Accessories
This refers to items that can be added or used with a cellphone in order to make it more useful or attractive e.g. phone covers, chargers, Bluetooth headsets, etc.
Account Holder
An account holder is the person who is legally responsible for the payments on a Cellphone Contract. The account holder has the authority to make changes to the account.
Adjustment
An adjustment to an account is made when money or credit is added or subtracted from the monthly bill.
Administration Charges
An administrative charge refers to the fee charged by network providers for account maintenance such as late payment fees, cancellation fees, suspension fees, and reactivation fees.
Billing Cycle
This refers to the period of time for which a customer is billed in a month, e.g. from the second of one month to the first of the next. The billing cycle usually starts and ends on the same date every month.
Connection
Cellphones connect to a network provider through radio waves or satellite transmissions. Cellphones are connected to the network the instant the SIM card and the IMEI number are registered on the applicable network.
Contract Period
The contract period refers to the minimum number of uninterrupted months that a customer signs up for a Cellphone Contract. Normally contract periods run for 24 months.
Data
Data refers to digital-encoded information and is different from analogue-encoded information such as conventional telephone voice calls. The transmission of data via a cellphone is also called mobile data or cellular data. Data is used for emails, visiting web pages, uploading content to social media and software updates.
Electronic Bill
An electronic bill (e-bill) is where invoices or bills are electronically delivered instead of being sent by post. These bills can usually also be retrieved online.
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number
The IMEI is a unique number given to every cellphone. The IMEI number is usually 15 digits long and provides information about the cellphone, its manufacturer and the network provider the cellphone is connected to. If the cellphone is stolen, the IMEI number can be blacklisted so that the cellphone cannot easily be used by criminals.
Itemised Billing
An itemised bill provides a detailed summary of the account including all calls, SMSs and data usage.
Migration
Migration refers to the process of moving from one Cellphone Contract to another, on the same network, without necessarily affecting the remaining duration of the contract. An upward migration is when a customer moves to a more expensive Cellphone Contract and there is usually no additional charges involved. If the customer is moving to a cheaper Cellphone Contract, then this is called a downward migration and there is usually a penalty charge.
Model
Refers to the type of cellphone, e.g. Apple iPhone 6s, LG G4, Samsung Galaxy S6.
Network
A system of lines or channels that cross or interconnect. Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain sub networks.
Network Provider
A network provider offers transmission services to users of wireless devices (such as cellphones and tablets) through radio frequency signals. These signals can be used for the transmission of voice, data, etc. Network providers deliver communication services to people spread over large geographic areas.
Pin
Most cellphones and tablets offer Personal Identification Number (PIN) protection and require the entry of the PIN before the device can be used.
Porting
Porting or Mobile Number Portability (MNP) helps cellphone user to retain their cellphone number when switching to a different network provider.
Prepaid
A prepaid service (also referred to as pay-as-you-go) is a type of Cellphone Contract that requires the account holder to purchase credit before services can be used. For example, a prepaid customer will need to purchase airtime or data bundles before they can make calls, send an SMS or access the Internet.
PUK
If the PIN code is incorrectly entered three times in a row, the cellphone or tablet will be locked. The screen will display "Enter PUK Code" or "SIM Blocked". The PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) code should be entered in order to unblock the SIM.
The SIM will be unusable if the incorrect PUK Code is entered ten times in a row. A new SIM card will be needed.
Refunds
A refund is paid to a customer for overpayment or in the event of credits remaining on an account.
RICA
The Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provisions of Communication Related Information Act (RICA) states that all new and existing cellphone numbers must be registered. RICA refers to the process of verifying a consumer’s identification by means of their ID documentation and proof of residence.
Service Provider
A service provider is an organisation/business which offers services to others in exchange for payment. In terms of telecommunications, a service provider offers cellular services.
SIM
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a small card that is inserted into a cellphone or tablet. The SIM card stores data about the network and has the ability to store information such as phone book entries and SMSs.
Refer to the cellphone manufacturer’s instruction guide for information on how to insert a SIM card.
Subscription Fee
The subscription fee refers to the monthly charge payable by a customer to their service provider.
Upgrade
After the initial Cellphone Contract has ended, a customer has the option to upgrade. Customers can choose to stay on the same contract they are currently on and get a new cellphone or gain the benefit of a new promotion by signing up for a new Cellphone Contract.
Usage Charges
Usage charges refer to the fee customers must pay their service provider for using the services supplied. This is in addition to the subscription fee.
Warranty
A written guaranty issued by a manufacturer promising to repair or replace a cellphone. The warranty period will depend on the manufacturer but is usually between 12 and 24 months. The warranty is subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.
