Glossary
Gigahertz, FCC, Fixed Wireless: Learn the acronyms and terminology that are expanding broadband infrastructure in Southeast Alaska
Broadband
A type of internet connection that offers significantly higher speeds compared to older dial-up connections.
Clutter Data
Clutter describes obstacles that will impede a signal’s path. For radio frequency (RF) planning purposes this can be trees and buildings.
Cell on Wheels
A mobile cell tower that can be deployed to provide temporary cellular coverage in areas affected by disasters or high network demand.
Customer Premises Equipment
The devices and equipment located at a customer’s premises to connect them to a service provider’s network, such as a modem or router.
Digital Divide
The gap in information and resources between those who have access to an internet connection, computers, smartphones, tablets, etc., and those who do not.
Digital Equity
A condition in which everyone has the digital resources needed to fully participate in society and access essential services.
Direct Internet Access
fully dedicated bandwidth that is not shared and the speed does not vary. It is an internet connection that is totally dedicated to a specific location or business.
Federal Communications Commission
An independent agency of the United States government that regulates national and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It is responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communication law and regulations.
Fixed Wireless Antenna
Equipment used in fixed wireless broadband systems to transmit and receive signals.
Gigahertz (Ghz)
Short for gigahertz, is a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz. It is commonly used to measure computer processing speed, alternating current, and electromagnetic (EM) frequencies. In our instance, it is referencing the lease of the licensed 2.5 Ghz awarded by the Federal Communications Commission.
Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity
A type of government contract that allows for an indefinite quantity of goods or services to be delivered over a fixed period. These contracts serve as a vehicle under which contract holders bid on and may be awarded multiple future contracts. These future contracts are called Task Orders (see Task Orders definition below)
Last Mile
The final segment of the broadband network that connects to the customer/user.
Latency
The delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer. Low latency is crucial for real-time applications like video conferencing.
Multiple Award Task Order Contract
A type of IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity) contract with multiple awardees. Under a MATOC multiple awardees are chosen to provide a service within a pre-defined dollar amount.
Middle Mile
The segment of a telecommunications network that connects the backhaul (Direct Internet Access, ie GCI, APT, ACS) to the ISP provider (Tidal Network).
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
A U.S. government agency responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues.
Outdoor Unit
An outdoor component of a wireless communication system mounted to the outside of the home/business it is often used to connect to an indoor unit/CPE.
Quality of Service
A set of technologies that manage network resources and prioritize traffic to ensure the performance of critical data and applications.
Radio Frequency
Refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used in wireless communication and broadcasting. Helps to determine where there are disruptions or a clear path of signal to the customer/business and how far the signal can travel.
Request for Quote
A solicitation document used in procurement to request price quotations from potential suppliers for specific products or services.
Site Survey
A process where a location is assessed to determine the suitability and requirements for deploying specific equipment or services. In telecommunications, it can involve assessing the feasibility of deploying infrastructure like cell towers or antennas.
Service Level Agreement
A formal document that defines the level of service expected by a customer from a supplier, laying out the metrics by which service is measured.
Task Order
Under the IDIQ contract, the government places delivery orders (for supplies) or task orders (for services) against a basic contract for individual requirements. Task Orders are mini-contracts that define a specific project’s scope, cost, and schedule; they explain exactly how the money is to be spent. As a component of a contract, the Task Order’s scope, cost, and schedule must conform to terms of the master contract.
Tribal Broadband Connectivity
A federal program that aims to increase access to broadband services in tribal areas to bridge the digital divide.
Terms of Service
A legal agreement between an Internet Service Provider and the user, detailing the terms, conditions, and usage policies of the internet service.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet access.
Wireless Internet Service Provider
A company that offers internet access to customers using wireless technology.