Information
Signs, signals, writings, sounds and other data.

Interconnection
The physical and logical linking of telecommunications networks used by one or more Service Provider in order to enable the Users or Subscribers of the same or another provider to communicate, and linking any service to another one across Networks, be it locally or internationally.

International Telecommunications Services
Telecommunications Services provided between Lebanon and abroad.

ICT
Information and communication technologies.
A broad subject concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and processing information, especially in large organizations.

IEC
International Electronical Commission.

IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

IM
Instant messaging. Refers to online applications that allow users to exchange messages with other users over the Internet with a maximum delay of one or two seconds at peak times.

IMS
IP multimedia subsystem.
A standardized next-generation networking (NGN) architecture for telecom operators that want to provide mobile and fixed multimedia services. It uses a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) implementation based on a 3GPP standardized implementation of SIP, and runs over the standard Internet protocol (IP). Existing phone systems (both packet-switched and circuitswitched) are supported.

IMT-2000
International Mobile Telecommunications- 2000.
Third-generation (3G) “family” of mobile cellular standards approved by ITU. For more information see the website at: www.itu.int/imt

Incumbent
The major network provider in a particular country, often a former Stateowned monopoly.

Interconnection
The physical connection of separate ICT networks to allow users of those networks to communicate with each other. Interconnection ensures interoperability of services and increases end users’ choice of network operators and service providers.

Interconnec-tion charge
The charge – typically including a per-minute fee – that network operators levy on one another to provide interconnection.

International gateway
Any facility that provides an interface to send and receive electronic communications (i.e., voice, data and multimedia images/video) traffic between one country’s domestic network facilities and those in another country.

International mobile roaming
Services allowing customers of one mobile operator to use mobile services when travelling abroad.

Internet
Interconnected global networks that use the Internet protocol (see IP).

Internet backbone
The high-speed, high-capacity lines or series of connections that form a major pathway and carry aggregated traffic within the Internet.

Internet content provider
A person or organization that provides information via the Internet, either with a price or free of charge.

Internet TV
A system that distributes professional television content over the Internet. While IPTV typically transmits on discrete service provider networks, Internet TV is usually over peer-to-peer networks.

Internet video
An unmanaged video service that offers user-generated streaming video over the Internet.

IP
Internet protocol.
The dominant network layer protocol used with the TCP/IP protocol suite.

IP telephony
Internet protocol telephony.
IP telephony is used as a generic term for the conveyance of voice, fax and related services, partially or wholly over packet-based, IP-based networks. See also VoIP and Voice over broadband.

IPR
Intellectual property rights.
Copyrights, patents and trademarks giving creators the right to prevent others from using their inventions, designs or other creations. The ultimate aim is to act as an incentive to encourage the development of new technology and creations that will eventually be available to all. The main international agreements are the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (patents, industrial designs, etc.), the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (copyright), and the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

IPTV
Internet protocol television. A system where a digital television service is delivered by using Internet protocol over network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection.

IPv4
IP version 4.

IPv6
IP version 6.

IRU
Indefeasible right of use.
Business model allowing operators to purchase a defined amount capacity from the owners and operators of cable systems.

ISDB
Integrated services digital broadcasting.

ISDN
Integrated services digital network.
A digital switched network, supporting transmission of voice, data and images over conventional telephone lines.

ISM
Industrial, science and medical (spectrum band).

ISP
Internet service provider.
ISPs provide end users access to the Internet. Internet access providers (IAPs) may also provide access to other ISPs. ISPs may offer their own proprietary content and access to online services such as e-mail.

IT
Information technology.

ITU
International Telecommunication Union.
The United Nations specialized agency for telecommunications. See: www.itu.int.

IXP
Internet exchange point.
A central location where multiple Internet service providers can interconnect their networks and exchange IP traffic.