Glossary
25 telecom terms explained simply. Updated 2 November 2026.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
Airtel Thanks AppA
The official Airtel mobile app for managing Airtel services, recharges, and accessing data loans.
Auto-RenewalA
Automatic purchase of the same pack when validity expires, using available balance.
Balance TransferB
Sending talk time or data credit from one number to another of the same provider.
Combo PackC
A recharge plan that includes calls, SMS, and data together in one bundle.
Data LoanD
A credit service offered by telecom operators that allows prepaid users to borrow data when their balance is low. The borrowed amount is deducted from the next recharge.
Data VoucherD
A specific data add-on pack that supplements your base plan's data allocation.
Emergency DataE
Data provided on credit when a user's data pack is exhausted. Also known as data loan or credit data.
FUPF
Fair Usage Policy - data limits after which speed is reduced or additional charges apply on unlimited plans.
Hero UnlimitedH
A category of Vi (Vodafone Idea) plans that offer unlimited calls and special benefits like free data claims.
IVRI
Interactive Voice Response - an automated phone system that interacts with callers through voice prompts and keypad inputs.
Main BalanceM
The primary credit balance in a prepaid mobile account used for calls, SMS, and some data packs.
MNPM
Mobile Number Portability - the ability to switch telecom providers while keeping your phone number.
MyJio AppM
The official Jio mobile app for managing Jio services, recharges, and accessing emergency data loans.
OTTO
Over-The-Top services like WhatsApp, Netflix that use internet data rather than traditional telecom services.
PostpaidP
A mobile plan where users pay at the end of the billing cycle for the services used.
PrepaidP
A mobile plan where users pay in advance for talk time, SMS, and data. Recharge is required to maintain service.
RoamingR
Using your mobile service outside your home network area, often with different rates.
Telecom CircleT
A geographic region in India where a telecom operator provides services. India is divided into 22 telecom circles.
Top-upT
Adding credit or balance to a prepaid mobile account through recharge.
TRAIT
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India - the regulatory body governing telecommunications in India.
USSD CodeU
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data - a protocol used by telecom networks that allows users to access services by dialing special codes like *123#.
ValidityV
The period during which a data pack or loan remains active and usable.
Validity PeriodV
The duration for which a recharge pack or data loan remains active and usable.
VASV
Value Added Services - additional services like caller tunes, content subscriptions beyond basic voice/data.
Vi AppV
The official Vodafone Idea mobile app for managing Vi services, recharges, and data loans.
Related Resources
Understanding Telecom Terms
Navigating India's telecom landscape can be confusing with terms like USSD, FUP, and MNP. This glossary explains 25+ common terms used by Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL in simple language. Whether you're trying to understand your data loan options or decode your recharge plan details, this glossary has you covered.