Glossary

Multi-Tap (Three-Tap) Text Entry

Multi-tap refers to a text entry system for mobile phones. The alphabet is printed under each key (beginning on "2") in a three-letter sequence as follows; ABC under 2 key, DEF under 3 key, etc. Notable exceptions are the "7" key, which adds a letter ("PQRS"), and the "9" key which includes "Z." Punctuation is typically accessed via the "1" key and various functions mapped to the "*" key and "#" key.

Predictive Text

An input technology most commonly used on mobile phones, and for accessibility. The technology allows words to be entered by a single key press for each letter, as opposed to the multiple keypress approach used in the older generation of mobile phones. The intent is to simplify the writing of text messages, e-mail, entries into an address book or calendar, and the like.

Short-Code

A common short code (CSC) is a short telephone number, usually consisting of five digits, that is used to address SMS and MMS messages from a cellular telephone. Common short codes may also be called mobile short codes or short numbers. Each common short code is designed to be unique to each operator.

Text Message

A Text Message or SMS (Short Message Service) is a textual message sent on a mobile phone limited to 160-characters in length.