Frequently asked questions

Q. What is broadband?

Broadband generally refers to telecommunications in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information.

Information can be multiplexed (sub-divided) and sent on a number of different frequencies or channels within the same band at the same time.

This allows for the transmission of more information at any one time; a bit like the way many lanes on a highway allow traffic to move faster and more freely.

Wideband, baseband (a one-channel band) and narrowband are related terms you may also come across.

Narrowband sometimes means that the band is wide enough to carry voice only, or simply that it isn't broadband. It can also mean specifically between 50 cps (characters per second) and 64 kbps (kilobits per second).

There are various definitions of the minimum data rates for broadband, including:

• Newton's Telecom Dictionary: '... greater than a voice grade line of 3 KHz (kilohertz) ... some say it should be at least 20 KHz'
• Jupiter Communications: at least 256 kbps
• IBM Dictionary of Computing: A broadband channel is 6 MHz (megahertz) wide

The general consensus is that digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable TV are broadband services in the downstream (incoming data) direction.

Q. How does wireless work?

Calls from wireless phones and wireless network Internet connections send messages by low-energy radio signals to the nearest antenna site, which then connects with a phone or data network.

Calls and Internet queries are delivered by phone lines or wireless transmission to the office, home or website that has been 'dialled', or by radio signals to another wireless phone.

Wireless technology uses individual radio frequencies over and over by dividing a service area into separate geographic zones called cells.

Cells can be as small as an individual building (an airport or sports stadium) or as large as over 30 kilometres across-or any size in between.

Each cell has its own radio transmitter/receiver antenna.

Q. What does Kordia™ do to minimise the environmental impact of its facilities?

Kordia™ follows a core set of sound environmental practices.

We work with all aspects of the Resource Management Act, health and safety legislation as well as maintaining an open dialogue with land and building owners, and local and central government.

Each site is carefully evaluated to minimise any environmental impact our activities may have before we begin work and on an ongoing basis.

How does Kordia™ support telecommunications retail service providers?

Kordia™ is a member of the Telecommunication Dispute Resolution Service. As a member of the TDRS and a wholesaler of telecommunications services, supports retail service providers in the resolution of disputes with customers.
> Telecommunication Dispute Resolution website