Access Fee: A special fee that local telephone companies are allowed to charge all telephone customers, including wireless, for the right to connect with the local phone network.
Air Time: Actual time spent talking on a cellular telephone. The longer you talk the higher the bill.
Calling Party Pays: The term used when a person making a call to a cell phone pays for the call instead of the person who receives it. "Calling party pays" is available on a very limited basis in the United States.
Hearing Aid Compatible Telephones: Phones that emit magnetic impulses that are picked up by telecoils in hearing aids. The telecoil enables the telephone user to increase the volume on the hearing aid without feedback and background noise.
Off-peak: The part of the day defined by the provider when customers can expect to pay reduced airtime rates, usually evenings and weekends.
PCS: A two-way digital voice, messaging and data wireless telephone service. PCS stands for Personal Communications Services.
Peak: The part of the day defined by the provider when customers can expect to pay full service calling rates.
Roaming: The term given to a cellular phone’s ability to make and receive calls outside the customer’s home calling area.
Service Charge: The monthly amount paid to receive cellular service. This amount is fixed, and is paid regardless of how much or little the phone is used. Smart Phone: An expression used for cellular phones that can send and receive voice and data messages.
TTY: A type of machine that allows people with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate over the phone using a keyboard, a viewing screen, and sometimes a printer.
Wireless Phone: Any phone that transmits signals through the air without a physical connection. Cell (cellular), mobile, portable phones (hand held), in-car mounted and bag (transportable) phones are all considered wireless phones. Please note that reference to any private organization or association in this brochure is included for informational purposes only and does not imply an endorsement by the Commission or the federal government of any product or service it provides.
