In today’s fast-paced world, technology evolves at an astonishing rate, shaping how we communicate and connect. The current shift towards an All-IP network infrastructure, often referred to as the PSTN Switch Off, is dramatically changing the telecommunications landscape. Navigating this transformation isn’t always a walk in the park, especially when bombarded with a barrage of acronyms and jargon that seem more like cryptic codes. Fear not, for we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive jargon buster to help you unravel the mysteries behind the terminology.
ADSL – Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
Starting off our journey through the alphabet soup is ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This technology enables faster data transmission over traditional copper telephone lines, offering higher download speeds than upload speeds. It was due to be switched off in 2025 but this has now been extended to 2027.
ATA – Analogue Telephone Adapter
The ATA, or Analogue Telephone Adapter, is a device that lets you connect traditional analogue telephones or fax machines to a digital network, allowing them to work with newer IP-based systems.
BB – Broadband
Broadband, often abbreviated as BB, refers to high-speed internet access that provides significant data transmission capacity.
BT – British Telecom
BT, or British Telecom, is a well-known telecommunications company.
CF – CityFibre
CityFibre, often denoted as CF, is at the forefront of building and expanding fibre-optic networks across cities, offering high-speed internet services to businesses and homes. Deep Blue proudly works with CityFibre to bring next-generation connectivity to our customers.
CLOA – Customer Letter of Authority
The Customer Letter of Authority (CLOA) is a document that grants permission to a third party to take specific actions on behalf of a customer, such as managing their telecommunication services.
CNI – Critical National Infrastructure
CNI, or Critical National Infrastructure, refers to the essential systems and assets vital for a country’s functionality and security. Telecoms workers were classed as key workers during the 2020 lockdown. The Team at Deep Blue did an amazing job assisting end users in switching to home working while also adapting to the home changes lockdown brought. Well done, Team!
CP – Communication Provider
CP stands for Communication Provider, a company or organisation that offers communication services such as telephone, internet, and broadcasting, like Deep Blue.
CRFS – Customers Ready For Service
CRFS represents Customers Ready For Service, indicating that a specific service or connection is available and operational for customers to use.
DB – Deep Blue
Not the chess-playing computer, but Deep Blue Networks Ltd., with two decades of experience in helping customers navigate technological changes.
DDI – Direct Dial In
Direct Dial In (DDI) is a feature that allows callers to directly reach a specific extension or individual within an organisation without going through a receptionist or automated menu.
EoNWD – End of Next Working Day
EoNWD, or End of Next Working Day, sets expectations for when a particular action or service will be completed.
EU – End User
End User (EU) refers to the final consumer or recipient of a product or service.
FTTC – Fibre To The Cabinet
FTTC, or Fibre To The Cabinet, is a technology that brings high-speed fibre-optic cables to street cabinets, improving internet speeds over existing copper connections. This technology was due to be switched off in 2025, this has now been pushed out to 2027.
FTTP – Fibre To The Premises
FTTP, or Fibre To The Premises, delivers fibre-optic cables directly to homes or businesses, offering even faster and more reliable connections.
FUP – Fair Use Policy
Fair Use Policy (FUP) outlines the acceptable and reasonable usage limits for a service to ensure fair access for all users.
GSO – Great Switch Off
The Great Switch Off (GSO) signifies the transition from traditional analog communication systems to the All-IP network infrastructure. It’s also called the Great British Switch Off, the PSTN Switch Off and the Big Switch Off.
IP-PBX – Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange
IP-PBX is an Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange, a private telephone network used within an organisation that supports both traditional and IP-based communication.
ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) enables digital transmission of voice, video, and data over traditional copper lines. This technology was due to be switched off in 2025, this has now been pushed out to 2027.
KYC – Know Your Customer
Know Your Customer (KYC) involves the process of verifying the identity of customers, often required for regulatory compliance.
LLU – Local Loop Unbundling
Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) allows different communication providers to use the same physical infrastructure, like telephone lines, to offer their services.
LOA – Letter of Authority
The Letter of Authority (LOA) is a formal document granting permission or authorisation for a specific action.
MBM – Main Billing Number
The Main Billing Number (MBM) is the primary number associated with a service that may have multiple numbers, such as an ISDN circuit with DDI blocks.
MPF – Metallic Path Facility
Metallic Path Facility (MPF) refers to the physical copper line connecting a customer’s premises to the communication network.
NTE – Network Terminating Equipment
Network Terminating Equipment (NTE) is the device installed at a customer’s location that connects their internal wiring to the service provider’s network.
OTT – Over The Top
Over The Top (OTT) services deliver content (like streaming media) directly to users over the internet, bypassing traditional distribution methods.
PBX – Private Branch Exchange
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone exchange system used within an organisation to manage internal and external calls. Not all PBX systems will be compatible with the All-IP network.
PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) refers to the traditional circuit-switched telephone network used for public telecommunications. It was due to be switched off in 2025, this has now been pushed out to 2027.
SIP – Session Initiation Protocol
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a communication protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions such as voice and video calls over IP networks.
SMPF – Shared Metallic Path Facility
Shared Metallic Path Facility (SMPF) indicates that multiple services share the same physical copper line.
SOADSL – Single Order Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
SOADSL, or Single Order Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, provides equal download and upload speeds. This technology was due to be switched off in 2025, this has now been pushed out to 2027.
SOGEA – Single Order Generic Ethernet Access
SOGEA, or Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, offers a broadband connection without the need for a traditional phone line.
SOGFAST – Single Order G.Fast
SOGFAST, or Single Order G.Fast, is a single-order broadband service using G.Fast technology for faster speeds.
SOTAP – Single Order Transitional Access Product
SOTAP, or Single Order Transitional Access Product, delivers a copper path between network terminating equipment (NTE) at broadband customers’ premises and a main distribution or jumper frame at the exchange point.
SVR – Site Visit Reason
Site Visit Reason (SVR) indicates the purpose or rationale behind a scheduled site visit.
VDSL – Very High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line
VDSL, or Very High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line, provides faster data transmission over traditional copper lines than standard ADSL. This technology was due to be switched off in 2025, this has now been pushed out to 2027.
V-IP – Virtual Internet Protocol
Virtual IP or Virtual Internet Protocol is an IP address that does not correspond to a physical network interface.
VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enables voice communication and multimedia sessions over the internet.
WLR – Wholesale Line Rental
Wholesale Line Rental includes fixed-line services like voice and broadband, allowing communication providers like Deep Blue to offer these services without owning the physical infrastructure.
WLR Products
- WLR3 Analogue: A traditional voice service that has been a cornerstone of telecommunications.
- ISDN2 and ISDN30: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) solutions that use digital communication capabilities for simultaneous voice and data transmission.
- SMPF and SLU SMPF: Shared Metallic Path Facility (SMPF) and Sub Loop Unbundling (SLU) SMPF allow multiple services to share the same physical copper line.
- Narrowband Product(s) Line Share: Designed for efficient utilisation of resources, ensuring effective use of existing network infrastructure.
- Classic: The fundamental voice service.
WLT – Working Line Takeover
Working Line Takeover enables customers to switch between communication providers without disrupting their existing services.
Embracing the Change
The Great British Switch Off represents a monumental shift in telecommunications, moving away from traditional systems to embrace modern, efficient IP-based infrastructure. This change, while complex, promises to enhance connectivity and reliability. With this jargon buster, you can confidently navigate the new landscape and understand the critical terms and technologies shaping our digital future.