Glossary of Terms
0+ Calls
Call placed by dialing, followed by the area code and telephone number.
0++ Calls
Call placed by dialing, followed by the area code and telephone number, and calling card number.
0+- Calls
Dial 0, followed by the area code and telephone number, then waiting for the operator.
0- Calls
Calls placed by dialing 0 only, and then waiting for the operator to respond.
1+ Calls
Direct dialed long distance calls, where the caller dials 1, followed by area code and telephone number.
10XXX
Long distance equal access code implemented in nearly all LECs. Allows the caller to reach the IXC of choice by dialing their three digit code (i.e, MCI is 10222, AT&T is 10288) The caller then dials a 1 or 0 to place the type of call he chooses.
66 Block
A type of interconnection block with connectors on each side. Used to interconnect two telecommunications facilities or devices. (i.e, one side may be used for the CO trucks, while the other side connects to the PBX.)
800 / 888 Number
Special area code reserved for companies and / or residences to use for toll-free inbound calls.
900 / 976 / 540 Numbers
Dial sequences accessing information or conference services on pay-per-call basis. The first three digits (900,976, or 540) to identify the type of service
AC Powered
A device (i.e. payphone) powered with standard alternating current ( usually 110 volts AC). Compare with line powered.
Access Codes
Special dialing sequences used to access carriers or special TELCO services (i.e, most common 800, 950, and 10XXX.
Access Code
A five (5) digit code that allows you to reach your long distance carrier if the phone you are calling from is PIC'ed to another long distance carrier
Alternate Operator Services ( AOS )
Services provided by a specialty firm, in lieu of LECs or IXCs. Some AOS companies provide services that may not be available from LEC or IXC, such as billing to commercial credit cards, foreign language operators, store and forward messaging, information services, ad conference calling.
Access Transport Fees
Fees charged by LEC to transport a call from the long distance caller to the IXC POP or from the IXC POP to the called party. One of numerous components processing charges that, when added together, make up a long distance charge.
Access Line
Public telecommunications line that continuously connects an instrument to a switching station. refer to Public Access Telephone Service (P.A.T.S.)
Acoustic Coupler
A special type of modem that permits a standard telephone headset to attached to a terminal, allowing transmission of data.
Aggregator
Per FCC a person that, in the course of operations, makes telephones available to the public or to transient users of its premises, for interstate telephone calls using a provider of operator services.
Aggregator, "Call"
Aggregators resell long distance services by combining traffic from all of their clients under one master account with an IXC to secure a lower rate {cost} (hopefully savings are passed through to customers). Usually they will provide telecom equipment in addition to reselling services. Call aggregators let IXCs handle billing
Aggregator, "Traffic"
Aggregators reselling long distance services by combining traffic from all of their clients under one master account with an IXC to secure a lower rate {cost} (with savings hopefully passed on to customers). Traffic aggregators will handle their own billing.
ADA ( American With Disabilities Act )
Federal law (1991) created to assist public accommodations and public services for individuals with a disability. Telecommunication companies, payphone operators or other aggregators have modified their equipment sites for compliance.
Answer Detection
Ability of CPE to determine if and when a call has been answered, independently of the public network. Answer detection is critical internal store and forward devise available as a stand-alone system for connection to PBXs.
Answer Supervision
Network call status signals passed from terminating CO to the originating CO that give the status of a call. Signals are available only to LECs, IXCs and other switches on the network. Privately owned devises or CPE must provide their own circuity to determine the status of a call.
Anti-drill plate
A steel plate that is placed between the coin return and the coin box to prevent vandals from easily accessing the coin box
Anti-stuffing Device ( refer to "coin return" )
Armored Cable
A Stainless steel, spring wound handset cord that resists vandalism (It houses the lanyard of handset).
AOS ( Automated Operator Services )
Capability to automatically complete calls (previously handled by live operators), such as calling card, collect and third party billing calls. AOS systems are widely used in CO switches.
ANI ( Automatic Number Identification )
Provides the originating caller's telephone number to the terminating CO or carrier network equipment.
Backboard
Predrilled wood, metal, fiberglass mounting template used for rapid installs of payphones in most environment.
Band
Service Area. Mileage or a distance measurement range over which various rates are in effect. (refer to Rate Center)
Base Rates
Generally means "Day" rate ( normally 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ) weekdays cost structure upon which "off-peak" periods ( evenings and night/weekend ) rates are determined by discounting
BOC ( Bell Operating Company )
Local Bell operating companies formed in the 1984 divestiture of AT&T. The twenty-two (22) BOC's operate under the seven (7) Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOC's)
Billed Number Screening
Service provided by carriers that prevent specific call types from being billed to a subscriber's number. Not always 100% effective, due to the number of interfaces.
Blocking
Automatically disallows a call to certain numbers, exchanges or areas. ( Phone number cannot be connected by the carrier because no trunks are available. )
Blue Grommet
Rubber collar that acts as a strain relief between the handset and lanyard. The "blue" color identifies a handset that complies with hearing aid compatible ADA standards.
Bong Tone
The distinctive tone generated by CPE or CO equipment to prompt the caller to enter his calling card number
Butt Set
Specialized telephone set used by technicians to check lines, make test calls, diagnose lines, etc.
Cadence Detection
An answer detection technique whereby the devise detects a break in the ringback signal cadence ( 2 seconds of ringback signal, 4 seconds of silence) and assumes that ringing has stopped because the call was answered
CAS ( Call Accounting System )
A systems attached to a telephone systems to gather information about telephone calls and produce management reports or transmit data the information to other systems. There are specialized systems for different industries and applications.
Call Detail
Listing of individual long distance or local calls and information about each: i.e. time, place called, duration, rate period, number called, etc.
Call Processing System
Multiple call automated processes such as: message delivery, store-and-forward, automated collect, dialed number screening and interconnection with other CPE systems.
Calling Card
Cards issued by LEX's and IXC's that are used by subscribers to route telephone calls to the carrier.
Card Reader
An electronic mechanism that converts information recorded on a credit card's magnetic stripe into data understood by a microprocessor.
CO ( Central Office )
The telephone company facility to which subscriber lines are connected. Also, where centralized switching equipment and outside plant where calls are switched over the local network or onto a long distance carrier's network.
Chute extension
A devise inside of the payphone that guides the coin(s) down into the coin return. ( a.k.a.: "chute return assembly")
CIC ( Carrier Identification Code )
The three (3) digit code used to identify long distance companies.
Coin Box
Steel box which sits inside the payphone. It houses the coins until they are collected by payphone operator / owner. (a.k.a.: "coin receptacle / coin cover")
Coin Line
A new LEC offering that private payphone operators use to connect dumb phones to the public network.
Coin Mechanism
A mechanical or electronic devise that accepts, rejects, routes and verifies coinage denomination in payphones.
Coin Relay and Hopper Assembly
The hopper, located inside of payphone, holds coins in a compartment; the relay is used to mechanically "fire" the coins into the coin box or out the coin return ( the electronic signal to fire or not fire is given by the motherboard of the payphone).
Coin Return
Money that is returned to a user sits at the bottom of the payphone in the coin return. Coins returns have flapped doors to prevent coin return dry and help prevent fraud. Coin returns also sometimes have cutter bars to prevent fraud (a.k.a. anti-stuffing devise)
Coin Signaling Devise / Unit (Trigger Switch )
A unit inside of a payphone that recognizes nickels, dimes, and quarters and reports them to the motherboard.
Collect Call
Telephone call that is paid for by the called party.
Common Carrier
In telephony, a company authorized by federal or state authority to offer telephone services to the public.
COPT ( Coin-Operated Pay Telephone )
The CO line used to connect smart payphones to the public network. Also called a Public Access Line (PAL) [ refer to PATS ]. Often confused with "coin line", refer to definition.
COPT ( Customer-Owned Pay Telephone)
Acronym also used to refer to the private payphone operator vendor that own and mange a payphone route (refer COCOT)
COCOT ( Customer-Owned Coin-Operated
Telephone )
Payphone which operates on a restricted CO line. The acronym is also used to refer to the private payphone operators that own and manage these routes.
CPE ( Customer Premises Equipment )
Equipment located on the customer's premises. Used to differentiate CPE from equipment at a CO or carrier site.
DDD ( Direct Distance Dail )
Any long distance carrier's basic you-dial-it long distance service, without the use of an operator.
Debit Card
Debits a user's pre-established account of money at the time of purchase. Often times incorrectly referred to as prepaid cards.
Demarc
Connection point between the CPE and the CO ( i.e. a terminal block )
Dial-Around
When using a payphone the customer "dials around" a PIC'ed carrier by using an access code.
Dial-Around Compensation
Recent ruling by the FCC that grants compensation to private payphone operators for handling calls that are directed by the caller to a specific IXC.
Divestiture
The January 1, 19984 antitrust consent decree signed by AT&T, wherein AT&T agreed to divest itself of Bell Telephone and other companies. Divestiture also placed intraLATA restrictions on AT&T and interLATA restrictions on the RBOC's.
DTMF ( Dual-Tone Multifrequency )
Tones generated by modern telephones to signal CO's and communicate with a wide variety of devises. Each key on the keypad causes two discrete tones to be generated. (TouchTone, an AT&T trademark now in common usage)
Dumb Phone
A telephone with no internal logic (motherboard) that requires that it must be connected to a PBX or CO switch to function.
ESS ( Electronic Switching System )
Common switching system used in most modern central offices (CO's). Usually refers to the AT&T #5ESS, although also used in a generic manner.
End Office
The CO to which a subscriber is connected.
Enhanced Services
Peripheral or value-added services linked to a base network or service. i.e.) message forwarding, voice mail etc.
Equal Access
An FCC ruling that said all users of public switched networks should have free and equal access to the carrier of their choice ( implemented via 800,888,950, and 10XXX access).
Exchange
Synonym frequently used to refer to the CO or switching center
FCC
( Federal Communications Commission )
An independent federal agency authorized by the Communications Act of 1934. It is responsible for regulating instate and foreign telecommunications. It does not have jurisdiction over most intrastate matters.
Gateway
Entry point or connection to a system or network (i.e. calling card validation services, are companies approved to attach to the public switched network common channel (SS7) and provide special services. Individual companies needing such services cannot directly access the common channel (SS7) and must go through a gateway
Grace Period
Amount of time subtracted from a call's duration, to account for inaccuracies in timing of calls ( used by hotels, etc.)
Ground Start
Method by which to signal the CO that a calling party has gone off-hook. Ground is momentarily connected to the "tip" side of the CO line ( refer to loop start)
Ground
Reference point selected to represent zero voltage levels or to serve as the common electrical return path for all circuitry within a system.
Handset
Hand-held transmitter (microphone) and receiver (ear piece) mounted as a single unit in a high impact plastic shell (ABS or LEXAN). It is attached to a payphone via a lanyard that is housed in armored cable.
Hardwired
Two (2) pieces of equipment communicate with one another via a dedicated circuit or through a wire to which both are directly connected.
Hearing Aid Compatible
Payphone handsets that can be used with inductively coupled hearing aid devises. Identified by "blue" grommet.
Holdback
The percentage of the net revenue generated, which is held by the operator service provider (OSP) for uncollectibles and fraud.
Hook Flash
Brief interruption in a call to signal the CO for special features (i.e. call waiting or call transfer)
ISDN ( Integrated Services Digital Network )
New architecture for the public switched network, based on digital technology, from the CO switches to the subscriber telephones. Provides faster switching due to out-of-band control signaling and increased user options.
IXC ( Interexchange Carrier )
A common carrier that only carries traffic between telcos and does not offer direct subscriber connections. The accurate name for long distance companies ( i.e. MCI, AT&T, Sprint, etc. are IXC's)
Interface
Shared boundary defined by common physical and electrical interconnection characteristics.
InterLATA
Calls between two LATAs. (See LATA)
IntraLATA
Calls within one LATA.
Keypad Assembly
The keypad is mounted in the unit dial. Its function is to create DTMF signaling from the phone to the CO. The CO is reached because the keypad "breaks" the dial tone to call the CO. ( a.k.a. touch call unit )
Lanyard
The reinforced steel running through the armored cable of a handset. It securely connects the handset to the payphone case.
LEC ( Local Exchange Carrier )
Local telephone company licensed by state authority. (a.k.a. local exchange company)
LOA ( Letter of Agency )
Legal authority from subscriber to a third party allowing them to act on the third party's behalf regarding matters involving the LEC and / or IXC's.
Line Circuit
Subscriber line interface in the CO switch
LIDB ( Line Information Database )
The billing number validation database developed by the BOCs.
Line Powered
Telephone equipment that is powered solely by the CO talk battery supplied from a Co as in a standard phone line.
Line Speed
Maximum transmission capacity of a line, expressed in bits per second or baud
LCD ( Liquid Crystal Display )
Computer driven alphanumeric display used on some telephones to display dialed numbers and other dialing instructions and information.
LATA ( Local Access Transport Area )
A geographic area within which a LEC is authorized to provide local and long distance services. BOCs are prohibited from providing interLATA services, while AT&T cannot provide intraLATA services. Restrictions on other carriers vary according to state regulations.
Loop
A
local communication path between a central office (CO) and a subscriber. ( a.k.a.
subscriber loop, local line and CO line )
Loop
Start
With loop start, you "start" (seize) a phone line by bridging through both wires of your telephone line.
Lower Housing
Bottom half of the casing for a payphone. It contains the coin mechanism, coin signaling unit, coin relay & hopper and coin return
Measured
Service
Network service that is billed by the time and / or distance involved in setting up and maintaining service.
Message Delivery
If a call is not completed; some carriers, OSP's and AOS providers are offering a service that allows the caller to record a message that will then be delivered automatically, at a later time, to the called party usually for a set price.
Modem
A devise which converts serial digital data from a transmitting terminal to s signal suitable for transmission over a telephone channel, and then reconverts the signal to serial digital data for the receiving terminal.
Modular Plug
A series of connecting devises adopted by the FCC as the standard interface between telephone and data equipment and the public network. Most common are the RJ-11 (single line ) and the RJ-31 (series line) units.
Motherboard
Primary circuit board. Add-on or daughterboards are then attached to or plugged into the motherboard to provide additional capabilities.
Noise
Any signal that produces undesirable sound on a communication channel. Major sources include thermal, microwave fading, electrical interface, cross talk, and electrical-mechanical impulses.
Non-sent Paid
A term for calls made as third-party billings, reversed charges, or with a calling card.
NPA ( Numbering Plan Area )
The area covered by the North American Numbering Plan. The term Area Code is an abbreviation for Numbering Plan Area Code.
NPA-NXX-XXXX
Shorthand for area code (NPA) + CO Number (NXX) + Subscriber line number (XXXX). " A telephone number"
Off-Hook / On-Hook
Off-Hook is when the receiver is lifted off the cradle, completing a connection. On Hook is the action of placing the receiver on the cradle, breaking the connection.
Operator Assisted Calls
Station-to-station, calling card, third party billed, collect, and person -to-person calls requiring operator assistance to complete.
OSP ( Operator Services Provider )
A company that provides live or automated switched service with the goal of completing a call.
Part 68 Requirements
Specifications established by the FCC as the minimum acceptable protection communications equipment must provide the telephone network (refer to registration number)
PATS ( Public Access Telephone Service )
The CO line used to connect smart payphones to the public network.
Payphone Operator
An individual or company ( private or public) that own payphones.
Payphone Slug
A worthless metal disk used by a payphone customer to attempt to defraud the payphone.
Pedestal
Payphone installation equipment used when the payphone is freestanding
Person-to-Person
An operator-assisted call in which the caller specifies a particular person, extension, etc. to speak with. (The highest cost of any long distance service offered.)
POP ( Point of Presence )
The location where LECs connect with an IXC
Port
The access point in a computer or switching system where the system is capable of exchanging data with external devises.
Pound Sign (#) Redial
A commonly used feature offered by telco's and AOS that allow the caller to make subsequent calls, without having to reenter their calling card number, by depressing the "#" key at the conclusion of a calling card initiated call.
PIC ( Preferred Interexchange Carrier )
The IXC presubscribed to a subscriber's telephone line. Common usage is to say. . ." The line is PIC'ed to a carrier." (refer to presubscription)
Prepaid Cards
A prepaid card is created with a certain dollar amount (example $10.00). The purchaser buys the card for $10.00 and when he/she makes a purchase, the amount of the purchase is deducted, and soon, until the card has no value. There are three (3) types of technology used in prepaid cards (i.) magnetic stripe (ii.) optical stripe (iii.) smart cards.
(NOTE: Often incorrectly referred to as debit cards.)
Presubscription
All long distance calls on a subscribers telephone line will be automatically routed to the IXC chosen by the subscriber (the line is "presubscribed" to that IXC). If a caller desires to access another IXC, they would have to dial around, using
Presubscription, continued
10XXX, 950, 800 or 888 access, or go through the operator. (NOTE refer to PIC)
PBX ( Private Branch Exchange )
Equipment used to switch telephone calls within a business or closed environment and also for that environment to outside lines.
Proprietary Card
A calling card ( i.e. AT&T, MCI, SPRINT, etc.) that can only be biller by the issuer.
Protocol
Conventions used in interconnecting electronic devises
PSC / PUC ( Public Service Commission / Public Utilities Commission )
The state body that regulates and monitor the services of common carriers within a state.
Rate Center
Specific geographic point used to determine mileage. Each location in the US is assigned to a specific point, a Rate Center, usually is a central point in a specific geographic area (a.k.a. Rate Center Area).
Rate Table
A table of area codes and exchanges that determines rate for calls, taking into account certain variable such (i.) geography (ii.) time of day (iii.) and , other discounts. Rate tables for AOS systems may also include other information, such as codes to indicate the relationship of a called location to the originating telephone or system (i.e. interLATA or intraLATA) or billable exchange or non-billable exchange.
RBOC ( Regional Bell Operating Company )
When AT&T divested itself of the Bell operating companies, the court divided the twenty-two (22) operating companies into seven (7), similar sized regional operating companies. (now also called a Regional Holding Company [RHC]).
Registration Number
Approval given to manufacturers of telephone equipment to certify that a particular devise passes the tests defined in Part 68 of the FCC Rules. These tests do not attest to its commercial value.
Registration
A procedure required by the FCC to certify that a manufacturer's equipment meets certain standards for connection to the public switched network.
Rejection Assembly & Linkage Arm
The assembly inside a payphone that has a rejection lever that works with the linkage assembly in pressing against the side of the coin mechanism to push open its hinged side. This allows stuck coins to fall through to the coin return.
Remote Access
Ability to place a call to a modem connected to a CPE system and then communicate with it for the purpose of collecting data: i.e billing records, sending information such as updates or upgrades for rate tables and software, or running diagnostics.
Revenue Sharing
Business arrangement wherein the payphone owner pays a percentage of the revenue from the payphone to the site location owner.
Reverse Battery
Signal provided by a CO indicating that some event has taken place (i.e. telephone is answered). Represented as the momentary reversal of tip and ring connections.
Ring Signal Tone
The signaltone produced by the terminating CO to ring the called party's telephone. Typically 105 volts AC, 20Hz, two seconds on, four seconds off. This signaltone is not heard by the calling party ( refer to ringback tone)
REN Number ( Ringer Equivalence Number )
The measure of the electric resistance that a phone devise places across a CO line, in accordance with FCC Part 68 specifications. ( NOTE: This number is obtained from the manufacturer and is required on "line order applications to obtain a new payphone line. )
Route Management Software
Software system, generally IBM -compatible, that monitors repair, collection, fraud, and non-sent paid calls. This system allows the payphone route owner to better manage their business.
Security Stud
Cylindrical shaped metal finger that holds the door to the coin box open until the box is removed for collection.
Sent-Paid
Calls charged to the originating number collected as coins in the payphone
Serial Calling
Technique for making free calls from a public payphone. In general a CO returns dial tone within (15) seconds after the called party hangs up. NOTE: Unless protected against, this may allow dialing or a second FREE call.
Sidetone
Sound picked up by the speaker's own telephone transmitter ad reproduced in his/her receiver (i.e. the speaker's own voice). If sidetone is too loud, it causes the speaker to talk more softly, which reduces the sound level for the listener.
Single Slot
Refers to the current standard for coin phone construction, which utilizes one slot for the deposit of all acceptable coins.
Slamming
ILLEGAL process of changing the presubscribed carrier designation on a telephone line without the permission of the subscriber.
Smart Card
One of the three (3) types of prepaid calling cards used in payphones.The smart card is a Micro chip based stored value card. Unlike the magnetic strip pre paid calling cards, the smart card has a stored value for use with payphones with compatible equipment. It contains an integrated chip on which one can store financial records, travel records, customer information, etc.
Smart Phone
Telephones with internal processors that replicate CO functions to enable them to process a variety of call types without the assistance of the CO.
SIT ( Special Information Tones )
Also called three-tones. A series of three tones followed by a recorded announcement; used on switched networks to designate problems (i.e. circuit not available, number out of order, number no longer in service, or provide dialing instructions)
Speed Dialing
Allows users to call specific numbers by depressing a single, preprogrammed key, or dialing a special shorter number, such as #1 rather than the full telephone number.
Splashing
Transfer of a call from one OSP to another OSP. Splashing can be a problem if the OSP's are located at a distance or direction from each other that increase the cost of the call. Another problem occurs if the receiving OSP can not determine the originating point of the call and cannot accurately bill the call.
SMDR ( Station Message Detail Reporting )
System feature that produces a data record for each call processed by the system. The SMDR record usually includes fields for time, date, call duration, station number and destination number. (SMDR record has a number of uses to include billing, reporting and traffic analysis.)
Station Protector
Devise that short circuits harmful voltages to ground in the event of lighting strikes, etc. on the phone line.
Store and Forward
Process used by Smart Phones and call processing systems wherein the unit simulates a CO in processing calling cards, collect, and third party billing calls. The unit stores the billing information for later retrieval and then dials and completes the call as a direct-dial call.
Supply House
Regional or national distributors and supplier that stocks replacement parts for a specific and particular industry.
Switch
A devise for connecting a telephone to another telephone connected to the same devise or a telephone to another line to make or receive a call. This equipment is found in COs and PBXs.
T-Wrench
Special wrench used to open the upper and lower housing of payphones
Tariff
Document filed with a government regulatory body providing information required by that body. Tariffs may include information such as rates, terms, conditions, commissions, surcharges, fees, and estimates of volumes
TELCO
A local operating telephone company
TDD ( Telecommunications Devise for the Deaf )
Device that allows the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to make telephone calls. Essentially a TDD is a word processor with a modem. (a.k.a. text telephones)
Third Party Call
Any telephone call charged to a number other than that of the destination
Three-Way Calling
Capability to add a third party ( from another location ) to a two-party call.
Time and Charges
When placing a long distance call, you may ask an operator to call you back with the length and cost of your conversation.
Tip and Ring
Commonly used term referring to the positive (+) and negative (-) wires in a telephone circuit. A throwback to the manual switchboard days.
Toll Fraud
Any fraudulent action taken by a caller to avoid paying charges for a call, such as using another's calling card number, using stolen cards, or "hacking" into a PBX or other CPE and placing calls on outbound lines.
Touch Tone
A registered trademark of AT&T for DTMF signaling. Also used in a generic sense.
Trunk
A telephone line that connects a CO to CPE such as a PBX
Twisted Pair Cable
Two wires usually loosely spun around each other to help cancel out any induced noise.
UL ( Underwriters Laboratory )
A non-governmental organization established to test electrical and electronic equipment for compliance with national fire and safety codes.
Upper Housing
The upper half of the casing for a payphone. It usually houses the rejection assembly and linkage arm, the handset, and the keypad assembly.
Validation
Process
of verifying that a calling card or credit card account is valid and thus it
is OK to process a call to be billed to that account.
Vault Door
The door that sits in front of the coin box, designed to prevent vandalism.
Vendor
In the telecommunications industry this title identifies an individual or entity who or which provides private customer owned pay telephones to location owners or agents. (Another name for an independent payphone provider.)
Wink
An instantaneous "no voltage" condition as measured across a CO loop that indicates that dial tone is about to be supplied to the circuit.