Unknown facts in a known sector

Unknown facts in a known sector

All we come across the word “Telecommunication” in our day to day life; even we can’t imagine a day without a mobile phone in an era like this. But the fact is we know telecommunication, but we are poor in some configurations. Let’s try to point out some issues regardingthis sector, telecommunication; mainly in telephone.

1. What is the difference between communication & telecommunication?

Let’s see what Oxford says

Communication: share or exchange information or ideas.

Telecommunication:communication over a distance by cable, telegraph, telephone,or broadcasting

From that we could identify that for the term, telecommunication, a distance should be involved. & also an assistance of a device (mainly an electronic device) is needed in order to do so.

2. Is there any governing body for telecommunication?

Yes. Like for every single fact in this world, for telecommunication alsothere are governing bodies. An international governing body called ITU governs telecommunication issues all over world. Apart from it, in every country a regional governing body is there to govern the local issues

3 .What is ITU?

ITU stands for “International Telecommunication Union”; is the specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for information and communication technologies.

From Wikipedia : The ITU is active in areas including broadband Internet,latest generation wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology, convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice, TV broadcasting, and next-generation networks (NGN).

· ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland

· 192 Member States

· ITU sectors: Radio communication (ITU-R), Standardization (ITU-T), Development (ITU-D) , ITU TELECOM

click to : http://www.itu.int

4.Who governs in Srilanka?

In SriLanka, TRCSL (Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka) is the governing body. Licenses to operate telecommunication systems in Sri Lanka under Section 17 of the Act, frequency management, monitoring and ensure proper utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, responding to consumer complaints and holding inquiries/investigations are some services provided by TRCSL. Recently TRCSL announced that they are willing to conduct random access speed test for the broadband access providers.

click to : http://www.trc.gov.lk/

5.How these fixed line phone numbers are assigned?

There are 4 fixed line operators (excluding SLT Citylink) & 5 mobile operators currently providing services in Srilanka. According to the TRCSL‘s number allocating rule a phone number of 10 digits must be provided,

SLT Number format : OAA X XX XXXX

where OAA: Area code

Operator ID:

SLT : 2

SLT Citylink CDMA : 3

Suntel : 4

Lankabel : 5

Dialog Broadband(CDMA) : 7

Click to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone numbers in SriLanka

Mobile Operators:

SriLanka Telecom Mobitel : 071

Etisalat : 072

Airtel (Barti Airtel) : 075

Dialog Telekom (Axiata) : 077

Hutch (Hutchison Whampoa) : 078

6. How the international connections are made?

There are 3 ways in order to make international calls

1. IDD (International Direct Dialing)

Make direct connection from a country to another. Like every operator provides this facility in order to satisfy the customer

2. International Transit

Make an international call where there is no direct connection between two countries.

For an example ; 2 countries ,X and Y, don’t have direct connection among them, but both countries have direct connection with a third country Z. So whenever X wants to make a call to Y, it is possible making a connection via International Switching Center (ISC) of Z and vice versa.The below figure will give an idea.

3.Operator Assisted Dialing

Make a connection with the help of a third party, usually by the service provider. The above figure mentions what it is.

7.How the IDD codes are established?

	1 -North America 2 -Africa 3 & 4 -Europe 5 -South America 6 -South Pacific 7 -Russia 8 -Eastern Asia 9 -Far East & Middle East 0 -Reserved

We fall into region number nine. For an example if we consider Egypt, it falls into Europe and its country code is 20. Let’s take SriLanka & Saudi Arabia, both fall into the region 9 and both country codes should start with 9. So for SriLanka it’s 94 & for Saudi Arabia it’s 966. Almost every Middle East County is provided with 3 digit country code

International phone number will look like:

00 XX XX X XX XXXX

first XX(or XXX): country code

Click to :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_calling_code

8.What is the difference between “+” & “00”?

Whenever you receive a call from abroad you may noticed that the number of the caller starts with two manners. One is + and the other is 00. The difference is, if the caller calls from an IDD phone the number format starts with “+” and if the dialler uses a phone card , phone number starts with 00.

Eg: +94716283645 : When dial from an IDD available phone

0094716283645 : When use a phone card

These stuffs are some basic facts related to telephone and calling. Hope to discuss technical issues regarding this in future posts, If is God's will.