1G (or 1x)
The 1st generation of wireless technology that was purely analog for voice transimssion and not much else (introudced in the early 80s).

3G
The 3rd generation of wireless that delivered greater speeds for data transmission (projected standard for wireless of 384 kbps).

2G
The 2nd generation of wireless that saw the first entry of digital voice that delivered better quality and more capacity but very slow data through CSD (introduced in the early 90s).

4G
The 4th generation of wireless that delivered the first true "Wireless Broad-band" data services (marketed as LTE, WiMAX, & Sprint Spark).

Android OS
The operating system developed by Google in support of certain wireless smartphones and tablets.

AVL
Automatic Vehicle Location. A term typically used to describe an application of GPS for transportation companies.

BAN
Billing Account Number. Most carrier account numbers assigned to the customer are referred to as BANs.

BYOD (or BYOP)
Bring Your Own Device. The ability for the customer (wireless subscriber) (or BYOP) to bring their existing phone (BYOP), if compatible, from one carrier network to another.

Blackberry OS
This is the operating system developed by RIM in support of Blackberry OS devices.

CDNA
Code Division Multiple Access. This is a standard of wireless network technology being used today in the US by both Verizon and Sprint.

CRM
Customer Relationship Management. A CRM system allows businesses to manage business relationships and the data and information associated with them. It involves using technology to organize, automate and synchronize sales, marketing, customer service, and technical support.

Cloud Services A cloud service is any resource that is provided over the Internet as opposed to on premise (e.g. physical hardware such as a computer or server).

CSD
Circuit Switched Data. This is a dial-up connection for data transmission; it's a very old and antiquated technology.

ESN
Electronic Serial Number. A number specific to the phone that identifies the wireless subscriber to a CDMA network.

ETF
Early Termination Fee. These are fees imposed on the customer who terminates service with their wireless carrier prior to their contract expiration.

GB
Gigabyte (data measurement). A Gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 (230) bytes or 1,024 Megabytes, or 1,048,576 Kilobytes.

GSM
Global Systems for Wireless Communication. This is a standard of wireless Network technology being used by both AT&T and T-Mobile and is common in Europe as well.

GPS
Global Positioning System. The ability to visualize, in real time via satellite, the movement of a particular object.

Hotline
A commonly used, wireless term that describes the temporary suspension of a wireless phone number or account due to non-payment or late payment.

IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identifier. This is a unique number given to a wireless phone used to identify the phone or device ONLY to a GSM Network.

iOS
This is the operating system developed by Apple for all of their computer and wireless products (e.g. Mac, iPhones, iPads, etc.).

KB
Kilobyte (a data measurement). A Kilobyte is 1,024 bytes.

Kbps
Kilobytes per second (a measurement of data speeds).

LTE
Long Term Evolution. Commonly marketed as 4G LTE and is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for wireless phones and data terminals.

MB
Megabyte (a data measurement). A Megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes or 1, 024 Kilobytes.

MEID
Mobile Equipment Identifies. A number specific to the phone that identifies the wireless subscriber to a CDMA network.

MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service. It's a standard way to send messages that include multimedia content like pictures and videos to and form wireless phones.

MRC
Monthly Recurring Charge. This is the amount a subscriber pays for their wireless phone plan each month before any additional fees and/or overages.

Mbps
Megabytes per second (a measurement of data speeds).

MIN
Mobile Identification Number (i.e. cell phone number).

MNO
Mobile Network Operator. A cell phone carrier that operates and maintains its own network and offers wireless phone service to its customers.

MVNO
Mobile Virtual Network Operator. A cell phone carrier that DOES NOT have its own network. Instead, an MVNO has a business relationship with an MNO. An MVNO pays wholesale fees for minutes and then sells the minutes at retail prices under its own brand.

NPA/NXX
Numbering Plan Area/Numbering Plan Exchange. This is your code and prefix of an assigned phone number..

Offloading
This is the action of the wireless subscriber utilizing complementary network technologies (Wi-Fi networks or hotspots) for delivering data originally targeted for cellular networks. As a result this not only reduces network congestion but also reduces personal data usage against the allotted plan allowance and potentially reduces costs.

OS
Operating System. The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer and provides a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run; essentially this is the brain of the computer.

PIN
Personal Identification Number. This is similar to a password that a customer will establish to protect their personal wireless account information.

PORTING
This is the ability for the customer (wireless subscriber) to keep their current wireless phone number and move it from one wireless carrier network to another network.