There are many telecommunications dictionaries for beginners or for anyone new wanting to learn more about the field. And, since the field has boundless opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs who need to learn telecom terminology, telecommunications dictionaries will prove to be practical and to be a foundation for a new career.

A glossary of telecom terms is a great starting point. It can take the form of an online telecommunications dictionary or a bound paper telecommunications dictionary. Either way, it is an essential step towards learning telecommunications terminology and enjoying success in the growing field of telecommunications.

1. Recognize the need for a glossary of telecommunications terms.

2. Find a telecom dictionary that works for you.

3. Grow your business, start a business, or find a job in the growing field of telecommunications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a telecom glossary reference volume that applies to your goals

A good place to start is with the book of telecommunications terms. Another approach would be to look for a telecommunication online dictionary. Those are updated more easily but in some circumstances are less convenient to consult.

I recommend: Each individual should consider if a published book or an online version would work best for their style of business. A great book is the Federal Glossary of Telecom Terms. Online versions, such as the one from Javvin Technologies, have the advantage of easier updating and are generally available at no cost.

Explore what private and public companies offer in a telecom glossary

Use a company's online dictionary to determine the terms that for-profit enterprises use most. Compare and contrast a variety of online offerings and bookmark the one or two that best meet your needs depending on which segment of the industry interests you most.

I recommend: Verizon offers a glossary of terms that is geared to everyone from beginner to expert. Verizon is motivated to keep its glossary updated so its customers and stakeholders always have up-to-date information. Another company, Intec Telecom Systems, has a similar dictionary online. This one caters more to individuals specializing in long distance services, and has the advantage of being specific to that industry.

Purchase hard copies of telecommunications glossaries

Entrepreneurs have developed useful guides. General job sites cover many companies, while individual businesses have job sites specific to their company. It might also be useful to become facile with Internet and online terms as there is tremendous crossover between the online and telecommunications worlds.

I recommend: One good approach would be the Harry Newton Telecom Dictionary. Newton is an accomplished writer with a daily column on finding the perfect investment. Find reviews of his book at TelecommunicationsDictionary.net. Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary is presented in commonsense, plain-English style perfect for any beginner. Read reviews of Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary at Wiley, along with other similar titles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The more telecom dictionaries and glossaries you review, the more likely you are to find the perfect fit for your needs.

The Internet is a great place to find dictionaries of telecom terms. An online glossary of telecom terms and online telecommunications dictionary should be easy to understand and should include reference links to other helpful and related terms.

Each telecom glossary will apply to the field of telecommunications in general, although some may include terms for specific telecommunications fields such as international, mobile, video and networking. When looking for telecommunications-related definitions keep a few things in mind.

1. Know where to look to find a telecommunications dictionary with several definitions spanning the growing field of telecommunications.

2. Understand the difference between telecommunications glossaries and telecom dictionaries as you search for telecom terminology.

3. Know where to find a dictionary of telecom terms for specialized fields.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate a telecommunication online dictionary for general use

Whether you are new to the field of telecommunications, or a long-term professional, quickly find the definition of telecom terms when you need to in order to keep doing your job without interruption.

I recommend: TeleCom Dictionary is a comprehensive searchable database of thousands of telecom terms, acronyms and definitions. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has an online reference resource for telecommunications terminology searchable by keyword. Intec offers an online telecommunication dictionary searchable by first letter of the telecom term.

Pick telecommunications glossaries that have a special focus

Finding a glossary of telecommunications terms with a particular focus can be beneficial if your business needs are narrowed to on particular telecommunications area of interest.

I recommend: Acleris offers a glossary of telecommunications terminology searchable by first letter of particular term. The Glossarist has a glossary of telecommunications terms which allows a search by keyword or term, and also offers links to other resources for telecom-related terms. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a glossary of telecom terms for consumers.

Select an online telecoms dictionary that covers the spectrum of telecommunications terminology

Your business needs may require access to the large spectrum of definitions of telecommunications terms. If you're curious about new telecom terminology or need a vocabulary refresher as you prepare for a professional exam, finding online telecommunication glossaries or dictionaries of terms will allow you to have data at your fingertips.

I recommend: Dynamic Webs offers a comprehensive list of telecommunications definitions. The Federal Standard 1037C Glossary of Telecommunications Terms allows searches by keyword, acronym, or by alphabetical listing. The American National Standard has an alphabetical listing of terms in its telecom glossary.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use online Healthcare Dictionaries to build your own professional telecom glossary for business use. Keep your listing of telecom terminology handy to share with customers, as a tool for training new employees, or as a quick-reference form for official definitions you'll need for business documentation.