Mobility lexicon

3G

Third-generation mobile network deployed in the 2000s. This network technology was faster than its second-generation counterpart and made it possible to send data and pictures via a mobile device. The 3G network is being gradually phased out worldwide.

4G

Fourth-generation mobile network, faster than 3G, deployed around 2010.

5G

Fifth-generation mobile network launched around 2020. Much faster network technology than previous generations, making it possible to connect more devices simultaneously. Learn more about 5G.

5G+

Evolution of the 5G network, providing access—under favourable conditions—to faster data transmission speeds. Only some recent cell phone models have access to 5G+, in areas where 5G is already available.

Android

Operating system used by various manufacturers for their mobile devices, including Samsung and Google.

Call Screening

A way to block unwanted calls so you don’t receive them anymore. Learn more about call screening.

Counter Services

Service offered to help with setting up and configuring a mobile device. Counter Services are payable and only available in-store. Learn more about Counter Services.

Daily Traveller Pass

Option that gives you a flat daily rate to use your mobile plan services (calls, text messages, and data) outside the country. Learn more about the Daily Traveller Pass.

Data Add-on

An amount of data that can be added to the data capacity provided for by a Mobile plan. Learn more about Data Add-ons.

eSIM

Tiny chip embedded into a mobile device, performing the same functions as a standard SIM card. It’s also called an “embedded SIM,” and can be embedded in different types of devices, including watches, tablets, and connected computers

Extended network

Refers to partner networks in the Partner 2 group. Areas covered by the extended network are shown in green on the mobile coverage map. When a device is outside Videotron and its main partners’ networks, it connects to an extended coverage partner network. Certain usage limits apply.

Family Discount

Monthly discount you get when you bundle mobile packages into one account. Learn more about the Family Discount.

Gigabyte (GB)

Digital unit of measure. Used for quantifying the transfer of mobile data. A gigabyte is about a billion bytes, or 1,024 megabytes.

HSPA+

The mobile technology standard prior to the advent of LTE.

IMEI

Stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity.” A unique number used by mobile service providers to identify mobile devices and connect them to a network. To view a device’s IMEI, enter *#06 #.

Incoming call

A call you receive.

iOS

Operating system used by Apple mobile devices like iPads and iPhones.

Live Voicemail

An Apple feature available on compatible iPhone, showing users a real-time transcription of voicemail messages as people leave them. Learn more about Live Voicemail.

LTE

A mobile network technology deployed around 2010. LTE stands for “Long-Term Evolution.” It supports high-speed data transmission. Learn more about the LTE network.

Megabyte (MB)

A unit for measuring digital information. It quantifies the amount of mobile data being transferred. One Gygabite (GB) equals 1,024 MB.

MMS

Stands for “Multimedia Messaging Service.” You can use it to send text, images, photos, gifs, audio, and videos by text message.

Mobile data

The information exchanged between a mobile phone and the Internet over a cellular network. Mobile data lets you use the Internet on a device when it’s not connected to a Wi-Fi network. Data is measured in megabytes and gigabytes. Your usage is deducted from the amount of data included in your Mobile plan as it is used. Learn more about mobile data usage.

Multiproduct discount

Monthly discount you get when you bundle an Internet package and one or more Mobile plans into a single account. Learn more about the multiproduct discount.

NFC

Stands for “Near Field Communication.” It lets electronic devices exchange information without contact. It’s used for contactless payment using your cell phone, for example. Learn more about paying with your mobile device.

Outgoing call

A call you make.

Overage

Using more data than what the mobile plan covers. Also known as “overconsumption.”

Partner Network

This refers to a network that a mobile device uses when in an area not covered by the Videotron network. Areas covered by partner networks are shown in orange on the mobile coverage map. When a phone is connected to a partner network, PRTNR, PRTNR1, or PRTNR2 will appear in the device status bar. Learn more about accessing partner networks.

Phishing

A kind of email, phone, or text message fraud used to get money or personal information. Learn more about phishing.

Porting

Moving your cell phone line from one service provider to another. Porting lets a subscriber keep the same phone number, even if they change providers or move to a new area.

Fraudsters sometimes try to use porting to steal phone numbers. Learn more about fraudulent porting.

Premium messaging

A subscription text messaging service for things like receiving alerts and notifications, entering contests, and finding specific information. Learn more about Premium messaging.

RCS

Stands for “Rich Communication Services.” It’s an advanced text messaging service available on compatible Android and iPhone devices. It can show you things like whether an SMS has been read by the recipient. Learn more about how RCS messaging works.

Refurbished cell phone

A used mobile device that’s been restored to near-new condition—inspected, reset, cleaned, and tested. Learn more about refurbished phones.

Roaming

Using mobile services on a network other than the network of the carrier you’re subscribed to. Roaming therefore typically occurs when you’re away travelling. Devices are considered to be roaming when they connect to a partner network.

SIM card

A small chip card that you insert into a mobile device. It is used to identify a subscriber and connects the device to the wireless network of the carrier that issued the card.

SMS

Stands for “Short Text Message.” An SMS is a text message—a short message made up of letters and numbers sent from one mobile device to another.

STIR/SHAKEN

A set of procedures telecommunications service providers use to confirm the identity of callers and discourage unwanted calls. Learn more about STIR/SHAKEN protocols.

Take-back Credit

Reduced monthly payments toward the purchase of a new mobile device when you agree to return it to the store, in good condition, after 24 months. Learn more about the Take-back Credit.

Trade-in Credit

Credit towards the purchase of a new mobile device when trading in your old device. Learn more about the Trade-in Credit.

User Centre +

An app for managing Videotron Mobile services. You can use it for things like viewing your invoice, tracking your data usage, or getting a Data Add-on. You can download the User Centre + app on Google Play or the App Store.

Videotron Simplified Payment Option

Option that allows you pay the purchase price of a mobile device in 24 equal, interest-free payments when you subscribe to an eligible mobile plan. Learn more about the Videotron Simplified Payment Option.

Visual Voicemail for iPhone

A mobile option that lets you review your voicemails as a list and listen to or delete any of them from there. Learn more about iPhone Visual Voicemail.

VoLTE

Stands for “Voice over LTE.” VoLTE technology supports calls and text messages over the LTE network, which is essentially a network for mobile data. Learn more about VoLTE.

Wi-Fi Calling

Service in which calls and text messages are sent over a Wi-Fi network instead of a mobile network. Learn more about Wi-Fi Calling.