U Interface
U Interface is the interface between the telco and the user, also known as the local digital subscriber line (DSL) loop.
Uncapping
Uncapping refers to the activities performed to alter customer's ISP (Internet Service Provider) modem settings. One of the purposes of uncapping is to change the bandwidth limitation, such as altering a 512kbit/s access modem to 10Mbit/s. Uncapping is an illegal activity and many ISPs check modem configuration files nightly to detect uncapped modems.
UNE: Unbundled Network Elements
Unbundled Network Elements (UNE), a requirement mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 of USA, are the parts of the network that the ILECs are required to offer on an unbundled basis. Together, these parts make up a loop that connects to a DSLAM or a voice switch (or both). The loop allows non-facilities-based telecommunications providers to deliver service without laying network infrastructure. On February 20, 2003, the FCC adopted new rules for network unbundling obligations of incumbent Local Phone Carrier.
UNE-L: Unbundled Network Elements Loop
Unbundled Network Elements Loop (UNE-L), an alternative to the UNE-P, allows CLECs access to or operate their own local switch. The underlying copper (loop) that runs to customer's house is then leased by the CLEC, and cross-connected to the CLEC's switch. Both UNE-P and UNE-L have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Other CLECs bypass the ILEC's network entirely, using their own facilities. These facility-based LECs include cable companies offering phone service over coaxial cable.
UNE-P: Unbundled Network Elements Platform
Unbundled Network Elements Platform (UNE-P) is a combination of UNEs that allows end-to-end service delivery by a CLEC without ANY facilities. Despite not involving any CLEC facilities, it still requires facilities-based certification from the PUC to deliver services via UNE-P.
Uniform Call Distributor
Uniform Call Distributor is the feature that accepts incoming calls and distributes them equally among agents in a call center.
Unipolar Signal
Unipolar signal is a two-state signal where one of the states is represented by voltage or current ( the current flow can be in either direction ) and the other state is represented by no voltage or current.
Universal Digital Carrier
Universal Digital Carrier refers to one digital copper pair consisting of two analog telephone lines.
Universal Service
Universal Service refers to the Federal Universal Service with the goals as mandated by the 1996 Act of USA, to promote the availability of quality services at reasonable and affordable rates; increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the Nation; advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas. In addition, the 1996 Act states that all providers of telecommunications services should contribute to Federal universal service in some equitable and nondiscriminatory manner; there should be specific, predictable, and sufficient Federal and State mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service; all schools, classrooms, health care providers, and libraries should, generally, have access to advanced telecommunications services; and finally, that the Federal-State Joint Board and the Commission should determine those other principles that, consistent with the 1996 Act, are necessary to protect the public interest.
UPT: Universal Personal Telecommunications
Universal Personal Telecommunications (UPT) are a special segment of the international telephone number space which has been set aside for universal personal telephone numbers. UPT has been allocated country code 878. This concept was introduced by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2001, and referred to as "global number portability".
User Information Bit
User information bit is a bit transferred from a source user to a telecommunications system for delivery to a destination user. User information bits do not include the overhead bits originated by, or having their primary functional effect within, the telecommunications system. User information bits are encoded to form channel bits.
User Part
User Part refers to a function in the common channel signaling system. It is used to transfer signaling messages via the message transfer part. There are different types of user parts for telephone, data, and ISDN services. Each user part is specific to a particular application in the signaling system.
User Plane
User Plane refers to one of the three entities in the ATM reference model. The user plane includes a group of protocols to facilitate the actual data transmission. The other two entities are control plane for signaling and the management plane for network management issues. The concept and model of user plane, control plane and management plane has been extended to other telecommunication technology groups beyond the ATM technology.
UTC: Universal Time Coordinator
Universal Time Coordinator(UTC), also known as Coordinated Universal Time, is the time standard in telecommunications system developed based on atomic clocks since the accuracy of it has been improved considerably. Before UTC, the time standard was called "mean solar time" which was based on the "rotation of the earth about its axis", with respect to the sun.
Utility-Based Communications Service Providers
Utility-Based Communications Service Providers refer to utility companies, particularly electric power and gas companies entering the telecommunications market. In the case of the electric companies, there is some interest in providing high-speed internet access as well as traditional voice service over power lines.
UUIE: User-User Information Element
User-User Information Element (UUIE) is a a type of Information Elements in the ISDN messages, which is used to send user name and other information for call setup.