The following definitions are based on terminology from the ACMA’s 2023 ACMA annual consumer survey (ACS) ‘Broadcasting and online content’ questionnaire, ‘Telco contact, scams and news’ questionnaire, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Internet activity report.
Terms
ACCC
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
actively engage
Actively engaging includes posting, sharing, commenting and/or interacting with the content on a website or app, such as clicking 'like'.
app
An application or program that can be downloaded on to a mobile phone or other device.
broadband
An internet connection that enables high-speed use with high-capacity limits and download speeds. Types of connections include NBN, ADSL, cable and satellite.
communication and social media website/app
Websites and applications that enable users to create, share and consume content online and enable people to communicate and participate in social networking.
content on an online platform
Video content (excluding video games) viewed via online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and social media. Examples include product reviews, vlogs and comedy/sketch videos.
DAB/DAB+ digital radio
Digital radio broadcasting standard. Like AM/FM radio, digital radio is broadcast free-to-air but uses a digital signal requiring a DAB+ digital radio-enabled device.
e-sport
Organised, competitive video gaming. Typically played between professional or sponsored gamers in league competitions and tournaments.
free-to-air (FTA) TV
Broadcast television services where the signal is delivered without charge to the viewer. Examples include channels 7, 9, 10, ABC, SBS, 9Go! and 7Mate.
free-to-air (FTA) catch-up TV and streaming service
Internet service typically provided on free-to-air and subscription broadcasters’ websites that enables users to watch a content previously shown on TV or programming exclusive to the app, often available for a limited period. Examples include ABC iView, 10 Play and 7Plus for FTA programs, and Foxtel Go for subscription broadcasters.
games consoles
Specialised device used to play video games. Examples include PlayStation, Xbox and Wii.
household internet access
A connection to an internet service for a residence. Includes voice-only internet.
landline telephone
Fixed-line telephone service at home used to make voice calls.
messaging/calling app
A communication application used to make voice calls, video calls and/or send messages.
mobile broadband
An internet connection that provides short-range, high data-rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a network. Examples include mobile worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), 3G/4G accessed through a datacard, USB modem and tablet SIM card (excluding a mobile handset).
mobile services
Services include prepaid mobile, postpaid mobile, mobile broadband, machine-to-machine communication (M2M) and home wireless broadband services.
mobile texting
Sending a short text message (SMS) using a mobile phone.
NBN – National Broadband Network
The national wholesale-only open access data network in Australia offering high-speed broadband to all Australian premises using a multi-technology mix.
news
Includes any factual reporting by journalists or other information on current events at either a local, regional, national or international level.
non-NBN fixed services
Fixed internet services provided over digital subscriber line (DSL), cable/hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC), fibre, fixed wireless and satellite network. Excludes voice-only and NBN services.
online news aggregator or app
Online platform or software device that collects news stories and other information sources, as it is published and organises it in in a specific manner usually in one location for easy viewing.
pay-per-view
Television service in which viewers are required to pay a fee to rent or buy a movie or TV show. Examples include AppleTV, Google Play (movies & TV) and OzFlix.
podcast
Digital audio content files made available for download or streaming via the internet.
postpaid mobile
Mobile telephone service where a user pays a monthly charge (or a charge based on a time limit). Typically includes a payment for a handset, access, subscription and call, SMS and data use/allowances (as outlined in the plan).
prepaid mobile
Mobile telephone service where a user is not billed regularly. Instead, they pay upfront for their handset, network access and call, messaging and data charges.
satisfaction with communication services
A measure of how satisfied or dissatisfied consumers report to be with aspects of their communication services. Ratings scale from 1 (dissatisfied) to 5 (satisfied).
smart device
Appliance or gadget that can be connected to the internet. Excludes computers, tablets and mobile phones.
smart TV
Internet-enabled TV set with built-in apps. It doesn’t need a separate device such as a set-top box or games console to go online.
standard TV
A TV set that can be used to watch programs from broadcasting stations. It does not have an internet connection itself and can only be connected to the internet using a separate device (for example, Apple TV, a Fire TV stick, Chromecast device or games console).
subscription TV
Service providing access, for a fee, to television channels transmitted using cable, satellite or terrestrial microwave. Examples include Fetch TV and Foxtel.
TB – terabyte
A measure of data download volume. A data unit of 1,000 billion bytes, sometimes interpreted as 1,024 gigabytes.
user-generated content or short-form online video service
Videos typically under 10 minutes in length that are created and shared by users on online platforms. Examples include YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Reels.