What is "bearer service"? Why is this term used (or chosen)?

[chingkui]

I have been reading a lot in telecommunication, I find it very difficult to understand some of the terms. One of them is "bearer service", what is it exactly? Is there a (meaningful, understandable) definition of it? Why do people choose the word "bearer" to describe this "service"?
Thanks.

 

[Bung]

A "bearer" service is just a service that "bears", or carries, the service. The word is only used (I think) because a "carrier" has a more specific meaning in radio and there could be some confusion if the 'carrier service' was used.


Bung
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