A subscriber to a cellular roaming partner who roams onto the Iridium network. In
contrast, a "subscriber" is an individual who has a direct subscription with Iridium
services.
CW
Call Waiting. GSM supplementary service. Currently not supported on the Iridium
system.
D900
Iridium's GSM switch. Manufactured by Siemens.
Dealer
Sells Iridium equipment on behalf of a Service Provider (or multiple Service Providers);
may or may not perform activation or customer care functions. Some limited activation
support may be provided or a subscriber will contact the Service Provider for service.
DNS
Domain Name Service
DOC1
An invoicing formatting package included as part of GBS that enables the GBO to
customize invoices to service partners, roaming partners, and retail subscribers.
A separate language conversion module within DOC1 enables invoices to be printed
in a variety of languages.
Double Byte
A systems development term used to describe support for languages, like Chinese,
with a large number of characters. Unlike for example, English, characters in those
languages require more than one byte per character to accommodate all characters.
DTMF
Dual Tone Multiple Frequency. A protocol which utilizes combinations of two tones
to transmit dialed digit information, replacing rotary phone technology, worldwide.
This feature is commonly known as Touch Tone dialing or tone dialing (vs. pulse
dialing).
E.164
ITU Country Code Standard. E.164 country codes are assigned by the ITU. The E.164
country code for the US and Canada is 1. The E.164 country code for all GMSS operators
is 881. The fourth digit indicates the carrier. ICO (8810, 8811), Odyssey (8812,
8813), Spare (8814, 8815), Iridium (8816, 8817), Globalstar (8818, 8819).
ECI
Enhanced Call Intercept
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange. A series of ANSI standards that permit computer-based
exchange of information (business documents, records, data) over phone lines. GSM
operators use EDI to exchange TAP information.
Encryption
A security method used to ensure that data sent over the Iridium Communication Systems
Network can not be understood by an unauthorized person or system (software application,
database, or hardware) without a companion decryption method that will make the
information understandable. The encryption method (device) is currently only available
for purchase by the US Department of Defense (DOD).
ET
Earth Terminal. A receive-only or transmit/receive ground station which establishes
a microwave/radio link with a space vehicle (satellite). Message data is usually
processed at a different and/or centralized facility. A message processing facility
(such as a Gateway) may have multiple Earth Terminals at remote locations to provide
spatial diversity.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission. The United States government agency responsible
for regulating the cellular telephone industry. The FCC grants licenses to one wireline
and one non-wireline company within a given geographic area.
Feeder Link
A radio link between an earth station at a gateway and a satellite used to relay
message data. These links use the K-Band on the Iridium system. Subscribers are
not nodes of feeder links.
Feeder Link Antennas
Antennas used by the satellites to communicate with the gateways.
FMP
Follow-Me Paging. A bundled paging & telephony service that allows for messages
to be sent to a paging device in instances when an ISU is not turned on.
FOB
Free on Board. Exportation and shipping term. Indicates the item to be shipped is
free of all duties, tariffs, taxes, etc.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A data networking protocol used for moving data files between
systems.
FTSP (a.k.a. FTP)
File Transfer Simplified Protocol. The protocol used within the Iridium Communications
System for moving data files between systems. The standard term is FTP (File Transfer
Protocol).
Gateway
The Iridium network entity which provides the interface with the host country's
local land-based network and performs local call control. The GW connects the Iridium
satellite constellation with the PSTN.
Gateway Link
A radio (feeder) link between a gateway earth terminal and a satellite. These links
use the K-Band on the Iridium System.
Gateway Segment
Each individual Iridium gateway is defined as a gateway segment. A gateway can be
an independent gateway if it receives its own unique set of channels, or a redundant
gateway, if it receives the same set of channels as at least one other gateway.
GBO
Gateway Business Office. The gateway owner's organization which operates the business
functions at the gateway level, including service delivery, tier 2 customer care,
fraud management, tier 2 settlements, marketing, regulatory, finance, and legal
affairs.
GBS
Gateway Business System. The Iridium business system at the Gateway level, used
for customer management, customer care, retail billing, inventory management, commissioning,
and activations.
GE
Geopolitical Entity. Identifies the home country of the subscription. In the Iridium
network, this code is used to segregate major voice services to allow for special
call processing per code. For example, postpaid service GE codes are 314/214, prepaid
SIM card service is 315 and Crew Calling is 318.
GE Code
GEO-Political Entity Code. This is a three digit code that is part of the MSISDN.
It identifies the country to which the MSISDN is assigned.
GEO
Geostationary Earth Orbit. A satellite orbit that is approximately 22,000 miles
from the earth's surface and maintains a constant relative position to the earth's
surface. Satellites in GEO orbit are always located above the equator.
GEO CODE
Geographical Entities
Globalstar
A LEO mobile satellite services system developed by Loral and Qualcomm for service
in 1999. A direct competitor of Iridium.
GMPCS
Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite. The GSM standard protocol used
for communicating via satellite.
GMT
Greenwich Mean Time. A standard time calculated in Greenwich, England, from which
all other measures of time are calibrated. The International Telecommunications
Union uses the term UCT (Universal Time, Coordinated) and it has been adopted for
use by Iridium network operations entities. GMT does not change for daylight savings
time.
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications. The standards which govern wireless carriers'
networks among the GSM signatories. GSM standards include both a definition of over-the-air
and network interfaces and protocols, as well as service and handset definitions
and accounting and billing standards. The GSM developed as an evolving standard
to ensure interoperability of services between different countries.
GSM MoU Association
The trade association based in Dublin, Ireland, representing the interests of operators
of GSM-based systems worldwide.
GTO
Gateway Technical Office. Provides the technical operations and maintenance support
for all network elements at the gateway. The GTO will engineer and plan the local
access facilities and support the capacity growth of the Iridium network. The GTO
configures equipment, monitors Gateway alarms (e.g. equipment, PSTN trunk groups)
and provides first level fault management for the network elements.
GW
Gateway. The Iridium network entity which provides the interface with the host country's
local land based network and performs local call control. The facility that connects
the Iridium satellite constellation with the PSTN.
HLR
Home Location Register. The database at each gateway's switch which contains subscriber
data related to features and services for each gateway's home subscribers.
Home Gateway
The gateway where a subscriber's permanent service profile is located and maintained.
Homed
The network HLR in which the subscriber's permanent account information resides.
ICCID
Integrated Circuit Card Identification. The 19 digit serial number physically printed
on the SIM card. Allows the SIM card inventory to be tracked.
IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identity. An electronic serial number assigned to
each Iridium subscriber unit which is sent with the request for service. The IMEI
is used to identify each Iridium subscriber unit (ISU) and is sent to the network
during call setup.
IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity. A 15-digit, non-dialable number used to
provide each digital cellular subscriber with a unique identification number. The
directory telephone number is not used within the network. The security applied
to IMSI ensures that the number is not available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals
or entities. The same IMSI may be associated with multiple dialable numbers for
various services, e.g., voice, data, fax. The IMSI is used by network entities,
e.g., ISU, HLR, VLR, during signaling procedures and is not visible to the subscriber.
The IMSI for Iridium and most GSM operators is comprised of a 3-digit mobile country
code, 2-digit mobile network code, 3-digit HLR ID, and a 7-digit line range. (In
the U.S., the MNC is 3-digits, due to the abundance of cellular network operators.)
Inmarsat
International Maritime Satellite. An international consortium that operates a GEO
satellite network that provides primarily mobile vs. portable satellite communications
and one of the largest shareholders in ICO.
Intersatellite Links
Communications among the satellites in the Iridium constellation, also known as
crosslinks.
IP
Internet Protocol
Iridium
Iridium Satellite, Limited Liability Corporation. The company that purchased the
assets of the former Iridium LLC, the first telecommunications company ever to offer
worldwide satellite services, beginning in September 1998.
Iridium Homed
Refers to the network on which a user subscribes and receives his or her primary
mobile telephone number.
Iridium Network
The space system, network systems, business systems, and all terrestrial communication
links needed to support Iridium World Satellite, Iridium World Page and Iridium
World Data Services.
Iridium Subscriber Equipment
All the equipment that is necessary for a subscriber to access the Iridium system,
including satellite-only ISUs, dual-mode satellite/cellular ISUs, Iridium L-band
transceivers (or after-market equipment produced using the LBT), SIM cards and pagers/MTDs.
Iridium Support Center
Synonymous with Tier 2. See Tier 2.
Iridium Type Approved Equipment
Any Iridium equipment manufactured by an Iridium LLC approved manufacturer that
has received the necessary country specific approvals to carry that equipment into
that country. The list of countries with type approvals can be found on the Iridium
Extranet.
ISDN-A
Iridium Subscriber Directory Number-A. A unique twelve-digit number assigned to
each stand-alone and FMP paging subscriber. The ISDN-A number can also be used to
access voice mail for paging subscribers. ISDN-A can be used to originate and retrieve
messages, or modify a subscriber's MOC profile.
ISLLC
Iridium Satellite LLC
ISU
Iridium Subscriber Unit. The handset used for voice communications on the Iridium
network.
IT
Information Technology
ITU
International Telecommunications Union. A group, sponsored by the United Nations
and representing nearly every country in the world, that sets worldwide frequency
allocations for the world, harmonizes telecommunications practices, and promotes
telecommunications development in developing countries.
IXC
Inter-exchange Carrier. Long Distance Carriers as defined by MFJ 1984. Examples
prior to 1996: MCI, Sprint, AT&T. Smaller ones: LCI, C&W, MFS.
K-Band
The frequency range between 18-30 GHz. Specific frequencies in this band are used
by the Iridium system to communicate between satellites, and by satellites to transmit
to or receive information from the gateway station.
Ka-Band
Spectrum of frequencies used by the SVs to communicate via feederlink to the gateways.
Crosslink traffic from SV to SV also communicates using the Ka band frequencies.
Ki
Individual subscriber authentication key. Part of the security information stored
on the subscriber's AuC record.
Kyocera
A Japanese-based provider of ceramic integrated circuit packages, electronic components,
and electronic equipment. Kyocera was the supplier of Iridium handsets during the
first Iridium. Kyocera no longer manufactures or supports the Iridium handsets.
Previous Kyocera handsets can still be used to access the Iridium network.
L-Band
The frequency range between 1-2 GHz used by the Iridium System to communicate between
the satellite and the ISU.
LAC
Location Area Code. An area of the Earth's surface typically belonging to a single
geopolitical entity. Every point on the Earth belongs to only one LAC. One or more
LACs are used to create a Service Control Area. LACs are used to define the minimal
areas of the Earth where ring alerts and pages must be delivered. A maximum of 1021
LACs can be defined per GW.
LAI
Local Area Identifier. Used to determine the location of the subscriber and the
subscriber's servicing GW.
LAN
Local Area Network
Landline
Refers to a telecommunications connection that does not traverse open air but is
a terrestrially-based telephone line.
LBT
L-Band Transceiver
LD
Long Distance. Calls outside the local calling area that typically require an additional
dialing digit (i.e., in the U.S., a "1" must be added when dialing long distance).
LEC
Local Exchange Carrier. A local land-line telephone company which provides "local"
wireline telephone services to its subscribers.
LEO
Low Earth Orbit. An orbital altitude less than 1000 miles from the Earth's surface.
Link Margin
The amount (usually expressed in dB) by which a received signal lies above a predetermined
lower limit for desired message quality.
LLC
Limited Liability Corporation. A type of corporation structure under U.S. law. Designed
to limit the overall liability of a corporation and its board. Implies many restrictions
in operating procedures to grant liability limitations.
Local Calling Area
The region across which the call is truly local, involving no toll charges.
LV
Launch Vehicle. Iridium uses three launch vehicles: Proton - Khrunichev Industries;
launches from Khazakstan with 7 SVs. Delta - McDonnell Douglas; launches from California
with 5 SVs. Long March - China Great Wall; launches from Sichuan, China with
2 SVs.
Markup
Rating method in which an existing rate is increased by either adding a flat fee
per minute, a flat fee per call, or a percentage to the call.
MCF
Master Control Facility. Former name of the Satellite Network Operations Center
(SNOC).
MDA
Message Delivery Area. A unique geographic area that contains one or more LDAs.
It is specified by the paging subscriber and is used to direct the Iridium pages.
MDAs are defined by the Iridium LLC Network Operation's numbering plan.
MEO
Medium Earth Orbit satellite system. A system of satellites orbiting in a band between
2,000 - 10,000 miles above ground level.
Messaging
Synonymous with text paging, e-mail or short messages received on alphanumeric pagers
and other wireless devices.
MO
Mobile Originated. Term used to describe calls that are originated from the ISU.
MOC
Messaging Origination Controller. The GW equipment used to generate pages and interact
with subscribers who leave pages. The MOC is responsible for message origination,
subscriber service session, and message retrieval. It also provides fax (future
service) and voice mail services.
MODEM
Modulator-Demodulator. An electronic device that converts data into different formats
for transmission over a data link at a location where data is originated, and converts
the data link into its original format for use at the receiving end of a data link.
MOU
Minutes of Use. Measurement of telephone usage by subscribers and customers (telephone
bills are typically represented in minutes of use).
MPP
Mobile Party Pays. Business practice used in most U.S. wireless firms where the
subscriber pays for the calls they make AND receive.
MSISDN
Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number. A unique 12-digit
number allocated to the subscribers on the Iridium network. The MSISDN number of
an Iridium subscriber is dialed by the user of PSTN, the user of PLMNs, and the
other Iridium subscribers who call the Iridium subscriber. The MSISDN is comprised
of a 3-digit country code, a 1-digit national destination code, a 3-digit geopolitical
entity, and 5-digit line range number.
MSISDN-C
Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number-C. A unique 12-digit
number allocated to a subscriber who has subscribed to the Iridium data service.
The MSISDN-C number is only used for terminating data calls to an ISU which are
originated from a PSTN (land-line) phone. The MSISDN-C is comprised of a 3-digit
country code, a 1-digit national destination code, a 3-digit geopolitical entity,
and 5-digit line range number.
MSS
Mobile Satellite Services. Satellite-based services that allow the end user to be
mobile while communicating (as opposed to services that allow communication only
when the user is stationary).
MT
Mobile Terminated. Term used to describe calls that terminate to an ISU.
MTC
Message Termination Controller. Network element that is centrally located and transmits
all paging messages throughout the Iridium network.
MTD
Message Termination Device. More commonly called a pager.
MTTS
Maintenance Ticket Tracking System. An internal Iridium component utilized by the
Iridium Tier 2, Network Ops, IT Ops, Engineering & Revenue Assurance Departments
which allows maintenance trouble tickets to be generated, updated and tracked.
MXU
Multi-Exchange Unit. Fully integrated four-channel unit providing up to 4 simultaneous
voice or data calls.
NC
Notification Center. A network element in the gateway that is associated with messaging
services.
NPA
Numbering Plan Area. The area code of a certain city/state. For example, for the
number (202) 326-5600, the NPA would be 202.
Numbering Plan
Refers to the format and structure of the MSISDN number. Numbering plan recommended
by the ITU is in recommendation E.164.
OCC
Other Charges and Credits. Each charge/credit will appear as a line item on the
Service Partner's wholesale invoice.
OGW
Originating Gateway. The gateway which initiates the Iridium subscriber's call setup,
or through which a PSTN caller accesses an Iridium subscriber.
OKEFORD
Iridium's Prepaid Switch manufactured by Telesoft. This switch is connected to Iridium's
main switch (D900) and is responsible for allowing access to the system for Iridium's
prepaid services and decrementing prepaid minutes/units from an Iridium prepaid
SIM or scratch card.
PABX
Private Automatic Branch Exchange
PBX
Private Branch Exchange. A telephony switch operated by/for a specific organization
not part of the PSTN. Operates just like a public switch but under the control of
the customer. Generally used by organizations with larger-scale telephony needs.
Used to control internal calling and to give access to shared access to the PSTN.
Allows businesses to have many internal phones, but fewer lines to the LEC.
PCS
Personal Communication System. A classification by the FCC for digital wireless
communication systems based on the same principles as cellular systems, i.e., frequency
reuse and radio transceivers, but whose cell size is typically smaller than that
of cellular systems and usually operates in a different frequency range (e.g., 1900
MHz for North America). PCS systems may be CDMA, TDMA, or GSM1900.
PIN
Personal Identification Number. A code used by the subscriber to initialize the
ISU and SIM card combination upon first use. A PIN (separate from the SIM PIN) is
also an optional feature for subscribers who subcribe to the Iridium Two-Stage Dialing
Platform service and for the Captain SIM (318). A PIN is required to place Iridium
prepaid scratch card calls.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network. The public, land-based telephone network.
PTT
Post, Telephone, and Telegraph. Typically a state-owned monopoly that provides telephone
services.
PUK
PIN Unblocking Key. A code that allows access to a SIM that has been blocked by
successive false PIN entries.
Rerate
Rating method in which a new rate replaces an existing rate.
Reseller
Individuals or companies that market satellite products and services and are not
commissioned or employed by the carrier. Resellers are independently owned and operated
businesses who buy blocks of numbers from a carrier and resell them to subscribers,
in addition to selling the service and equipment.
Restricted
Term used to describe the status of a subscriber's phone number (MSISDN) on the
Iridium Two-Stage Dialing Platform. A restricted MSISDN cannot receive calls made
through the Two-Stage Platform.
RUDICS
Router Unrestricted Digital Information Connectivity Solution. Term used to describe
Iridium's integrated data application platform which allows for connectivity to
a central host application (housed at the Iridium Gateway) via Internet or leased
line for both mobile originated or mobile terminated circuit switched data calls.
Designed primarily for data applications with a large number of remote units, message
sizes that are 1000 to 2000 bytes, applications where remote units need to call
into a central host computer to download/upload data or where central host computers
need to call remote units to download/upload data.
Satellite Phone
A wireless phone that uses mobile satellite service to send voice and data.
SBD
Short Burst Data. Term used to describe Iridium's packet data service and which
is generally used for remote, unattended monitoring and control applications.
Sebring
Manufacturer code name for the 9522 LBT model for which the software is based on
the 9505. Used to be integrated with a device or application developed by an Iridium
VAR or VAM.
Service Partner
Synonymous with Service Provider
Service Provider
The organization or entity licensed by a competent political authority and enfranchised
by Iridium Satellite LLC to provide Iridium network services. The service provider
offers Iridium system access to its customers, sells Iridium equipment, activates
and bills subscribers, and provides customer care to its subscribers.
Servicing Space Vehicle
The space vehicle in whose cell a calling or called party is located.
Signaling Link
A communications link that is used to pass call processing instructions or messages
between Network Elements. Signaling System 7 (SS7) is used by the Iridium network
to support signaling requirements for the Iridium Communications System Network.
SIM
Subscriber Identity Module. Also known as a "smart card," a SIM card is the physical
item related to a subscription. It contains all necessary information for uniquely
identifying the subscriber in the ICS and on any GSM network. It enables communication
with the ISU or any Mobile Equipment (ME) that is able to accept a SIM.
SIM Card Profiles
The SIM Card Profile is established by the gateways for each of their service providers.
It can consist of specific information about the service provider (i.e. customer
care number, card ship to address, etc.) and is used by the manufacturer to create
and ship the SIM Cards.
Single Numbering
The scheme in which only one MSISDN number is assigned to all the services of a
subscriber. Hence there is only one MSISDN in the SIM card with one IMSI.
Smart Connect (TM)
Term used to describe feature of Iridium's direct internet service. Smart Connect
will automatically reconnect the call when data has to be resent. When the user
clicks on a link after the call has been disconnected, the system will automatically
re-establish a new data call to access the web again.
SME
Subject Matter Expert
SMS
Short Message Service. Generic term for a messaging capability, currently available
in both IS-41 and GSM networks, that allows for messages (up to 120 alphanumeric
characters on the Iridium network, generally 160 characters on GSM networks) to
be exchanged between mobile telephones and elements in the fixed or mobile networks.
SMS can be viewed as an enhanced paging service with the additional functionality
of providing a two-way confirmed service.
SMS-MO
Short Message Service - Mobile Originated. Term used to describe messages that are
sent from the Iridium handset.
SMS-MT
Short Message Service - Mobile Terminated. Term used to describe messages that are
sent to the Iridium handset.
SNOC
Satellite Network Operations Center. The primary facility from which the Iridium
constellation of satellites, as well as the entire network (Gateways and the Operational
Data Network (ODN) is managed. The SNOC is located in Virginia, USA.
Software Patch
A partial replacement of a software application that is required to correct a defect
(bug) or to provide a minor update to a system (software application, database,
operating system, etc.).
SP
Service Provider/Service Partner. See Service Provider for definition.
SPNet
Service Provider Network. Name given to the WWW-based solution to allow Service
Providers to activate customers onto the Iridium network.
Spoofing
Term used to describe feature of Iridium's direct internet service which allows
subscribers to manage airtime costs and conserve phone battery life. Spoofing will
disconnect a data call after a predefined period (set/configured by the end-user
- default is set at 300 seconds) of inactivity.
SS7
Signaling System #7. This signaling network enables cooperative interworking between
NSS machines with one or several GSM or IS-41 networks.
Subscriber
The end customer who pays for Iridium network services.
Subscriber Numbers
Term sometimes used to indicate IMSI and MSISDN numbers.
SV
Space Vehicle. The official name of the Iridium satellites. SVs are assembled by
Motorola at a rate of one per week during build out of the Constellation. An SV
takes 3 weeks to assemble from parts shipped from all over the world. An SV weighs
about 1,500 pounds (689 Kg). SVs are 30 feet tall and have a solar array span of
approximately 50 feet. SVs are composed of a graphic composite 'bus' which is the
body of the SV. SVs use Hydrozene for positioning and fuel. SVs carry horizon, star
and sun positioning sensors to allow them to position themselves in relation to
other known bodies, such as the sun, the moon, the earth and stars. SVs carry four
types of antennas. Main Mission Antenna (3 panels) for L-band comm with ISUs. Feederlink
Antennas (4 parabolic dishes on the bottom) for K-band comm with Gateways. Crosslink
Antennas (4 panels - up, down, left, right) for K-band comm with other SVs. Locator
antennas for initial acquisition.
TAP
Transferred Account Protocol. A common exchange format for CFRs among GSM carriers.
TAP 2
Transferred Account Protocol - Version 2. An upgraded version of TAP that is intended
to be used to support roaming in GSM telephony by late 1996.
TAP Accepting Service Partner
The TAP Accepting Service Provider accepts TAP as the format for accepting and exchanging
CDR information.
TAP/TAP2/TAP2+/ TAP3
Transferred Account Protocol. An industry standard used for the exchange format
for billing and settlements of CDRs among GSM carriers. It is defined and managed
through the TADIG within the GSM MoU.
TBD
To Be Determined when information is available.
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access protocol. A digital protocol used by cellular operators
primarily in the US.
Tier 2
The Iridium entity responsible for providing technical support to Iridium Service
Provider customer care organizations.
Troubleshooting
The process that is conducted to resolve a subscriber or network problem.
TTAC
Telemetry Tracking and Control. Site that supports satellite operations and directed
message services.
Two-Stage
Also known as Two-Stage Dialing Platform. Term used to describe the dial-in method
to reach an Iridium subscriber from a land-line that currently does not have access
to the Iridium country code (8816) or where the cost of a call is too expensive.
The caller dials a Tempe, AZ number to reach the Iridium Two-Stage Dialing Platform.
When the caller reaches the platform, they will be prompted to enter the MSISDN
of the Iridium subscriber they are trying to reach. If the subscriber has subscribed
to this service, the call will be connected. The caller may also be prompted to
enter the PIN of the subscriber (if the subscriber has subscribed to this). If the
subscriber's MSISDN is restricted, the call will not be processed. All calls that
are processed through the Iridium Two-Stage Dialing Platform will be under the MPP
model.
Unrestricted
Term used to describe the status of a subscriber's phone number (MSISDN) on the
Iridium Two-Stage Dialing Platform. An unrestricted MSISDN can receive calls made
through the Two-Stage Platform. The subscriber has indicated they are willing to
accept the MPP pricing model applicable to all calls made through the Two-Stage
Dialing Platform.
VAM
Value Added Manufacturer. The organization or entity licensed by Iridium to manufacture
products for use on the Iridium system.
Vanity Numbers
Vanity numbers are customer-desired mobile numbers that have a special meaning to
that customer (i.e., an organization may request a number associated with the spelling
of its company name). Iridium does NOT support vanity numbers.
VAR
Value Added Reseller. The organization or entity licensed by Iridium to provide
value added services/applications for use on the Iridium network services. The VAR
offers Iridium system access to its customers, sells Iridium equipment, activates
and bills subscribers, and provides customer care to its subscribers.
White List
A range or list of IMEIs (International Mobile Equipment Identity) that identifies
the ISUs (Iridium Subscriber Units) having access to the Iridium satellite network.