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Subscriber

In a public switched telecommunications network, the ultimate user, i.e., customer, of a communications service. Note 1: Subscribers include individuals, activities, organizations, etc. Note 2: Subscribers use end instruments, such as telephones, modems, facsimile machines, computers, and remote terminals, that are connected to a central office. Note 3: Subscribers are usually subject to tariff. Note 4: Subscribers do not include communications systems operating personnel except for their personal terminals.
-- (As defined in U.S. Federal Standard-1037-C)

A subscriber is anyone who purchases telephone services or access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and pays a monthly fee for this access. A subscriber uses a terminating device of some type to communicate with the telephone network. This 'terminating device' can be a telephone, a computer modem or a CSU/DSU.

Subscriber Line

The subscriber's phone line is referred to as a subscriber line. A subscriber line is not always a voice circuit.