The dictionary definition of telecommunications is ‘communication over long
distance by cable, telegraph, telephone or broadcasting’, but since its initiation over
100yearsagothingshavemovedrapidly.Telecommunicationsisnowaverycomplex
industrywithmanydifferentpressures,operatinginahighlydynamic environment.It
is best viewed as part of a wider industry known as information and communication
technology (ICT). The purpose of this chapter is to explain where telecommunication
fits in, to highlight some of the complexities – hopefully to simplify them – and to
position the industry in today’s dynamic business environment.
