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.