Technology / Cell Phones Glossary

I-Mode: NTT DoCoMo's mobile Internet access, launched in February 1999. I-mode is an alternative to WAP, though it is only implemented in Japan. It offers Internet access and email service. While WA . . . View Full Definition

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC): The historic local phone service provider in a market, often a former Bell company. Distinct from competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), new market entrants.

Independent Telephone Network (ITN): Companies not affiliated with the local telephone companies.

Industrial Telecommunications Association (ITA): A Washington, D.C. trade group serving private wireless licensees such as airlines and oil companies.

Infrared Data Association (IrDA): A membership organization founded in 1993 and dedicated to developing standards for wireless, infrared transmission systems between computers. With IrDA ports, a laptop or PDA can exchange d . . . View Full Definition

Integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID): 19 or 20-digit serial number of the SIM card.

Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN): A wireless communications technology from Motorola that provides support for voice, data, short messages (SMS) and dispatch radio (two-way radio) in one phone. Operating in the 800MHz and 1. . . . View Full Definition

Intelligent Roaming Database (IRDB): A list of acceptable and unacceptable networks for a phone to roam with stored either on a SIM card or in the phone.

Interactive Messaging: Short Message Service that allows users to send alphanumeric messages from their wireless handset to other wireless handsets or to email addresses. Interactive Messaging also allows the user . . . View Full Definition

Interconnection: The connecting of one network with another, e.g. a cellular carrier's wireless network with the local exchange.

Interim Standard (IS): A designation of the Telecommunications Industry Association --usually followed by a number--that refers to an accepted industry protocol; e.g., IS-95, IS-136, IS-54.

International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI): A unique 15-digit number that serves as the serial number of the GSM handset. The IMEI appears on the label located on the back of the phone. The IMEI is automatically transmitted by the pho . . . View Full Definition

International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI): A unique 15-digit number which designates the subscriber. This number is used for provisioning in network elements.

International Mobile Telecommunications Association (IMTA): A trade group serving specialized mobile radio and public access mobile radio carriers around the world.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU): An agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva that furthers the development of telecommunications services worldwide and oversees global allocation of spectrum for future uses.

Interoperability: The ability of a network to operate with other networks, such as two systems based on different protocols or technologies.

Ionizing Radiation: Very high energy electromagnetic radiation that strips electrons away from their normal locations in atoms and molecules.

Iridium: First LEO-based global communications system backed by Motorola. Built primarily for voice transmissions, it was launched in 1998 and went into Chapter 11 in 1999.

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