The telecommunications industry has completely reconfigured itself over the past decade. Most people do not understand that telecommunications affects everything you do from living, working, playing, socializing, entertaining, studying, teaching, and resting. The list could go on and on. Not only has this global industry shaped business and economics, but it plays a critical role in society. Pearson reports that with the shift towards computer and media-based environments, societal focus has now shifted towards creating, sharing, and distributing information instantly with no regard to distance restrictions. Let’s examine three main ways telecommunications has improved society.
Reduction in the Importance of Distance
Due to the great advancements in telecommunications, many industries have changed their geographic distribution. ResearcherGate reports that companies are realizing that many projects can be sent overseas, or outsource manufacturing while still keeping in close contact with distribution teams. Businesses frequently rely on information technologies such as telephones and internet services to help control their operations. Additionally, they can expand to various regions while still having main headquarters in a specific area. Even payments for goods and services are as easy as processing through a secure website or through a device attached to your phone. The telecommunications industry made this all possible.
Complementing Classroom Instruction
Students in today’s society have grown up with technology unlike anything seen before. They can access information with the click of a button and search for sources to help them with their studies. This has now been translated to the classroom where homework can be assigned and become available through the internet, and emails can be easily sent between students, parents, and teachers for ease of communication. At the college level, distance learning make it possible to complete classes when you are unable to physically be on campus. Students can now interact and collaborate in real-time. Telecommunications is driving the shift in education and training programs.
Easier Communication at Home and at Work
Telecommunication advances make it possible for individuals to communicate with each other in ways that are similar to traditional face-to-face modalities. This is true not only at work, but at home as well and serves as a great way to keep in contact with those who you would otherwise have difficulties connecting to. This type of communication infrastructure enables the enhancement of peer-to-peer relations with easy access to share information and coordinate activities. The important of distance will become obsolete through communication technology. In the workforce, most work can be completed at home versus a workplace, making it a perfect option for those that have a family or other concerns to tend to within a private setting.
Overall, the enhanced telecommunications technology has a huge impact on modern society economically, educationally, and socially. The industry is finding more ways to deliver services that are faster, user-friendly, and economically sound. With the vast amount of hardware, software, and services that telecommunications encompasses, this mammoth industry is on the rise. Entailing any communication over a distance, this industry has many more benefits to society than the three mentioned above!