Practical Glossary for Telecommunications Distributors

Check the definitions of terms when preparing a proposal or reviewing a transaction. Specific terms and conditions should be verified against the relevant product details, catalog, and contract.

DAVATEL team · Updated on 26 September 2026

fibre optics: A connection that transmits information via light through fiber-optic cables. When presenting a fixed-access offer, check the coverage at the customer's address, the subscribed speed, the required equipment, and the installation terms.
Mobile line: A mobile phone service linked to a specific number. Usage (calls and data) is tracked on a per-line basis, unless the package includes a shared data/allowance pool.
number portability: Switching operators while keeping the same phone number. Before requesting this, verify the account ownership, line details, and any applicable terms and conditions.
New subscription: Signing up for a new service or phone number. This may involve different requirements, pricing, and commission structures compared to a number porting process; verify which option applies to the customer.
Landline (fixed-line phone): A telephone service linked to a fixed-access connection. Check whether the rate plan includes it, which types of calls are covered, and what costs apply to usage outside of the included allowance.
Television and streaming: A television service may include specific channels, while a streaming platform offers its own dedicated catalog of content. Check the service type, compatibility, price, and the duration of any promotions separately.
Router: Equipment that connects devices on a local network to other networks, such as the internet. Wi-Fi speed and coverage also depend on the equipment itself, its placement, and the devices being used.
Coverage: Availability of the service at a specific location. For fiber-optic service, the exact address must be verified; a general reference to a municipality does not confirm that installation is possible at a specific residence.
Installation: The work required to activate a connection. Review the appointment details, access to the premises, the necessary equipment, and any costs or commitments established by the service provider.
Minimum Contract Period (Commitment Term): An agreement to maintain a service for a specified duration, in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions. Review the duration and the consequences of canceling the service; do not confuse this with the timeframe for a potential commission refund.
Commission: Commercial compensation linked to a transaction that meets the applicable requirements. The recognition and payment of the commission depend on validation and settlement criteria.
Distributor: A professional or business that markets services and assists with the preparation and processing of applications. Their involvement does not necessarily mean they are the service provider delivering the connectivity.
Wholesaler: A commercial intermediary who may coordinate a network of distributors. Their specific functions, authorizations, and compensation depend on the partnership agreement and their assigned profile.
AI quote tool: A tool for defining needs, applying filters, and assembling service packages from the available catalog. Before finalizing a subscription, it is necessary to verify the terms, coverage, and eligibility.
Sign-up: The process of formalizing a service, which includes providing your details and documentation, and accepting the terms and conditions. Inquiring about a plan or submitting a request does not, in itself, constitute a formal contract.
Validation: Verification of the requirements for a transaction. This may relate to data, documentation, eligibility, activation, or commission; you should check which specific validation is missing.
Operator: The company identified as the provider of the telecommunications service for a given plan. This should be distinguished from the platform or distributor that acts as an intermediary in its sale.
Convergent bundle: An offer that combines multiple services, such as fiber-optic internet and mobile lines. To compare such an offer, add up the included and additional components, and review the terms and conditions for the entire package.
Unlimited data: The commercial name for a data service. Review the terms regarding speed, usage, and roaming; the term "unlimited" does not replace the need to read these specific conditions.
Second line and additional lines: Lines added to a plan based on its compatibility rules. These may have different pricing, data allowances, and call limits; they should not be confused with a MultiSIM service.
End customer: An individual or business that uses the contracted service. This is distinct from the distributor who prepares or processes the proposal, and the operator that provides the connectivity.
Self-employed: A self-employed professional. When processing an offer, check whether this profile is eligible, as well as the required documentation and commercial terms.
Company: Business customer profile. Eligibility and required documentation depend on the legal status of the account holder and the specific offer; not all consumer plans are available to businesses.
Partner store: A retail location that provides customer service and sells services under a partnership agreement. The scope of its representation must accurately reflect the nature of the existing partnership.
rate comparison: Comparison of proposals for the same set of needs: speed, number of lines, data per line, calls, television services, and total cost. This includes the standard rate (post-promotion) and any contractual requirements.
Monthly price: The recurring amount specified for a service or package. Review taxes, the duration of any promotional periods, and all billable components to determine the total amount to be charged for each billing cycle.
Recurring fee and retail price (PVP): The recurring fee is the periodic charge for the service; the PVP (retail price) represents the price charged to the end user. This does not refer to the distributor's commission. For a package, the base service and any additional paid components must be added together.
Follow-up: Monitoring the progress of an application and identifying any remaining steps. Use the information in the file to distinguish between missing documentation, validation issues, installation problems, or other incidents.
Pending status: Indicates that a process still requires an additional step or verification. Check the operation details; this does not, by itself, confirm coverage or a recognized commission.
Completed status: Indicates that a process has been closed within the relevant workflow. This should not automatically be interpreted as a commission having been earned; verify activation, validation, and settlement separately.
Shared allowance: Data volume shared across multiple lines. A 50 GB shared allowance does not mean that each line has an independent 50 GB limit.
MultiSIM: A service that allows a single line to be used via additional SIM cards or devices, depending on the operator. This is not the same as contracting an entirely separate line.
Primary or base plan: The core product upon which a bundle is built. Additional lines and other add-ons must comply with its compatibility rules.
Promotion: A temporary pricing or service condition. It specifies the duration and the fee or service terms that will apply once it ends.
Activation: The process of putting a service into operation. A submitted request may still be pending documentation, installation, or validation.
Donor operator: The company from which a phone number is being ported. Requirements related to this origin may limit eligibility; this does not necessarily identify the operator of the new plan.
Mbps and GB: Mbps measures speed; GB measures data volume. A speed of 1 Gbps is equivalent to 1000 Mbps. Compare the GB allowance per line, unless a shared data pool is specified.

Applying these concepts