The MVNOs Series Glossary

4G is a fourth generation of mobile phone technology that has superseded 3G.

5G is the fifth generation of mobile phone technology. Far faster than previous generations, 5G boasts potentially 100 times faster download speeds.

Artificial intelligence or AI is the development of computers to perform analytical tasks normally required by humans such as voice recognition and decision making.

Taking inspiration from Linux kernel and other open source software, Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices including smartphones and tablets.

Considered a new type of virtual operator, AppVNOs have an app-based infrastructure. Their unique selling point is the ability to make calls and send texts via an app and even use an additional mobile number. In most cases, consumers use the apps entirely free by taking advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity.

Augmented Reality is where digital elements are added to a live view to enhance the experience. An example includes snapchat filters.

eSIM or Embedded SIM is as it suggests - a SIM card that is embedded into a cellular device unlike traditional SIM Cards that can be removed and interchanged between device.

Short for the slightly less engaging ‘financial technology’. In its most literal sense, the term can refer to any form of technology used in the fulfillment of transactions or the provision of financial services.

The Global System for Mobile communication is a standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). First launched in Finland on 1991, it describes the protocols for 2nd generation digital cellular networks used by mobile devices.

Formely known as the iPhone OS, iOS is the operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. to use on iPhone devices back in 2007. Nowadays it powers many of the company's devices such as iPads, iMacs and iPods.

The Internet of Things or IoT, sometimes referred to as Interconnected Devices, describes the ever-growing network of connected electronic devices that have the capability to connect, collect and exchange data. It can be anything that has got an IP address and has the ability for data transmission over a network, the term also includes the communication that occurs between these objects and other Internet-enabled devices and systems

The iSIM technology is an integrated component which is built into the same chip as the processor. In many ways it’s similar to eSIM, but because it takes up less space iSIM is considered ideal for tiny IoT devices.

Mixed Reality (MR) is when Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are combined to deliver an experience. Microsoft’s HoloLens is the most notable example of this being delivered.