Telecommunication is the transmission of signals over a distance for the purpose of communication. Today this process almost always involves the sending of electromagnetic waves by electronic transmitters but in earlier years it may have involved the use of smoke signals, drums or semaphores. Today, telecommunication is widespread and devices that assist the process such as the television, radio and telephone are common in many parts of the world. There is also a vast array of networks that connect these devices, including computer networks, public telephone networks, radio networks and television networks. Computer communication across the Internet, such as e-mail and internet faxing, is just one of many examples of telecommunication.

Technical foundations

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Etymology

The word telecommunication was adapted from the French word télécommunication. It is a compound of the Greek prefix tele- (τηλε-), meaning 'far off', and communication, meaning 'exchange of information'.Telecommunication, tele- and communication, New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd edition), 2005.

More on [ Telecommunication ]

The Economist: Telecommunications

Down the line
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:58:26 -0000
International phone-call pricesTHE COST of a phone call abroad has dropped dramatically in the past three decades, thanks to market liberalisation and advances in technology. A one-minute fixed-line call from America has fallen by 98.4% in real terms since 1973. Customers in Japan still have reason to grumble. Although the exorbitant cost of an international call from the country has plummeted since the early 1970s, it is still around nine times pricier for a cross-border natter in Japan than in America. ...

BBC News | Business | World Edition

British Airways profits soar 45%
Fri, 16 May 2008 16:17:44 -0000
British Airways reports a sharp jump in annual profits to £883m but its boss says he will not accept a bonus.
Home construction picks up in US
Fri, 16 May 2008 13:49:43 -0000
Construction of new US homes increased in April, raising hopes that the housing market may be recovering.
Battle over new Bangalore airport
Fri, 16 May 2008 15:05:54 -0000
A row breaks out over Bangalore's new international airport, as it gets ready to open on 23 May.

NYT > World Business

High-Tech Japanese, Running Out of Engineers
Sat, 17 May 2008 03:41:54 -0000
Engineering skill made Japan an economic superpower, but its young people are now choosing other careers.
In Siberia, Shopping Malls Are Sprouting All Over
Sat, 17 May 2008 02:50:32 -0000
Siberia, where Russians waited in long lines to buy food with ration cards not long ago, is the improbable epicenter of a huge mall boom.
3 Nordic Banks Help Iceland Prop Up Currency
Sat, 17 May 2008 03:08:46 -0000
The central banks of Sweden, Denmark and Norway have lent Iceland emergency credit of up to $2.3 billion to shore up its swooning currency and forestall a broader economic collapse.

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A Closer Look At The iPhone: Apple Inc's Phil Schiller shows John Blackstone the many features of the iPhone. Apple's latest product will go on sale this June.