Developments in information technology and telecommunications are giving a new meaning to the concepts of space and time. In particular, the concepts of 'local' and 'global' are starting to merge together even though they apparently represent entirely different scales. One example is 'telework', also known as 'telecommuting'. Another is the rapid growth of outsourcing. These developments are based on new technologies such as multimedia, rapid improvements in storage technologies and the information superhighway, including the Internet. The structure of the world's telecommunications industry is changing and in addition, political and social autonomy is breaking down. The role of the nation state is challenged, as are the old avenues and levers of political power. Nation States have attempted to grab functional control over the emerging infrastructure, but they are ultimately unable to exert control over the flood of information surging around the world. There still remains a strong middle ground between local and global, dominated by multinational corporations and national governments.

Monograph on future trends and developments in telecommunications - describes the various applications of telecommunications (incl. Pushbutton and video telephones, cable television, data radio and mobile radio transceivers, computerised banking, information retrieval and postal services, etc.), and discusses the impact of computerised networks, microcomputers, telecommunications in business, etc., and the technology (incl. Communications satellites, packet switching, digital channels, tdma, etc.). Diagrams, glossary, references and illustrations.

Shaping American Telecommunications examines the technical, regulatory, and economic forces that have shaped the development of American telecommunications services. This volume is both an introduction to the basic technical, economic, and regulatory principles underlying telecommunications, and a detailed account of major events that have marked development of the sector in the United States. Beginning with the introduction of the telegraph and continuing through to current developments in wireless and online services, authors Christopher H. Sterling, Phyllis W. Bernt, and Martin B.H. Weiss explain each stage of telecommunications development, examining the interplay among technical innovation, policy decisions, and regulatory developments. Offering an integrated treatment of the interplay among technology, policy, and economics as key factors defining the development of the telecommunications sector in the United States, this volume also provides: *background material to facilitate understanding of each sector; *contexts for many so-called "new" issues, problems, and trends, demonstrating origins from years or decades in the past; and *careful annotation, documentation, and reference tables to enable further research on the topics discussed. This unique multidisciplinary approach provides a balanced view of U.S. telecommunications history, in context with relevant economic, legal, social, and technical analyses. As such, it is essential reading for advanced students in telecommunications needing to understand how the telecommunications industry and service developed to its current form. The volume will also serve as a supplemental text in courses on telecommunications regulation, and it will be of value to professionals in the field seeking context and background for their daily work.

"This book explores some of the developing trends and issues in telecommunications and networking"--Provided by publisher.

The modern telecommunications infrastructureâ€"made possible by research performed over the last several decadesâ€"is an essential element of the U.S. economy. The U.S. position as a leader in telecommunications technology, however, is at risk because of the recent decline in domestic support of long-term, fundamental telecommunications research. To help understand this challenge, the National Science Foundation asked the NRC to assess the state of telecommunications research in the United States and recommend ways to halt the research decline. This report provides an examination of telecommunications research support levels, focus, and time horizon in industry, an assessment of university telecommunications research, and the implications of these findings on the health of the sector. Finally, it presents recommendations for enhancing U.S. telecommunications' research efforts.