DEFINITIONS Advanced communications networks. Networks that have migrated from traditional circuit switched systems to packet switched networks. These include IP networks, ATM Networks and Next Generation Networks for example. Advanced communications services. Services delivered over advanced communications networks, such as the Internet and related services. Asynchronous Transfer Mode Network. A network that uses the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol. The ATM protocol outlines a way to transfer data in packets, or cells. This protocol is very efficient, as it allows different types of information such as voice, data, and video to be transmitted in the same cell. This makes use of every byte of space available on the network at all times and has a higher bandwidth than other types of networks. Broadband. High-speed data transfer connections based on optical infrastructure. T1 (1.5 Mbps) has been widely used as the threshold; however, some countries such as South Korea use T3 (45 Mbps) as the speed threshold for broadband. Broadband technology is based on optical infrastructure. Broadcasting. Broadcasting is a process that sends voice, data, or video signals simultaneously to a group in a specific geographic area or to those connected to a broadcast network system such as a satellite or cable television system. Broadcasting is typically associated with radio, television radio transmission systems and the Internet. Circuit Switched Network. A type of network in which a physical path is obtained for and dedicated to a single connection between two end points in the network for the duration of the connection. ICT Policy for Lesotho 3