Specific USOCs and FIDs are found in the Universal Service Order Codes (USOCs) & Field IDentifiers (FIDs) Overview

Detailed information on Acronyms associated with products and services can be found in the individual PCATs and Business Procedure.

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911	Emergency short cut dialing used to contact police departments for dispatch of officers, fire fighters or ambulances. The system identifies the caller’s location and other pertinent information to dispatch accurately.
Abbreviated Dialing	A feature that permits the calling party to dial a destination telephone number in fewer than normal digits. Speed dialing is an example.
Access Charge	A regulated charge billed to either end users or Carriers as compensation to the local telephone company for the origination and termination of line(s.)
Access Code	A five- or seven-digit code that, when dialed, gives access to a desired network.
Access Line	The portion of a leased telephone line between the end user's location and the Central Office. The circuit used to enter the telecommunications network.
Access Tandem	The switching system that provides distribution for originating or terminating traffic between End Offices and the Interexchange Carrier’s Point-of-Termination. An Access Tandem is also used to distribute originating or terminating traffic between a CLEC end office and an intraLATA toll point or an Interexchange Carrier’s Point of Termination.
ADN	(Advanced Digital Network Service) A digital private line service that transmits voice, data, video and other digital signals.
ADSL	Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Loop
Agent	A person or company that acts on behalf of another. Typically individuals or companies that market the services of a carrier or equipment provider as if they were an employee of the carrier or provider.
Aggregator	An independent entity that brings several subscribers together to form a group that can obtain long-distance services at reduced rates. The Interexchange carrier bills subscribers. The aggregator only provides the initial plan set-up.
AIOD	(Automatic Identified Outward Dialing) An option on a PBX that specifies the extension number instead of the PBX number on outward calls. Used for internal billing.
Alternate Access	A form of local access where the provider is not the local exchange carrier, i.e., Qwest, but a company authorized to provide local access.
AMA	Automatic Message Accounting
ANI	(Automatic Number Identification) The number associated with the telephone station from which switched calls are originated or terminated.
ANSI	(American National Standards Institute) A United States-based organization which develops standards and defines interfaces for telecommunications.
Answer Supervision	An off-hook signal sent back to an originating end when the called station answers.
AOCN	Administrative Operating Company Number
APOT	(Alternate Point of Termination) form identifies specific collocation terminations at the ICDF frame where the CLEC "UNE termination cables" are terminated. These terminations are used for the purpose of ordering UNEs, Ancillary Services, or Finished Services.
AQCB	(Automated Quote Contract Billing) System used to price non-tariffed products and services.
ARD	(Automatic Ring Down) Private line connecting a station instrument in one location with a station instrument in another location. When station one is off hook, station two rings. Also called "hot line".
AS-LS	(Answer Supervision - Line Side) is a battery reversal method which provides on hook/off hook signaling.
ASR	(Access Service Request) The appropriate form to issue when ordering Access and Local Network Interconnection Services. ASRs are sent via mail or through Qwest's EXACT-PC system.
Asynchronous	Form of concurrent input and output communication transmission with no timing relationship between two signals.
AT	Access Tandem
ATIS	Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions
ATM	Asynchronous Transfer Mode
BAA	(Blanket Authorization Agreement) Signed by interconnectors guaranteeing that they have authority of the end user customer to request CPNI and place service orders on the customer’s behalf.
Backbone	Network of broadband connection between switches.
BAF	Bellcore (Now Telcordia Technologies) AMA Format
Bandwidth	A measure of the communication capacity or data transmission rate of a circuit. The total frequency spectrum in hertz (cycles per second) that is available to a channel, or the amount of data that can be carried in bps (bits per second) by a channel.
BPAL	Basic PAL
Baud Rate	The speed at which a modem sends and receives data, e.g., 2400 bps, 9600 bps. One baud is roughly equivalent to one bit per second.
BBS	(Bulletin Board System) A computer system that is accessible by other computer users to leave messages, or retrieve or leave files. A bulletin board service is a forum for users to browse and exchange information or files.
BFR	(Bona Fide Request) Submitted CLECs with an interconnection, or pending, agreement with Qwest for non-tariffed, non-negotiated, non-mandated services, including operations standards.
BHMC	(Busy Hour Minutes of Capacity) For Switched Access
Bit	The smallest amount of information that can be transmitted. In binary digital transmission, a bit has one of two values: 0 or 1. A combination of bits can indicate an alphabetic character, number or perform a signaling switching or other function.
BLOA	(Blanket Letter of Agency) A legally binding agreement assuring Qwest that a Payphone Service Provider will be responsible for billing on all orders placed by them on behalf of the site.
Blocking	The inability of the calling party to be connected to the called party because either all permitted trunk paths are busy, or a path between a given inlet and any permitted free outlet of the switching network of a switching system is unavailable.
bps	(Bits Per Second) when seen in lower case, signifies bits per second. BPS in uppercase indicates 8 bit (bytes per second.
BRIDS	Bellcore (Now Telcordia Technologies) Rating Input Database System
Broadband	High capacity communication path with transmission speed greater than 1.544 Mbps.
Browser	Software used to access the web network, e.g., Netscape.
BSA	(Basic Service Arrangements) The underlying connections to and through Qwest's network. Under Open Network Architecture, BSAs should be considered the fundamental connection to the network.
BSE	(Basic Service Elements) In Open Network Architecture, BSEs are functions of the switched network that are available through Qwest and competitors on like terms. A BSE normally consists of an access link element, a features/functions element, or a transport and usage element that connects Enhanced Service Providers to their customers.
Busy Hour	A consecutive 60-minute interval with the highest levels of measurement or derived load used in traffic engineering.
Byte	The number of bits used to represent a character. For personal computers a byte is usually 8 bits.
CAC	(Carrier Access Code) The sequence an end user dials to obtain access to the switched services of an Interexchange Carrier.
CAD	(Computer-Aided Design) A computer application using software and high-resolution graphics for drafting, design and other similar engineering functions.
CAM	(Computer Aided Manufacturing) Computer controlled manufacturing.
CAMA	(Centralized Automatic Message Accounting) An arrangement that provides for the recording of detailed billing information at a centralized location other than an End Office, usually a tandem.
CAMA-ONI	(Central Automatic Message Accounting-Operator Number Identification) An operator located at a position that is connected temporarily on a customer-dialed station-to-station call.
CAP	(Competitive Access Provider Capacity) The highest possible reliable transmission speed that can be carried on a channel, circuit or piece of equipment.
CARE/ISI	(Customer Account Record Exchange/Industry Standard Interface) National guidelines for the formats and language used in mechanized exchanges of Equal Access-related information between Interexchange Carriers and telephone companies.
CAROT	(Centralized Automatic Reporting on Trunks) A mechanized system for testing of trunks to ensure that trunks are accessible to traffic, function properly during call setup and termination, and provide a proper transmission path during a call.
Carrier	A telecommunications company providing either local exchange service, interLATA service, or both.
CCC	Clear Channel Capability
CCS	(Common Channel Signaling)A signaling method in which a single channel conveys, by means of labeled messages, signaling information relating to a multiplicity of circuits or calls and other information, such as that used for network management. CCS is defined as a private network for transporting signaling messages. The primary components of the network are Signaling Transfer Points (STP) and data links. The two basic types of CCS signaling are trunk signaling, used for call set-up, and direct signaling; used to send queries and receive information from a database.
CEMR	(Customer Electronic Maintenance & Repair) A web interface that allows Customer interaction with the Qwest Maintenance & Repair facilities and request service for trouble tickets.
Central Office (C.O.)	Qwest's primary point to connect customers to the network. These highly secure buildings contain computerized network switching equipment.
Channel	A telecommunications path of a specific capacity and speed between two locations in a network.
Channel Bank	Channel terminal equipment used for combining (multiplexing) channels on a frequency-division or time-division basis.
CIC	(Carrier Identification Code) The four-digit number that uniquely identifies an Interconnector or Interexchange Carrier. The Carrier Identification Code is indicated by XXXX in the Carrier Access Code. In Feature Group B, the last four digits (950-XXXX) are used to identify the Interexchange Carrier. With Feature Group D, it is also used to presubscribe end users to a specific Interexchange Carrier.
Circuit	A transmission line connecting two or more electronic devices.
Class of Service	The billing structure, screening, & type of line.
CLEC	(Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) A telecommunications company, certified by a state utilities commission, that provides local exchange service within a Qwest local exchange and its associated local calling area.
CLLI	(Common Language Location Identifier) An 11-digit code that Qwest assigns to a Carrier’s location to designate the central office or area served by a central office. Characters 5 & 6 are the state code, 7 & 8 are the central office name and 9 through 11 specify equipment type.
CMDS	(Centralized Message Data System) A system used to distribute Exchange Message Record (EMR) formatted billing data between the recording/rating company and the billing company when the companies are not located in the same Qwest Geographic Specific Region. Data includes third number, collect and calling card.
CMRS	Commercial Mobile Radio Service
CNAM	Caller ID With Name
COCOT	Customer Owned Coin Operated Telephone (See COPT).
COPT	(Customer-Owned Pay Telephones) Pay telephones that customers own outright rather than leasing through Qwest or another company. Qwest can provide access to the public switched network for Customer-Owned Pay Telephones.
Country Code	Two or three digit codes used for international calls outside the North American Numbering Plan area codes.
CPCN	(Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) A document that registers a company as Carrier with public utility and corporation commissions.
CPNI	(Customer Proprietary Network Information) Information pertaining to a customer's selected service arrangements with Qwest or other BOC. This information is only available to competitors when written authorization from the customer is provided.
CSB	(Carrier Service Bureau) A separate group within Qwest that handles Equal Access requests. The Carrier Service Bureau also handles ballot scheduling and validation of Equal Access input and maintenance.
CSE	Custom Solutions Engineering. Carrier/Wholesale organization responsible for pre-sale engineering.
CS&I	Formerly the System Design Center. Includes the CSI group Custom Solutions and Implementation and CSE group Custom Solutions Engineering (See CSI and CSE definitions).
CSI	Custom Solutions Implementation. The Carrier/Wholesale organization responsible for program and project management.
CSR	(Customer Service Record) A detail of a customer’s communications services including listing information, service and equipment, billing etc.
CSU/DSU	(Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit) Customer premises equipment that provides basic digital transmission at various speeds.
Cut Through Dialing	10 + CIC + telephone number followed by an authorization code for IntraLATA calls.
D-4 Channel Bank	A digital multiplexer used to convert 24 voice grade analog or data channels into DS1.
Database	A collection of information on a computer. Often provides varying levels of information accessible by certain keys or menu selections.
Db	(Decibel) A unit of power (sound, optical or electrical) increase or decrease that is proportional to the exponential increase or decrease of power.
Dedicated Line	A non-switched channel or private line.
DLEC	Data Local Exchange Carrier A CLEC that specializes in DSL services primarily by leasing lines from local phone companies.
Demarc	(Demarcation Point) The point, jack or cross connect panel, at which ownership or responsibility for operating and maintaining facilities passes from one party to another.
Dial Around Compensation	'Dial Around' is a method used by end users to purposely bypass a PSP's local or long distance carrier services by dialing, for example, 1010XXX1+ or 1-800 numbers. To compensate PSPs for this revenue loss, the FCC has mandated per call compensation to be paid by carriers to PSPs via the National Payphone Clearinghouse. PSD transmission is required.
DLR	(Design Layout Record) The layout for the local portion of a circuit at a particular location.
Download	Process of transferring information from one computer to another.
DS0	Digital Signal, Level 0
DS1	Digital Signal, Level 1
DS3	Digital Signal, Level 3
DSX	Digital System Cross-connect frame
DSX-1	Digital Signal Cross-connect level 1
DSX-3	Digital Signal Cross-connect level 3
'Dumb' Set	This CPE device, or 'basic' set, has limited or no processing or programming capabilities. Screening, power, & other functions are received from the network Smart PAL (S-PAL).
EAS	Extended Area Service
EDI	(Electronic Data Interchange) Industry standard for direct computer to computer exchange.
Email	Generic term for electronic mail service.
EMR/EMI	(Expanded Message Record/Exchange Message Interface) Telcordia Technologie's standard format for the collection and recording of call data.
End Office	A Central Office that serves a Carrier’s end users and where the first point of switching will occur.
Enhanced Services	Services using network facilities and computer processing that: act on the format, content, code, protocol or similar aspects of transmittal information; provide additional or restricted information or. involve subscriber interaction with stored data.
Equal Access	The name used to describe the process of providing all end users with ease of access to the long-distance network using the Carrier of their choice.
Ethernet	A LAN and data link protocol based on a packet frame. Normally operating at 10Mbps, multiple devices can share access.
EUC	(End User Customer) Used to describe the recipient of services provided by Qwest or its competitors. Often referred to as "customer".
EXACT-PC	(Exchange Access Control and Tracking System for Personal Computers) Bellcore's user-friendly software program that permits direct input of access service orders to Qwest's computer system.
Expedite	The acceleration of a processing procedure, e.g., due date, that is different from the norm.
Facility Check	System which identifies if Qwest has necessary cabling, wiring and central office equipment available to provide service to a specific address.
FAQ	(Frequently Asked Question) Files that answer commonly asked questions Internet-related topics.
FBC	(Facility Based Carrier) A carrier that uses its own facilities to provide service.
FCC	(Federal Communications Commission) The federal agency responsible for establishing rules, laws and mandates which must be followed by regulated telecommunications companies.
FG-A	Feature Group A
FG-B	Feature Group B
FG-D	Feature Group D
FID	(Field Identifier) Used to identify a variety of service order components necessary for orders to flow through various systems and be worked correctly.
File Server	A computer running processes to provide files for remote user systems.
Flex ANI	The software used to deploy & transmit PSDs.
FOC	(Firm Order Confirmation) The date confirmation of the Interexchange Carrier’s firm order request is provided to the customer. It provides the schedule of dates committed to by Qwest for the provisioning of the service requested. The FOC interval starts on the date when a complete and accurate Access Service Request (ASR) is received.
Foreign Exchange Service	Refers to telephone exchange service furnished to a customer through a Central Office of an exchange other than the exchange in which the customer is physically located.
FOT	(Fiber Optic Terminal) Connects optical fiber to copper wire.
FRS	Frame Relay Service
Full Duplex	Simultaneous two-way communication path.
FX	(Foreign Exchange) A telephone service that operates as though it is a local switched line rather than one provided by a distant central office.
GTT	(Global Title Translation) is a process that allows dialed digits to be translated into a network node address and an application address. The process is performed in the SS7 network by the STP.
Gopher	Internet browsing and searching database available to the public.
Hz	(Hertz) A measurement of electromagnetic waveform energy. The number of cycles, or complete waves, that pass a reference point per second, where one hertz equals one cycle per second.
HICAP	(High-Capacity Service) Qwest's dedicated transport service designed to send large volumes of voice and/or data at 1.544 megabits per second or higher.
Home Page	The first screen page a user sees when visiting a World Wide Web site.
Host	A computer connected directly to the Internet; a service provider's computer
Hub	A designated Wire Center at which bridging, multiplexing or connections to other services are performed.
Hyperlink	Internet term for a word, group of words or graphic that a user clicks a mouse button on. The user is taken to a related piece of information on the network.
Hypertext	A system in which documents contain links that allow readers to move between areas of documents, following subjects in a variety of paths.

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